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WITH Christmas fast approaching many will be thinking about getting their cards and presents to loved ones ahead of the big day.
To help with preparations Royal Mail has revealed its last recommended posting dates to ensure cards, letters and parcels arrive in time.
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Postal service officials have said that if mail is posted by these dates in December it should arrive before Father Christmas.
However, the earlier you post items the less likely it is that unforeseen delays could cause them to be delivered after Christmas.
Do bear in mind that if you need to send items overseas, it will take longer for them to be delivered.
Here are the dates you need to know – from earliest to latest.
- Last posting date for 2nd Class mail is Wednesday December 18
- Last posting date for 1st Class mail is Friday December 20
- Last posting date for Royal Mail Tracked 24 is Saturday December 21
- Last posting date for Special Delivery Guaranteed is Monday December 23
Royal Mail has said it will be adding extra deliveries to meet the increased festive demand this winter.
Nick Landon, chief commercial officer at Royal Mail, said: “Every year we pull out all the stops to deliver Christmas for our customers.
“We will have an additional 16,000 seasonal workers and almost 4,000 new vans, trucks and trailers added to the fleet in time for Christmas.
“It’s our busiest time of year and we plan all year round to help ensure we deliver the best possible service for UK consumers and businesses.”
To help ensure smooth delivery Royal Mail reminded people to ensure their cards, letters and packages include the full address of the recipient including the full postcode.
People were also reminded to pay the correct amount of postage to avoid unnecessary delays or extra charges.
Royal Mail also told its customers to be aware of scams and counterfeit stamps.
It said fraudsters may be looking for opportunities to steal money and valuable information from people expecting a delivery.
The postal service has even launched a stamp scanner to allow people to check if their stamps are genuine or counterfeit, which can be accessed through the free Royal Mail app.
The UK’s largest parcel delivery firm has also confirmed final send dates to ensure Christmas presents get delivered on time.
Evri is also encouraging customers to send their parcels as early as possible, but it said Thursday December 19 will be the last chance for courier collections.
The deadline for sending standard delivery parcels from ParcelShops will be on Friday, December 20, by 11am.
Next year could see big changes for Royal Mail deliveries, with the postal service set to make a major change to second class deliveries as part of a new shake-up.
Under an overhaul being considered by the industry watchdog, the postal service could be allowed to ditch Saturday deliveries for second class letters.
Regulator Ofcom, which has been consulting on the future of the universal postal service since January, said it is now focusing efforts on changes to the second class service while keeping first class deliveries six days a week.
Under the plans being considered, second class deliveries would not be made on Saturdays and would only be on alternate weekdays, but delivery times would remain unchanged at up to three working days.
Ofcom continues to review the changes, with aims to publish a consultation in early 2025 and make a decision in the summer of next year.
How to save money on Christmas shopping
Consumer reporter Sam Walker reveals how you can save money on your Christmas shopping.
Limit the amount of presents – buying presents for all your family and friends can cost a bomb.
Instead, why not organise a Secret Santa between your inner circles so you’re not having to buy multiple presents.
Plan ahead – if you’ve got the stamina and budget, it’s worth buying your Christmas presents for the following year in the January sales.
Make sure you shop around for the best deals by using price comparison sites so you’re not forking out more than you should though.
Buy in Boxing Day sales – some retailers start their main Christmas sales early so you can actually snap up a bargain before December 25.
Delivery may cost you a bit more, but it can be worth it if the savings are decent.
Shop via outlet stores – you can save loads of money shopping via outlet stores like Amazon Warehouse or Office Offcuts.
They work by selling returned or slightly damaged products at a discounted rate, but usually any wear and tear is minor.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
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