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New research reveals 67 per cent of Brits have received festive cards and presents in the post after Christmas Day.
To ensure the nation’s presents make it on time for the big day, Post Office has released this year’s last posting dates, including for Royal Mail, Parcelforce, DPD and Evri.
These are the latest recommended posting dates for mail to arrive in Christmas
Royal Mail Christmas deadlines
- Last Royal Mail 2nd Class: Wednesday, December 17
- Last Royal Mail Tracked 48 date: Friday, December 19
- Last Royal Mail 1st Class date: Saturday, December 20
- Last Royal Mail Tracked 24 date: Monday, December 22
- Royal Mail’s Special Delivery Guaranteed: Tuesday, December 23
Evri, Parcelforce and DPD deadlines
- Last Parcelforce express48 date: Friday, December 19
- Last Evri Standard date: Friday, December 19
- Last DPD 2Day date: Saturday, December 20
- Last Parcelforce express24 date: Monday, December 22
- Last Evri Next Day date: Monday, December 22
- Last DPD Next Day date: Monday, December 22 (some postcode exceptions)
- DPD Gold: Tuesday, December 23
How to make sure your post arrives safely
You’ll want your Christmas gifts and cards to arrive safely so make sure you write the full address clearly on the item of mail and always include the full postcode.
It’s also important that the correct amount of postage has been applied to avoid any delays or extra charges for the recipient.
Postmaster, Arif Matadar said: “Just like you, Postmasters across the country are getting ready to help deliver your gifts and cards safely and on time for Christmas.
“When you’re posting a parcel, we’ll always ask what’s inside as we need to find out if it’s safe to post and make sure your item can be sent to its destination.
“We’ll also check the value, how quickly you want it delivered and what tracking you want which helps us recommend the best delivery option.
“It’s also important to package your parcel securely so it’s protected on its journey, and to write addresses as clearly as possible to help it get to where it needs to go and a return address just in case there are any problems.
“With delivery carriers especially busy at this time of year, these small steps make a big difference to ensure your gifts arrive safely and spreading a little extra Christmas cheer along the way.”
How to avoid scams
Royal Mail warns Brits to beware of scams and counterfeit stamps
If you need tips on how to determine if an email, text message or phone call is from Royal Mail and how to report anything suspicious, you can visit the website.
The company is reminding the public to remain extra vigilant during the festive season because often at this time of year, it sees an increase in online scam attempts as fraudsters look for opportunities to steal money and valuable information from people expecting a delivery.
Royal Mail has launched a stamp scanner to provide extra reassurance to customers who may be unsure about whether a stamp is counterfeit or not.
Customers who download the app can use it to check whether it is a known counterfeit, preventing them from inadvertently becoming victims of fraud.
