Royal Mail issues warning to anyone sending post this Christmas

Christmas is the busiest time for sending cards and parcels to loved ones across the UK, but Royal Mail has a warning. Many use their service to spread Christmas magic to those they don’t live near.

While some get ahead with their Christmas shopping and get their parcels sent out early, others leave it much later. However, anyone who is planning on using Royal Mail’s service to send their Christmas cards and presents have been warned over the last posting dates. The postal service has shared the exact dates when you should post your items by in order for them to be received by Christmas Day.

For post being sent within the UK, Wednesday, December 17 is the final date to send Second Class and Second Class Signed For items.Just two days later, on Friday, December 19, is the last date to post Royal Mail Tracked 48. This is also the last posting date for Royal Mail Tracked Returns 48 to arrive back to the sender before Christmas.First Class and First Class Signed For items need to be sent by Saturday, December 20. If using Royal Mail Tracked 24, these need to be sent by Sunday, December 21.Tuesday, December 23, is the final date to use Special Delivery Guaranteed.

Royal Mail added: “Last posting dates are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. It’s always advisable to post as early as possible to ensure that your Christmas letters and parcels reach their destination in good time.”

They have also shared a warning to those planning on sending international post. Royal Mail said: “As we approach the busiest time of year, international delivery services experience much higher volumes of parcels and letters.

“To help ensure your items arrive in time for Christmas, we strongly recommend posting as early as possible.”

Parcelforce has revealed its final posting dates to ensure items arrive by Christmas Day. For their express48 service, you need to post by Friday, December 19.

Monday, December 22, is the deadline for express10, expressPM and express24. The Post Office are expecting the busiest day at its branches to be on December 8.

Brits plan on sending more gifts this Christmas compared to last year – up from 20% to 33%, according to a survey for the Post Office. The poll found that 34% of Britons consider sending Christmas parcels and cards to be an important festive tradition.

Yet, just 33% plan to post their gifts and cards by early to mid-December, while 8% admit to sending everything in the run-up week to Christmas.

Post Office branches can be used to collect or drop off prepaid parcels, not only with Royal Mail and Parcelforce, but Amazon, DPD, DHL and Evri in selected branches as well.