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Most USPS mail services operate on business days only. Services like USPS Ground Advantage, First-Class Mail, and Media Mail typically deliver within 1-5 or 2-8 business days, excluding Sundays and holidays.
However, USPS does offer one service with Sunday delivery: Priority Mail Express. This premium option provides next-day to 2-day delivery to most U.S. addresses and PO Boxes, available 7 days a week, 365 days a year, with limited exceptions. Delivery is guaranteed by 6 PM.
USPS also offers Informed Delivery for previewing incoming mail and tracking packages, and redelivery options for missed deliveries.
Which Mail Classes Deliver on Sundays?
Sunday delivery is available for specific mail classes:
Priority Mail Express
This premium service guarantees Sunday delivery but typically includes an additional fee for Sunday/Holiday Delivery. Delivery usually arrives by 10:30 AM but no later than 6 PM. If delivery deadlines are missed, customers may receive a full postage refund.
Amazon Packages
Since 2013, USPS has partnered with Amazon to deliver their packages on Sundays in many areas. This service generally doesn’t involve extra fees beyond standard shipping charges. Delivery times can extend later into the evening compared to Priority Mail Express.
Priority Mail
Standard Priority Mail might be delivered on Sundays in metropolitan or high-volume areas, but this isn’t guaranteed. Customers shouldn’t expect Sunday delivery for Priority Mail unless specifically notified.
First-Class Mail, USPS Ground Advantage, Media Mail, and other routine postal services aren’t delivered on Sundays.
| Mail Class | Sunday Delivery | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Priority Mail Express | Yes | Guaranteed, may have extra fee |
| Amazon Packages | Yes | Through partnership, generally no extra fee |
| Priority Mail | Yes (some areas) | Not guaranteed, primarily in metro/high-volume areas |
| First-Class Mail | No | |
| USPS Ground Advantage | No | |
| Media Mail | No |
The Amazon Partnership
The 2013 partnership between USPS and Amazon significantly changed Sunday delivery availability. Initially launched in major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles and New York, this collaboration allowed Amazon to offer weekend delivery options to customers.
USPS allocated resources and infrastructure, including the Dynamic Routing Tool (DRT), to handle Amazon package volumes on Sundays. The service has expanded primarily in densely populated urban centers and regions with high Amazon demand.
Customers receiving Amazon packages on Sundays don’t pay additional delivery charges beyond standard shipping rates—a notable benefit for Amazon Prime members.
This partnership represents USPS adapting to the evolving retail environment and tapping into the e-commerce market while competing with private delivery companies.
History of USPS Sunday Delivery
USPS hasn’t always delivered mail on Sundays. Widespread Sunday delivery ended in 1912, partly due to pressure from religious groups advocating for Sunday as a day of rest. Before that, mail was delivered seven days a week.
Exceptions for premium services have existed throughout history. Special Delivery, available from 1885 to 1997, often included Sunday delivery. Express Mail, introduced in some cities in 1973, also featured Sunday delivery options.
In 2008, USPS established a premium fee for guaranteed Sunday/Holiday Delivery for Express Mail.
More recently, the 2013 Amazon partnership reintroduced widespread Sunday package delivery. In some urban areas, Sunday delivery now includes standard Priority Mail, though this isn’t universally guaranteed.
Location Factors Affecting Sunday Delivery
USPS Sunday delivery availability varies across the United States based on several factors, primarily geographic location. Sunday delivery is more common in urban and densely populated metropolitan areas due to higher package volumes, especially from Amazon.
Rural and less populated regions may receive infrequent or no Sunday delivery for standard Priority Mail.
Priority Mail Express typically offers Sunday delivery in more locations, though extremely remote areas may have exceptions.
The type of mail service selected remains the primary factor determining Sunday delivery eligibility.
Recent Developments in USPS Sunday Delivery
In the mid-2010s, USPS expanded Sunday delivery operations to handle increasing package volumes, especially during holiday seasons.
Reports from the USPS Office of Inspector General have examined operational aspects and challenges of Sunday parcel delivery, particularly regarding the Amazon partnership. These reports highlight improvement areas in efficiency, including scanning, sorting, and route optimization.
Some analyses question the profitability of Sunday parcel delivery for USPS when considering staffing and logistics costs.
Looking ahead, USPS may further expand Sunday delivery services to meet growing consumer demand and e-commerce growth.
Common Questions About USPS Sunday Delivery
Does USPS deliver all mail types on Sunday?
No, Sunday delivery is primarily for Priority Mail Express and Amazon packages. Standard mail like First-Class Mail, USPS Ground Advantage, and Media Mail aren’t delivered on Sundays.
Is there an extra charge for Sunday delivery?
Yes, Priority Mail Express typically charges an additional fee for Sunday/Holiday Delivery. Amazon package Sunday delivery generally doesn’t have an extra fee.
Are post offices open on Sundays?
Most USPS post offices are closed on Sundays. Some may have limited hours during peak holiday seasons for package pickup.
What are Sunday delivery hours?
Priority Mail Express delivers typically by 10:30 AM or no later than 6 PM. Amazon package delivery can occur throughout the day, potentially until 8 PM or later in some areas.
How can I track Sunday deliveries?
Use the standard USPS tracking system on the USPS website or app with your tracking number.
Can I request a specific Sunday delivery time?
USPS generally doesn’t offer scheduled delivery times on Sundays. Priority Mail Express has a guaranteed delivery window.
Does USPS pick up mail on Sundays?
Scheduled package pickups are generally available Monday through Saturday. Check specific terms for Priority Mail Express Sunday pickup in your area.
Is Sunday delivery guaranteed?
Sunday delivery is guaranteed for Priority Mail Express (with potential exceptions). For Amazon packages and standard Priority Mail, Sunday delivery isn’t explicitly guaranteed but is common in eligible areas.
Conclusion
USPS does deliver on Sundays, but primarily for Priority Mail Express and Amazon packages. Priority Mail Express offers guaranteed Sunday delivery, often with an additional fee. Amazon packages are delivered on Sundays through a special partnership.
Other USPS services like standard Priority Mail may be delivered on Sundays in urban or high-volume areas, but this isn’t consistent nationwide. Standard mail classes including First-Class Mail, USPS Ground Advantage, and Media Mail aren’t delivered on Sundays.
For the most accurate information about Sunday delivery in your location, consult the official USPS website at usps.com or contact your local post office.
Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.
