Holiday shipping deadlines 2020: When should you send USPS, UPS, FedEx, Amazon packages for holiday delivery?

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented volume of mail and packages being sent through the country this year.

For many who can't be with family for Christmas this year, sending gifts and treats are a new, vital part of the holiday celebration.

Tuesday was the deadline for ground shipping via FedEx, UPS and USPS.

For international shipping DHL recommends items ship by Friday. The DHL general manager for the Midwest said adding deliveries on Sundays has helped to keep up with demand.

It's possible to send your Christmas gift after Tuesday, but for most shippers it gets more expensive.

Here are the last days to send holiday gifts for them to arrive in time.

USPS, within the continental United States

Tuesday, Dec. 15: USPS Retail Ground

Friday, Dec. 18: Deadline for First Class Mail

Saturday, Dec. 19: Deadline for Priority Mail shipments

Wednesday, Dec. 23: Deadline for Priority Mail Express shipments.

RELATED: 3 Chicago post offices open Sundays in December for holiday mail demand

UPS, within the U.S.

Tuesday, Dec. 15: Ground shipments

Monday, Dec. 21: UPS 3 Day Select shipments

Tuesday, Dec. 22: UPS 2nd Day Air shipments with scheduled deliver for Dec. 24.

Wednesday, Dec. 23: UPS Next Day Air shipments

UPS has no pickup or delivery service on Friday, Dec. 25. UPS Express Critical service is available.

RELATED: Don't wait to buy, send holiday gifts as COVID-19 supply chain disruption continues

FedEx, within the U.S.

Wednesday, Dec. 9: FedEx SmartPost (exclusions apply)

Tuesday, Dec. 15: FedEx Ground with scheduled pickup, and FedEx Home Delivery

Monday, Dec. 21: FedEx Express Saver

Tuesday, Dec. 22: FedEx Standard Overnight, FedEx Priority Overnight, FedEx First Overnight

Friday, Dec. 25: All FedEx SameDay shipments, with additional holiday fee applied

Amazon

Monday, Dec. 14: Free shipping, 5-8 business days, for select orders over $25

Friday, Dec. 18: Standard shipping, 3-5 business days

Monday, Dec. 21: Two-day shipping

Wednesday, Dec. 23: One day shipping

Thursday, Dec. 24: Same-day delivery in select areas

Thursday, Dec. 24: 2-hour delivery, Prime only, in select areas

Please note: The video in at the top of the page is from a previous report