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.
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
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
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
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