You've got a stack of bills to mail or a package that absolutely has to get to your nephew by Friday. You glance at the calendar. It’s November 11th. Veterans Day. Now you're stuck wondering if that blue collection box or the local branch counter is even an option. It’s a classic holiday headache.
Are post offices closed on Veterans Day? The short answer is yes. Usually.
Because the United States Postal Service (USPS) is a federal agency, it observes all 11 federal holidays. Since Veterans Day is one of the big ones, the retail lobbies lock their doors and those iconic mail trucks stay parked. But honestly, it’s not always as simple as a "closed" sign on the door. There are loopholes, self-service options, and private carriers that play by a completely different set of rules.
The Federal Status of November 11
Veterans Day isn't like Easter or Mother's Day, which move around the calendar. It’s fixed. Every year, we honor those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces on November 11. This date is significant because it marks the anniversary of the armistice that ended the fighting in World War I in 1918.
Because it’s a federal holiday, the USPS follows the schedule set by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). When the holiday falls on a weekday, the post office closes on that specific day. If November 11 hits a Sunday, the federal "observed" holiday usually shifts to Monday, meaning you’ll find the gates locked on November 12 instead. If it’s a Saturday, the post office might still be closed on Saturday, but the Friday before is often the day federal employees get the "observed" holiday off. It’s a bit of a dance, but the rule of thumb is: no regular mail delivery.
What Happens to Your Mail?
Basically, the mail stream freezes for 24 hours.
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If you drop a letter in a blue box at noon on Veterans Day, don’t expect it to move until the following day. Residential and business delivery is suspended. This includes First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, and Ground Advantage. If you’re waiting for a check or a birthday card, your mailbox is going to stay empty.
However, there is a tiny exception. USPS Priority Mail Express still runs. This is their premium, "365 days a year" service. It costs a pretty penny, but it’s the only thing moving through the USPS network when the rest of the country is taking a breather. If you absolutely had to get something delivered on the holiday, and you paid for that specific overnight service, the carrier will still show up at the door.
UPS and FedEx: The Private Sector Difference
Here is where people get tripped up. Just because the government-run post office is taking a break doesn't mean the entire shipping industry shuts down.
United Parcel Service (UPS) and FedEx are private companies. They don’t have to follow the federal holiday schedule to a tee. For Veterans Day, both UPS and FedEx typically remain fully operational.
- UPS: They usually pick up and deliver as normal. Their stores are open.
- FedEx: Most of their services—Ground, Express, and Home Delivery—function like any other Tuesday or Wednesday.
If you’re desperate to send a package and you realize are post offices closed on Veterans Day, your best bet is to swing by a UPS Store or a FedEx Office location. They’ll be happy to take your money while the USPS clerks are at home.
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The "Secret" Self-Service Kiosks
Even if the main counter is closed and the lights are dimmed, you might still be able to get work done at the post office.
Many larger USPS branches have a lobby that stays open 24/7, even on holidays. Inside these lobbies, you'll find Automated Postal Centers (APCs) or Self-Service Kiosks. These machines are surprisingly capable. You can weigh a package, buy postage stamps, and print out a shipping label. Once you’ve got your label on the box, there’s usually a drop-off slot right next to the machine.
It feels a bit like a ghost town, but it works. You won't get a receipt from a human, and your package won't actually leave the building until the workers return the next morning, but you can at least get the task off your to-do list.
Why We Close the Mail for This Holiday
It’s worth reflecting on why the mail stops. Veterans Day was originally called Armistice Day. It was meant to celebrate the end of "the war to end all wars." In 1954, after the heavy toll of World War II and the Korean War, Congress amended the 1938 act to change the name to Veterans Day. It became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
The USPS has a deep, historical connection to the military. In fact, the Postal Service is one of the largest employers of veterans in the United States. Around 15% to 20% of the USPS workforce has served in the military. Closing the branches isn't just about a day off; for the USPS, it's about giving a huge chunk of their staff the chance to be honored and to remember their own service.
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Planning Ahead for the November Slump
The timing of Veterans Day is actually pretty brutal for small business owners. It sits right in the middle of the "calm before the storm" leading up to Thanksgiving and Black Friday. If you’re shipping products, a one-day delay in November can create a massive backlog that ripples into the following week.
If you have shipments that need to go out around November 11, do yourself a favor and ship them by the 8th or 9th. If you wait until the 10th, and the 11th is a Monday, your package is going to sit in a bin for an extra 48 hours. That’s how you get "where is my stuff?" emails from annoyed customers.
Digital Alternatives When the Mail Fails
If you were planning to mail a check for a bill that's due on the 11th, you're officially in "late fee" territory if you haven't sent it yet. Since are post offices closed on Veterans Day, you can't rely on that postmark.
Luckily, we live in the future. Most utility companies, banks, and credit card issuers accept online payments that credit instantly. If you find yourself standing in front of a locked post office door with a bill in your hand, hop on your phone. It’s better to pay the 3% processing fee online than a $35 late fee because the mail didn't move.
Important Details to Remember
- P.O. Boxes: Usually, you can still access your P.O. box if it’s located in a 24-hour lobby. However, no new mail will be placed in it on the holiday.
- International Mail: If you’re expecting a package from overseas, it will likely be held at the customs facility or the local distribution center until the day after the holiday.
- Passport Services: Most post offices that handle passport applications require appointments. Since the staff is off, all passport counters will be closed.
Actionable Steps for Veterans Day Logistics
Don't let the holiday catch you off guard. If you have mailing needs on November 11, follow this checklist to stay ahead of the curve:
- Check the Calendar: Determine if November 11 falls on a weekend. If it’s a Sunday, the USPS will be closed on Monday, November 12.
- Use Private Carriers: Head to a UPS Store or FedEx Office if you need to ship a package on the actual holiday. They do not observe the federal holiday for their retail operations.
- Find a Kiosk: Use the USPS Post Office Locator tool and filter for "Self-Service Kiosks" to find a lobby that stays open for label printing and drop-offs.
- Ship Early: For time-sensitive documents, ensure they are in the mail system by November 8 to account for the holiday weekend gap.
- Go Digital: Use online portals for any bill payments that happen to fall on the 11th to avoid delays caused by the lack of mail processing.
Understanding the limitations of federal holidays keeps you from wasting a trip to a darkened building. While the USPS takes a well-deserved break to honor those who served, you can keep your own schedule moving by pivoting to private services or automated kiosks.