If you’re standing by your window waiting for that familiar white truck or wondering if you should hike to the post office with a stack of bills, here is the short answer: Yes, the U.S. mail is running today, Friday, January 16, 2026. It is a standard business day for the United States Postal Service. No federal holidays are messing with the gears this morning. You’ll get your junk mail, your packages, and that birthday card from your aunt just like any other Friday. But don't get too comfortable. There is a massive federal holiday looming just around the corner that is going to shut everything down.
Why the Mail Service Might Feel a Bit "Off" Right Now
While the trucks are moving, the USPS is currently navigating some pretty choppy waters. Honestly, just because the mail is "running" doesn't mean it's moving at the speed of light.
Several U.S. Senators recently raised some serious flags about "postmark delays." They’re worried that recent USPS consolidations are pushing processing centers further away from local communities. If you're mailing something time-sensitive today—like a ballot in a local election or a legal document—you might want to physically walk it into the lobby and ask for a hand-stamp.
Weather is also playing a role. Parts of the Midwest, specifically around Metro Detroit, are bracing for significant snowfall today. When the snow piles up, "running" becomes a relative term. Carriers will try to make their rounds, but safety usually wins out over a stray flyer for a pizza discount.
The Looming MLK Day Shutdown
You've got today. You've got tomorrow (Saturday). But Monday is a total ghost town for the postal service.
Monday, January 19, 2026, is Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Because this is a federal holiday, the USPS takes a complete breather. Here is what that looks like in the real world:
- No residential mail delivery.
- No commercial mail delivery.
- Post office lobbies might be open for kiosks, but the counters will be dark.
- No P.O. Box mail sorting.
If you miss the window today or tomorrow morning, your package isn't moving until Tuesday morning. That’s a long time to wait for a Priority Mail box that’s already been sitting in a hub for two days.
FedEx vs. UPS: Are They Also Running?
The private guys play by different rules. While the U.S. mail is running today without a hitch, their schedules for the upcoming holiday weekend vary wildly.
FedEx generally keeps most of its wheels turning on MLK Day. They’ll be out there today, obviously, but even on Monday, you’ll likely see the purple and orange trucks. FedEx Office locations usually stay open, though they might tweak their hours a bit.
UPS, on the other hand, tends to align more closely with the federal government. They’re running a full schedule today. However, come Monday, don't expect a regular pickup or delivery unless you’ve paid for "Express Critical" service. It's a weird middle ground where the stores might be open, but the brown trucks are mostly parked.
How to Check Your Specific Delivery Status
If you’re looking at an empty mailbox and getting frustrated, there are a few "pro" moves you can make instead of just refreshing a tracking page.
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- Informed Delivery: If you haven’t signed up for this yet, you're missing out. It’s a free service where the USPS emails you a grayscale image of the mail coming to your house that day. If your email is empty, the mail isn't "running" to your house specifically because there's nothing to give you.
- Service Alerts: The USPS maintains a "Service Alerts" page. It’s surprisingly detailed. It will tell you if a specific zip code is suspended due to a fire, a flood, or a staffing shortage.
- The Local "Guesstimate": Usually, if the flag on your neighbor's box is down and yours is up, the carrier just hasn't hit your side of the street yet.
The Reality of Post Office Hours in 2026
Post offices aren't the 9-to-5 monoliths they used to be. Most locations today, Friday, will stay open until 5:00 PM or 6:00 PM.
But here’s the kicker: many smaller "contract" stations (the ones inside grocery stores or pharmacies) might have different hours than the standalone blue-roof buildings. If you need a passport application processed or a high-value item insured, get there before 4:00 PM. Most clerks start "closing out" their registers and won't touch a complex transaction twenty minutes before the doors lock.
Actionable Steps for Today
Since the U.S. mail is running today, you should treat today as your "deadline day" for the next 72 hours.
- Ship it now: Anything you drop in a blue box after the final collection time today (usually 5:00 PM) will likely sit there until Tuesday.
- Check the stamps: With inflation and postal rate adjustments being a constant conversation in 2026, make sure you're using "Forever" stamps or the current 2-ounce rate.
- Clear the path: If you are in the path of the snow hitting the North, salt your walkway. Carriers are allowed to skip houses if the approach to the mailbox is deemed "hazardous." They aren't being lazy; they just don't want to break an ankle for a utility bill.
Everything is currently "green light" for the postal service across the country, barring local weather. Use the remaining hours of this Friday to get your outgoing mail finalized before the three-day holiday weekend puts the system on ice.