If you live in the United States and regularly use the USPS (United States Postal Service), this update is important for you. Every year on Veterans Day, many services in the US are suspended for a day, and the USPS is part of this tradition.
This year, too, on Tuesday, November 11th, USPS offices and regular delivery services nationwide will be closed for the entire day. Whether you’re sending a letter, waiting to receive a package, or need to visit the post office for an important task, this closure could affect your plans.
All services will resume as normal the following day, Wednesday, November 12th. Therefore, it’s best to plan your mailing or shipping needs in advance, keeping this one-day closure in mind.
Why does the USPS close for a day?
Veterans Day is not just any ordinary holiday. This day is observed nationwide to honor military veterans who have served in the US armed forces.
The USPS is a federal agency, and therefore it must observe federal holidays. Veterans Day is one of the most important and historic holidays recognized nationally every year.
USPS Postmaster General David Steiner has also stated on several occasions that a large number of veterans work at the USPS. They are the backbone of the organization—whether it’s logistics, customer service, or mail delivery. The purpose of this holiday is to honor them and commemorate their service.
Which services will be affected by the USPS closure?
The closure on November 11th is quite comprehensive. It will affect almost every regular service:
1. Regular mail delivery will be completely suspended.
You will neither receive letters nor regular packages on that day. If a parcel was scheduled for delivery on that day, its delivery is likely to be delayed by one day.
2. Post office counter services will not be available.
USPS front counters, where you get shipping labels, send packages, or get assistance with sending documents, will be closed all day.
3. PO Box mail pickup may also be affected.
In some locations, lobbies may be open, but mail sorting will not be taking place, so boxes may remain empty.
4. Priority Mail Express will continue.
This is USPS’s fastest and most time-sensitive service, which continues even on federal holidays. This means that urgent and time-sensitive packages will still be delivered.
Self-Service Kiosks: A Useful Option Even During the Holidays
The USPS has installed a large number of self-service kiosks in recent years. These kiosks remain available even during the holidays:
- Open 24/7
- Located in the lobbies of most major city post offices
- Helpful for preparing shipments during the holidays
Through these kiosks you can:
- Purchase stamps.
- Weigh packages.
- Print Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express labels.
- Drop off parcels.
- Access tracking information.
If you absolutely need to send a package on November 11th, these kiosks can be very helpful.
Check Your Local Post Office Hours
Lobby hours vary by post office. Some states have 24-hour lobby access, while others have limited hours.
Using the Postal Locator Tool on the USPS website, you can easily check:
- Your local post office address
- Lobby hours
- Kiosk availability
- PO Box access
And more. It’s always a good idea to check this information before heading out on a holiday.
The History and Significance of Veterans Day
Veterans Day is rooted in a significant historical event—the end of World War I on November 11, 1918.
From Armistice Day to Veterans Day
- It was first celebrated as Armistice Day in 1919.
- This day was initially limited to commemorating the end of World War I.
- Over time, America realized that its other veterans also deserved recognition.
- In 1954, the U.S. Congress changed the name to Veterans Day.
- Now, this day is dedicated to all military personnel who have served the country.
This day not only commemorates military history but also provides an opportunity to thank those who have dedicated their lives to protecting the nation.
What is the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?
Many people confuse these two holidays, but they have different purposes:
| Holiday | Purpose | Honored Individuals | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veterans Day | To honor military veterans | All living and deceased former service members | November 11 |
| Memorial Day | To pay tribute to fallen service members | Those who died while serving | Last Monday in May |
Veterans Day is a day of celebration. Memorial Day is considered a day of remembrance and tribute.
What should you plan for during a USPS closure?
If your mailing or packaging needs are time-sensitive, this one-day closure could impact your work. Therefore, it’s a good idea to plan ahead.
1. Send important documents early.
- If you need to send any government documents, tax papers, or important letters, send them a day or two in advance.
2. Schedule package pickups in advance.
- You can schedule free pickups on the USPS website. Fill in a date just before the holiday.
3. Check tracking information.
- If an important package is coming, be sure to check its ETA (estimated delivery date). There may be a slight delay if it’s in transit on November 11th.
4. Use kiosks.
- If you still need to send something, 24/7 kiosks will be available to help you.
5. Increase use of online services
- You can buy shipping labels, track packages, and receive delivery updates from the comfort of your home.
The Deep Connection Between USPS and Military Veterans
USPS is not just a postal service; it’s an institution deeply intertwined with America’s social and military history.
- Thousands of veterans are employed by USPS.
- Many logistics and security experts are former military personnel.
- Many USPS programs are designed to assist military families, such as Military Care Packages.
This strong connection makes this holiday even more significant as a way to honor them.
Economic and Practical Impact of the USPS Closure
Although it’s only a one-day closure, it still has a minor impact:
Impact on Businesses
- Small businesses that rely on USPS may experience a one-day delay in shipments.
- E-commerce companies may need to send delivery updates to customers.
Impact on Personal Mail
- Mail such as birthday cards, greeting cards, or checks may be slightly delayed.
Impact on Public Services
- Government mailings or notices may be delayed by one day.
Overall, it doesn’t cause a major disruption, but time-sensitive tasks may be affected.
Conclusion
The USPS closure on November 11th is a decision made in honor of Veterans Day. This holiday serves as a reminder to the nation that the service and sacrifice of military veterans are just as important today as they ever were.
Although regular mail services will be closed, options such as Priority Mail Express and self-service kiosks will be available for those who need to ship items urgently.
With a little planning ahead, this one-day closure shouldn’t cause any major problems with your mailing needs.
FAQs
Q. Will USPS be open on Veterans Day?
A. No. All USPS retail locations and regular mail delivery services will be closed on November 11.
Q. Are any USPS services available during the closure?
A. Yes. Priority Mail Express will still operate and deliver on Veterans Day.
Q. Can I use self-service kiosks on November 11?
A. Yes. USPS self-service kiosks remain open 24/7, even on holidays.
Q. Will my package be delayed?
A. Regular packages and standard mail may be delayed by one day due to the closure.
Q. When will USPS services resume?
A. Normal operations will restart on Wednesday, November 12.
