Make sure your parcels arrive in time for Christmas

AUSTRALIANS are being encouraged to plan ahead when it comes to their holiday shopping, with Australia Post releasing the cut-off dates for posting within the country and overseas.

Last-sending dates are in place to ensure people receive their cards and gifts in time for Christmas.

For post within Australia, the last sending dates are:

Parcel Post – sent by December 20

Express Post – sent by December 23, and

Letters and Cards – sent by December 13 (interstate) and December 16 (same state).

Those sending to or from Western Australia and the Northern Territory should allow a few extra days.

For international post, cut off dates will depend on the destinations of the parcels, for economy air last sending dates fall between November 19 and December 4.

International Standard cut off dates fall between November 26 and December 11 and International Express falls between December 2 and December 16.

Although the cut-off dates apply, residents are still encouraged to get their items in the post as soon as they can

Australia Post general manager parcel, post and eCommerce services Gary Starr said they understand how crucial the deadlines are for ensuring gifts and cards reach loved ones on time.

“We’ve been preparing for the Christmas rush all year and are bringing on thousands of new team members across our network, plus enhancing delivering updates through the Australia Post app.

“While we do our best to deliver items sent after these dates as quickly as possible, they may not arrive until after Christmas.”

Australia Post has also added two new A321 freight aircraft to its fleet, which provides increased capacity and flexibility in the lead up to the Christmas rush.

Customers can use the Australia Post app or head to auspost.com.au/service-updates to stay up to date on delivery, expected arrival time and major disruptions.

For more information and all last sending dates, head to auspost.com.au/christmas