USPS to close for many days in November: Does the post office actually close completely, or just slow down? What to know

Millions of Americans planning to send letters or packages in November will need to keep two dates in mind. The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will close post offices for Veterans Day and Thanksgiving, pausing regular mail delivery. However, some services will remain available, giving customers a few ways to handle postal needs during the holidays. The closures is on November 11 and November 26. Knowing what is still available could help customers avoid last-minute delays, as per a report by Mlive.

When will USPS close in November

The USPS will suspend regular operations on Wednesday, November 11, for Veterans Day. Post offices will close, and regular mail deliveries will pause for the holiday. Service is scheduled to resume on Thursday, November 12.

The second closure will come on Thursday, November 26, for Thanksgiving. Regular mail delivery will stop that day and resume on Friday November 27. These two federal holidays are just 15 days apart. So anyone planning to mail packages or important documents should plan things accordingly.

Will post offices close completely

Although post office counters will be closed, customers will still have some options. The USPS website and self-service kiosks at select post office locations will remain available for certain services.

Customers can print postage for Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express and international shipments depending on the kiosk. This means that postage can be handled easily at many locations. You can check tracking information, buy stamps, weigh and mail packages.

More self-service options available

The USPS is expanding self-service options as it updates its retail locations. Some kiosks are available around the clock, while other services may vary by location.

Customers who have already printed shipping labels online can use Rapid Dropoff Stations to send packages. Some locations also let customers print shipping labels using a QR code provided by a merchant. USPS Smart Lockers offer another option for dropping off and picking up packages.

Regular mail services will pause during both holidays, but Priority Mail Express deliveries will continue. Prices for the service start at $37.50. Packages must meet the service's standard time frame to qualify for holiday delivery.