Does USPS Deliver on Sunday? How Sunday Delivery Works

The unofficial motto of United States Postal Service (USPS) is a proclamation of steadfast service: “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.”

And though snow or rain may not stop them, there is one thing that historically has impeded the duty of the mail carrier: Sundays. However, in recent years, you may have noticed the occasional package arriving on Sunday and wondered: Does the postal service deliver on Sunday? Well, it depends.

Whether you are expecting a package, or looking to send one, read on to learn about USPS weekend delivery services.

Does USPS deliver on Sunday?

In general, the United States Postal Service’s regular mail delivery does not include Sundays. That said, it does offer Sunday delivery if the package is sent by Priority Mail Express, and it makes an exception for Amazon packages.

The post office is closed on Sundays and may have limited hours on Saturdays, but if you purchase Priority Mail Express (a guaranteed one-to-three-day delivery), USPS will deliver on Sundays for an added fee. Because of a special agreement with Amazon, USPS also delivers Amazon packages on Sunday.

What does USPS Sunday delivery cost?

Priority Mail Express packages and letters are the postal service’s fastest guaranteed delivery service (a level up from both Ground Advantage and Priority Mail), and the cost reflects the high standard. Shipping with Priority Mail Express starts at $31.40, depending on the weight of the item and the distance you’re shipping it. Keep in mind, the weight and distance can increase the cost significantly.

USPS’s Priority Mail Express service guarantees delivery in one to three days (by 6 p.m. three days from shipping, though delivery is regularly closer to one day). The guarantee does not include Sunday unless you’re willing to pay extra. If you need your package to arrive on a Sunday or a holiday, you can pay an extra $12.50 to ensure your letter or package arrives.

Included in the cost of Priority Mail Express is USPS tracking and up to $100 of insurance with most shipments.

What can I ship with Priority Mail Express for delivery on Sunday?

There are two main ways to ship Priority Mail Express: flat rate and non-flat rate. If your object fits in a flat-rate envelope, you’ll be charged the flat rate of $31.40. However, if your object is too large or an uncommon shape, you may have to package it and send it with a non-flat rate shipping fee.

If your package fits into an envelope, you should be able to ship it at the flat rate. Larger items will be charged based on size and weight. For example, if your package is between 22 to 30 inches in length, you’ll pay $4 extra, and if it’s over 30 inches, you’ll pay an extra $18.

Does USPS deliver Amazon packages on Sundays?

Yes. Though you may have seen Amazon vans cruising through your neighborhood, USPS still handles a lot of packages from Amazon. In 2013, USPS entered an agreement with Amazon to deliver packages on Sunday. This partnership has rolled out across the country, so you can order two-day shipping on Friday and get your package before heading to work on Monday—either via Amazon’s own delivery fleet or the USPS’s delivery schedules.