With the Christmas period underway, the postal service has introduced a special postmark to encourage Britons to be prepared and send Christmas cards early.
Royal Mail has warned that it comes ahead of the last posting date for 2nd Class mail, which currently falls on Wednesday, December 18, but is subject to change.
Those seeking 1st Class services have even less time, until December 20, to get their cards and parcels in the post.
Since Monday, December 2, stamped mail across the country has carried the postmark stating, ‘Remember to post early for Christmas. royalmail.com/greetings’, and will continue to be used until Thursday, December 19.
A separate warning to customers by Royal Mail read: “Latest posting dates are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change. It’s always advisable to post as early as possible to ensure that your Christmas letters and parcels reach their destination in good time.”
Nick Landon, chief commercial officer at Royal Mail, said: “We all have a lot on at this time of year and it’s easy to leave posting cards and presents to the last minute. However, the run up to Christmas is by far the busiest time of the year for our posties and we don’t want anyone to be disappointed by not getting their cards and presents in time for the big day, so we are reminding customers to post by the deadlines.”
Last posting dates
2nd Class – Wednesday, December 18
2nd Class Signed For – Saturday, December 21
1st Class – Friday, December 20
1st Class Signed For – Friday, December 20
Royal Mail Tracked 48 – Friday, December 20
Royal Mail Tracked 24 – Saturday, December 21
Special Delivery Guaranteed – Monday, December 23
It’s not just posting dates that are crucial to ensure your post is delivered on time. Royal Mail also reminded customers to address their Christmas posts correctly.
The full address should be written on all items, including the complete postcode.
Checking your correct postage is vital to avoid delays or additional charges for the recipient.
