Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on Monday, January 19 this year, and celebrates and remembers King’s activism and achievements during the Civil Rights Movement.
However, since the day is a federal holiday, it could impact your regularly scheduled mail.
The Context
The establishment of MLK Day was the result of a 15-year campaign advocating for a national holiday to recognize King, according to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The campaign gained momentum after the civil rights activist’s 1968 assassination. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed the bill establishing the holiday into law. The first official observance of the holiday took place on January 20, 1986.
What to Know About Postal Service Operation on MLK Day
MLK Day is always held on the third Monday in January.
Mail will not be delivered on January 19 as the United States Postal Service (USPS) shuts down for the holiday and gives employees the day off.
USPS Service on MLK Day
The USPS announced that post offices will be closed on Monday in observance of MLK Day. Besides no mail delivery, there will also be no caller service or Post Office Box service. All services will resume on Tuesday, January 20.
Customers who would like to purchase stamps, mail packages or ship urgent letters or packages on Monday can use Self-Service Kiosks available at select post offices. USPS said the kiosks are “ATM-like” and accept credit or debit cards only. Self-Service Kiosks are accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
FedEx Service on MLK Day
FedEx said it will be providing modified service on Monday, including early on-call pickups and drop box pickups in some areas. FedEx Freight will also be providing modified service, according to the company. FedEx Office, FedEx Custom Critical and FedEx Logistics are expected to be open on MLK Day.
UPS Service on MLK Day
UPS said it will not be offering pickup or delivery service on Monday in observance of MLK Day. The UPS Store locations may also be closed. Customers should check with their local store for specific hours of operation.
UPS Express Critical Service will still be available on Monday. Customers can call 1-800-714-8779 or visit marken.com for more information.
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