On Veterans Day 2017, the U.S. Postal Service and private carriers adjusted operations to honor the holiday while continuing essential mail delivery. Below is a detailed overview of how service levels were affected and what customers could expect around this federal observance.
Veterans Day falls on November 11, and when this date lands on a weekday, it often intersects with regular pickup and delivery schedules. The following snapshot captures key operational details for that year.
| Carrier | Holiday Impact | Regular Pickup | Delivery Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Postal Service | Federal holiday, no fee mail processed | No pickup at post offices | No residential delivery, limited retail |
| USPS Village Post Office | Variable by location | Limited or suspended | Reduced or no service |
| Private Carriers | Voluntary acknowledgements | Business office pickups only | Standard routes except Monday |
| Package Senders | Planning ahead recommended | Drop boxes available | Final delivery delayed until regular service resumes |
Operational Schedule for Veterans Day 2017
Each carrier published its own holiday hours well in advance to minimize confusion for senders and recipients. Most retail counters remained closed on November 11, while processing facilities continued limited sorting for time-sensitive items where permitted.
For mailers relying on timely delivery, checking the specific schedule for their local post office or carrier hub was essential. Many locations posted notices detailing any early closures or alternate retail hours at strip malls and grocery locations.
What Was Delivered on Veterans Day 2017
On the actual holiday, regular residential delivery did not occur, and outgoing mail taken at standard collection boxes was held until the next scheduled collection. Priority and express shipments were typically moved to nearby facilities, but final delivery was deferred.
Business customers who shipped from commercial counters could complete transactions and receive receipts, with packages held until Monday. This helped avoid processing bottlenecks while still allowing senders to meet their commitments before the holiday.
Impacts on Different Mail Classes
Letters, magazines, and periodicals were not delivered on November 11, 2017, creating a small backlog that cleared once regular routes resumed. First-class holders could expect their mail to move again on the following business day.
Package services experienced similar delays, with same-day and next-day options suspended for the holiday. Recipients planning around gift deliveries adjusted by selecting earlier shipping windows or using alternative carriers where available.
Planning Ahead Around Veterans Day
Senders who needed parcels in motion before the holiday used extended cut-off times at post offices and retail partners. Labeling parcels accurately and including necessary customs or recipient details reduced the risk of returns once service normalized.
Individuals receiving time-sensitive items such as prescriptions coordinated with senders to shift delivery dates. Others relied on local pick-up options at retail stores that remained open or offered limited curb-side service.
Key Takeaways for Mail Planning Around Veterans Day
- Expect no residential or collection box service on the holiday itself
- Plan critical shipments for the business day before or after November 11
- Verify holiday hours for local post offices and retail partners
- Track packages and set delivery preferences to avoid time-sensitive issues
- Use online tools or voice lines to confirm cut-off times and service status
FAQ
Reader questions
Will my mail be delivered on Veterans Day 2017 if I drop it in a collection box?
No, collection boxes were not serviced on November 11, 2017, and any mail placed inside was held until regular pickup and delivery resumed on the next business day.
Can I still send packages at a post office on Veterans Day 2017?
You could make transactions and drop packages at staffed retail counters that were open, but holiday hours varied by location, and final shipment did not occur until normal service returned.
Will my package shipped on November 10, 2017, arrive by Thanksgiving? Packages sent on November 10 moved through processing over the holiday but did not receive final delivery until after Veterans Day, so arrival by Thanksgiving depended on the carrier and destination. Are P.O. boxes accessible on Veterans Day 2017?
Most Post Office locations were closed on November 11, 2017, so P.O. box holders were unable to access their boxes or make deposits during the holiday.