The holiday season is upon us, which means you're most likely hitting the stores and shopping for the perfect gift for your loved ones. And while Uncle Billy will love that 30-year old Single Malt Scotch from Glenfiddich, you'll want to mail it sooner rather than later if you want him to enjoy some libations in time for Christmas.

The U.S. Postal Service, UPS and FedEx are all ramping up service so they can deliver everyone's gifts where they need to go on time. Nearly 15 billion pieces of mail and 900 million packages are expected to be shipped during the period between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day.

With so much mail flying around, it's a good idea to keep these shippin deadlines in mind - especially if you like to procrastinate.

FedEx — For shipping dates within the U.S.:

Dec. 16: Last day to ship via FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery.
Dec. 19: Last day to ship via FedEx Express Saver.
Dec. 20: Last day to ship via FedEx 2Day and FedEx 2Day A.M.
Dec. 23: Last day to ship via FedEx Standard Overnight, FedEx Priority Overnight and FedEx First Overnight.
Dec. 25: Last day to ship via FedEx SameDay, FedEx City Priority and FedEx City Direct.

UPS — For shipping dates within the U.S.:

Dec. 19: Last day to ship via UPS 3 Day Select for delivery on Dec. 24.
Dec. 20: Last day to ship via UPS 2nd Day Air for delivery on Dec. 24.
Dec. 23: Last day to ship via UPS Next Day Air for delivery on Dec. 24.

U.S. Postal Service — For shipping dates within the U.S.:

Dec. 20: Last day to ship via First-Class Mail Service.
Dec. 21: Last day to ship via Priority Mail Service.
Dec. 23: Last day to ship via Priority Mail Express Service.

U.S. Postal Service - For shipping dates to Alaska and Hawaii

Dec. 18: Last day to ship via First-Class Mail Service
Dec. 19: Last day to ship via Priority Mail Service
Dec. 21: Last day to ship via Priority Mail Express Service

Amazon — For shipping dates within the U.S.:

Dec. 18: Last day to order via standard shipping (3-5 business days).
Dec. 22: Last day to order for free Prime delivery and two-day shipping (no minimum purchase necessary).
Dec. 23: Last day to order for free Prime one-day shipping (no minimum purchase necessary).
Dec. 24: Last day to order for Prime same-day delivery (in select areas).

With "Porch Pirates" on the rise, experts say people should try and send valuable packages to an alternate destination if you aren't going to be home when then package is scheduled to be delivered. Send the package to family members or to your office. Another option for many is to have your package shipped to a UPS retail location or an Amazon locker near you.

Photo: Getty Images

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