As Americans mark Columbus Day on Monday, October 13, 2025, many are wondering how the federal holiday impacts mail and package delivery. The main question: Is UPS open on Columbus Day, and how does the schedule compare to USPS and FedEx?

Because Columbus Day is a federal holiday, some mail services pause operations. However, private carriers like UPS and FedEx operate differently, which can affect when you receive packages and when businesses can ship them. Here's everything you need to know.

Unlike the United States Postal Service (USPS), which observes all federal holidays, UPS remains open on Columbus Day. All major UPS pickup and delivery services are running as usual on Monday, October 13. That includes UPS Ground, Air, and International services, so customers can expect normal operations for most shipments.

However, there is one key exception: UPS SurePost and UPS Mail Innovations deliveries may experience a one-day delay. That's because these hybrid services rely partly on USPS, which is closed for the holiday. If you're expecting a SurePost package, it will likely arrive a day later than scheduled.

UPS Store locations generally remain open on Columbus Day, but hours can vary by location. It's recommended to check with your local store if you plan to drop off or pick up packages.

Because Columbus Day is a federal holiday, the United States Postal Service is closed nationwide. All post office locations are shut, and there will be no regular mail delivery or retail services. Only Priority Mail Express -- USPS's guaranteed overnight service -- will continue as usual.

FedEx, meanwhile, operates similarly to UPS. All of its major services, including FedEx Ground, Freight, Home Delivery, Trade Networks, Office, and Custom Critical, will run as normal. Customers should not expect delays on most FedEx shipments.

This means private carriers like UPS and FedEx remain reliable alternatives for shipping and receiving packages during the holiday, while USPS customers will need to wait until Tuesday, October 14, when regular service resumes.

Columbus Day's federal status affects more than just mail delivery. Many banks, including Wells Fargo, Citibank, and Bank of America, are closed, though online banking and ATMs remain available. Most major retailers, grocery stores, and pharmacies stay open, but hours may vary.

For businesses, the continuation of UPS and FedEx services ensures that supply chains and e-commerce operations experience minimal disruption. Customers relying solely on USPS, however, will face a one-day pause in standard mail service.

Columbus Day, also observed as Indigenous Peoples' Day in many states and cities, commemorates Christopher Columbus's arrival in the Americas in 1492 while also recognizing Indigenous history and cultures. Despite ongoing debates about the holiday's meaning, its federal status continues to shape logistics, banking, and government services each October.

Is UPS Open on Columbus Day? Delivery, Mail, and Post Office Hours Explained