How to avoid delivery delays during the New Year holidays: tips from GlobalPost

GlobalPost knows that the New Year and Christmas holidays are peak season, when international delivery volumes increase significantly. At this time, even small mistakes can lead to delays, as airports, customs, and sorting hubs are working at full capacity.

How can you ensure that your important commercial shipments or gifts arrive on time? In this article, we will look at key recommendations based on our experience with shipments during the holiday season.

Plan and book your shipments in advance

During the holiday season, postal operators around the world work in peak mode, and delivery times may increase by up to 20%. The closer it gets to Christmas and New Year, the fewer available spots remain on flights. To avoid delays during the peak season:

• Send parcels in advance — at least 2–3 weeks before the holidays. Early shipping reduces the risk of getting stuck in customs or airport congestion.
• Check international delivery times — this will help you choose the optimal route and understand the actual delivery timeframe, considering peak loads.
• Add 3–5 days to the standard delivery time — this creates a buffer for possible unforeseen delays due to overloaded logistics hubs and customs checkpoints.

Avoid peak dates: a few days before Christmas and New Year, flights are often fully booked and delivery times may increase. The earlier you ship your parcel, the higher the chance it will arrive on time for Christmas or New Year, even under peak load conditions.

Proper documentation as the key to on-time delivery

Incorrectly completed customs documents are one of the main causes of delays during any season, and during peak periods this risk may lead to significant hold times for your shipment. Customs authorities work under enormous pressure and cannot correct mistakes made by the sender. Therefore, proper document preparation is essential for fast border clearance. What to pay attention to:

• Accuracy of data. Make sure the commercial invoice contains accurate and complete information about the value, quantity, and origin of the goods. Any discrepancies are among the main reasons for additional inspections.
• HS codes. Always indicate the correct classification codes for each product. Misclassification leads to extra inspections, recalculation of duties, and therefore delays.
• Shipment contents. For private shipments, describe the contents in as much detail as possible. Terms like “gift” or “personal belongings” are too general and often result in customs inquiries, which prolongs the processing time.
• Customs limits. Before shipping, check the customs limits of the destination country — updated information is available at this link. For shipments to Ukraine, the duty-free limit is 150 euros.

GlobalPost experts are always ready to advise and help with the correct preparation of all documents. Even if you are shipping abroad for the first time, we will make the process fast, clear, and stress-free. Our goal is to ensure the most efficient and seamless customs clearance for every client.

Professional packaging reduces the risk of damage and delays

For holiday shipments, GlobalPost recommends:

• Reliable packaging. Use only high-quality materials appropriate for the weight and fragility of your shipment. A damaged box increases the likelihood of inspections and may cause delays.
• Proper labeling. Apply clear markings and information on the outside of the box to avoid sorting errors.

GlobalPost provides tailored professional packaging for any type of shipment. If you pack items yourself, our specialists are always ready to provide advice and recommendations.

Christmas delivery with GlobalPost — simple, fast, and on time

We ensure reliable international delivery during the holiday period thanks to efficient service and professional support at every stage. Advantages of holiday delivery with GlobalPost:

• Wide geography — more than 200 countries worldwide;
• Fast air delivery — from 5 days, even during peak season;
• Professional customs clearance — we minimize the risk of delays and ensure correct customs processing;
• Insurance — an additional level of protection for valuable gifts and commercial goods;
• Professional support and consultations from a personal manager.

Send Christmas and New Year gifts to partners, clients, friends, and family with GlobalPost. Share a piece of Ukraine with those far away — let them feel warmth, care, and connection during the festive season, even on another continent.

Reliable peak-season logistics for businesses

Companies that work with international shipments during the pre-holiday period particularly value stability and precise logistics processes. GlobalPost offers business clients personalized turnkey logistics solutions that help avoid seasonal delays and optimize costs.

→ Learn more about business solutions on our page for business clients.

Conclusion

Avoiding delivery delays during the Christmas and New Year season is absolutely possible — all it takes is early planning, attention to detail, and proper handling at every stage. GlobalPost offers not just delivery, but comprehensive expert support that helps businesses and private senders confidently navigate all the nuances of international logistics.

We manage key processes, minimize the risks of seasonal delays, and ensure that your commercial shipments or important holiday gifts arrive at their destination on time.

Want to know the last shipping dates before New Year? Submit a request — our manager will contact you shortly and provide a full consultation.