The U.S. Postal Service announced its recommended mailing and shipping dates for holiday mail and packages in a recent news release.

The following are recommended send-by dates for expected delivery before Dec. 25 when mailing in all states except Alaska and Hawaii:

•USPS Ground Advantage service: Dec. 18

•First-Class Mail service: Dec. 18

•Priority Mail service: Dec. 19

•Priority Mail Express service: Dec. 21

If mailing to Alaska or Hawaii send-by dates are recommended as follows:

•USPS Ground Advantage service: Dec. 16

•First-Class Mail service: Dec. 18

•Priority Mail service: Dec. 19

•Priority Mail Express service: Dec. 20

For customers sending packages internationally, or to military addresses, USPS suggests checking the complete list of recommended holiday mailing and shipping dates at usps.com/holidayshippingdates.

Customers are encouraged to plan ahead and ship early during the holiday season.

For tips on preparing shipments, including packaging guidelines, ordering free shipping supplies and information on local U.S. Post Office location hours, visit usps.com.