How to Use This Calendar
Freight cutoffs are not a single date. They depend on the lane, the service level, the carrier, and the receiver. Treat the dates below as planning markers, then confirm the exact cutoff for your shipment with us or your carrier.
The most reliable rule is to work backward from the date your freight must be on the shelf, add your transit time, then add a buffer for holidays and weather.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday: Nov 27 and Nov 30
Black Friday falls on November 27 this year, followed by Cyber Monday on November 30. Retailers and e-commerce sellers need inventory in place before these dates, which means most replenishment freight should already be moving by mid-November.
If your freight must be inside a distribution centre before Black Friday, book trucks in early November and confirm receiving appointments now. Late November loads compete with the heaviest volume of the year.
Early to Mid December
The first two weeks of December are the last comfortable window for domestic freight meant for holiday sale. Orders placed after this point often depend on expedited trucking, which costs more and is harder to find.
Cross-border freight needs extra time for customs processing and border congestion, so we recommend moving it earlier than domestic loads.
Christmas and Boxing Day
Christmas Day falls on Friday, December 25, and Boxing Day on Saturday, December 26. Because December 26 falls on a weekend, many facilities may observe a nearby weekday, so confirm each shipper and receiver's schedule instead of assuming.
Expect limited or no pickups and deliveries around December 24 to 28 at many docks, and plan transit so freight does not sit on a closed receiver's door.
New Year and the January Return Wave
New Year's Day falls on Friday, January 1. Closures around the holiday mean freight booked for the last days of December may not deliver until the first week of January.
January also brings returns and restocking. If you ship returns or reverse logistics freight, plan those lanes before the post-holiday surge.
Cross-Border Considerations
US holidays and Canadian holidays do not line up. American Thanksgiving falls on November 26, and customs and border operations can be busier around holiday periods. Make sure your commercial paperwork is complete before the truck leaves, since missing documents are a common cause of delay.
We build cross-border timelines with customs in mind and tell you early when a date is at risk.
Working Backward From Your Delivery Date
Suppose you need freight in a distribution centre by a certain date. Start with that date, subtract the transit time for your lane, then subtract at least a day for pickup scheduling and a buffer for weather and holiday congestion. That gives you the date freight must be ready to load, not the date you would like to ship.
Then check the receiver's appointment availability. In peak season, the limiting factor is often not the truck but the open dock slot. Book the appointment first, then build the pickup and transit plan around it.
What to Do If You Are Already Behind
If you have missed the comfortable window, you still have options. You can split the shipment so the most urgent items move first, switch from LTL to a dedicated truck to save transit days, or ship directly to stores instead of routing through a distribution centre. Each option costs more, so decide which products are truly time-critical.
Call us early. The sooner we know your deadline and what is at stake, the more options we can line up, and the less you pay for emergency capacity.
Frequently asked questions
What is the last day to ship freight for Christmas delivery?
It depends on the lane and service. Domestic freight should generally be moving by early to mid December, and cross-border earlier. Ask us for a lane-specific cutoff.
Are there deliveries on Boxing Day?
Many receivers are closed or limited around Boxing Day. Confirm each receiver's schedule instead of assuming.
Why do cross-border loads need extra time?
Customs processing and border congestion can add delays, particularly around holidays, so we build in extra buffer.
Can I book expedited freight if I miss a cutoff?
Sometimes, but it costs more and capacity is limited in peak season. Planning earlier is cheaper.
How do I know my receiver's holiday schedule?
Ask your receiving contact directly. Warehouses and retailers often publish holiday hours and appointment cutoffs.