Millions of Americans will find their neighborhood post office dark for 24 hours on Juneteenth, yet FedEx storefronts will stay lit and ready. Here’s what to know before the doors close.
Need to ship a birthday gift on June 19? Better plan now. The U.S. Postal Service confirmed every retail counter will be closed from midnight to midnight this Thursday, honoring the federal holiday that marks the end of slavery in 1865. Letter carriers will still sort and deliver mail, but you won’t be able to buy stamps, drop off packages at the desk or pick up held items.
USPS to shutter all branch counters for Juneteenth, FedEx picks up slack branch counters will shut for Juneteenth federal holiday blackout
Although Juneteenth became a nationwide paid day off only in 2021, it now joins Christmas and Independence Day on the USPS holiday roster. That means:
- No retail lobby service at any of the 31,000 post offices
- No passport acceptance appointments
- Self‑service kiosks and blue collection boxes operating on Sunday‑style pickup
FedEx keeps full delivery schedule giving customers alternative in‑person option
FedEx says its Express, Ground, Freight and Office networks will run a normal Thursday timetable. Translation? You can still walk into a FedEx Office, print a return label and hand over a parcel. The company expects heavier foot traffic and advises customers to arrive early to avoid lines.
| FedEx service | Retail counters | Pickups | Deliveries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express | Open | Normal | Normal |
| Ground | Open | Normal | Normal |
| Freight | Open | Normal | Normal |
| Office | Open | — | — |
Thinking of swinging by the bank after lunch? Think again. Major institutions such as Chase, Bank of America and Wells Fargo will lock their doors. State courts, DMVs, libraries and most municipal offices will also be closed, so schedule filings or license renewals for another day.
Tips to avoid disruption and keep your packages moving smoothly
First, mail time‑sensitive items by Tuesday to beat the mid‑week slowdown. Second, consider USPS Click‑N‑Ship and carrier pickup—both remain in service even when counters are dark. Finally, keep tracking numbers handy; automated status updates continue to post throughout the holiday.
Will FedEx replace USPS forever? Of course not, but for one day its open doors could be a lifesaver for last‑minute shippers. Mark Thursday, June 19, on the calendar. With retail counters down, a little preparation will spare you long lines and late packages.