Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel and shipping weeks of the year, and if you’re a small business, it’s the time to plan smart. From adjusted delivery schedules to full-on holiday closures, Thanksgiving shipping in the U.S. requires a little extra attention. This guide breaks down what you need to know and how Shiplicity helps small businesses in California, Arizona, and beyond get ahead of the chaos.
Don’t Let Thanksgiving Shipping Catch You Off Guard
Thanksgiving might just be one day, but it’s the official kickoff to the broader holiday season. Here’s what you’re up against when shipping at this time:
- Carrier delays due to volume and closures
- Limited pickup and delivery windows during the week
- Customer expectations leading into Black Friday and Cyber Monday
- Unexpected last-minute orders or changes
Luckily, with a plan (and the right shipping partner), it doesn’t have to be a headache.
Shiplicity Makes Thanksgiving Shipping Simple
We specialize in small business shipping across the Western U.S. Our exclusive partnership with GLS means:
- Reliable ground delivery within 1–3 days
- No guesswork, just straightforward, affordable service
- Real people for support when things get busy
And because GLS doesn’t operate on Thanksgiving Day, planning around the holiday is a must. We help you schedule pickups ahead of time and track deliveries easily in your online dashboard.
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5 Thanksgiving Shipping Tips for Small Businesses
1. Check Holiday Cutoff Dates Early
Mark your calendar now. Most carriers, including GLS, pause pickups and deliveries on Thanksgiving Day. The days just before and after get busy fast. Set your own order cutoff date at least 3–4 days before Thanksgiving to avoid customer disappointment.
2. Use Reliable Regional Ground Shipping
National carriers often struggle with overflow. On the other hand, because regional carriers specialize in their service area, they can better adapt to shifting demand. Shiplicity connects you directly to GLS with no added hassle for faster shipping around L.A., Phoenix and other western states.
3. Avoid the Post-Thanksgiving Rush
Black Friday and Cyber Monday cause shipping backlogs. If your customers expect delivery before or right after the weekend, aim to get your packages out early in Thanksgiving week. Waiting until Friday or Monday can mean missing key delivery windows.
4. Communicate Extra With Your Customers
Update your store’s shipping info in October. Let customers know your holiday shipping schedule, order deadlines, and any expected delays. Set expectations and you’ll reduce support tickets and stress.
5. Schedule Pickups in Advance
With Shiplicity, you can schedule pickups right from your dashboard. Set this up before the holiday week to avoid last-minute scrambling. It’s one less thing to think about when business picks up.
Why GLS + Shiplicity = Stress-Free Thanksgiving Shipping
GLS is known for fast, reliable parcel delivery throughout the Western U.S. With Shiplicity, you get access to their top-tier service through a free online account.
We help you:
- Avoid peak-season price hikes
- Access real support when you need it
- Keep shipping smooth and predictable through the holidays
Now, go focus on your business. We’ll handle the logistics.
Thanksgiving Shipping FAQs
When is Thanksgiving this year?
Thursday, November 27, 2025.
When should I ship to ensure Thanksgiving delivery?
Aim to ship by the Monday before Thanksgiving at the latest. Earlier is better. Avoid shipping on Wednesday, as Thursday deliveries aren’t available.
Does GLS deliver on Thanksgiving Day?
No. GLS does not pick up or deliver on Thanksgiving Day, which is why Shiplicity helps you plan pickups and deliveries ahead of time.
Will Shiplicity support be available Thanksgiving week?
Yes! Our team is available leading up to the holiday to help with scheduling, tracking, and last-minute changes.
What about shipping after Thanksgiving, before Cyber Monday?
If you need to ship right after Thanksgiving, plan for pickups on Friday or Saturday where available, and expect Monday to be high-volume. Early scheduling helps.
Simplify Your Holiday Shipping with Shiplicity
Thanksgiving week doesn’t have to slow your business down. With Shiplicity, you get discounted rates, GLS reliability, and human support, all designed to make shipping easier for small businesses in the West.
Contact us to get started for free today and ship smarter this season.
