Thursday marks the Fourth of July, or Independence Day, and the operating hours for mail and packages will be impacted by the holiday. Thursday is a federal holiday meaning that many schools, businesses, banks and government offices will be closed. Many employees across the nation are given off on the holiday to celebrate America's birthday. For those hoping to get their mailing errands checked off their list this Thursday, here's what you need to know and where you should go: Post Offices: The United States Postal Service (USPS) is a government agency, meaning that its mail delivery services and post offices will be closed on the Fourth of July. The Fourth of July is listed as an observed holiday on the USPS holiday schedule so Americans should not expect mail deliveries on the holiday. Americans will also be unable to visit their local post office on the holiday. There won't be any employees available for counter service, but you could still use postage kiosks and other drop-off mailboxes, as long as you're okay with your package being handled the next day. In observance of the Fourth of July holiday, Postal Service facilities will be closed for retail transactions on Thursday, July 4, 2024. This means that there will be no residential or business deliveries. The FedEx holiday schedule shows that the Fourth of July is an observed holiday for the delivery service, meaning that many of its services will be closed. According to the calendar, FedEx services that will be closed on the holiday include FedEx Express, FedEx Ground, FedEx Home Delivery, FedEx Ground Economy, FedEx Freight and FedEx Trade Networks. The calendar shows that FedEx Office will have 'modified hours' and Fred's Pharmacy will have 'limited locations' open on the holiday. It is best to check with your local store for opening and closing hours. UPS: The United Parcel Service (UPS) will also have services affected by the Fourth of July holiday this week. According to the calendar, UPS services that will be closed on the Fourth of July include UPS Domestic Ground, Air and International and UPS Forwarding (Air & Ocean). The UPS Store will have 'limited locations' open on the holiday and it is best to check with your local store for opening and closing hours. The will be no UPS 'pickup or delivery service,' the calendar says. UPS directed Newsweek to its holiday calendar after reaching out via its website for comment. Fourth of July History: The Fourth of July was first adopted in 1776 by the Second Continental Congress when signed the Declaration of Independence "announcing the colonies' separation from Great Britain," the Library of Congress states. 'Philadelphians marked the first anniversary of American independence with a spontaneous celebration, which is described in a letter by John Adams to his daughter, Abigail. However, observing Independence Day only became commonplace after the War of 1812," the Library of Congress says. Target and Walmart locations will be open during their regular local hours during this year's Fourth of July holiday. Most Kroger-owned grocery stores will be open during their regular hours on July 4. Most Whole Foods stores will be open during normal hours, while Trader Joe's locations will close at 5 pm on the holiday. The United States Postal Service won't pick up or deliver mail on July 4. UPS pickup and delivery service won't be available, but UPS Express Critical service is. Most FedEx services will be closed, but FedEx Custom Critical will be open for crucial shipments. Most bank branches across the country will be closed on July 4 as it is a Federal Reserve banking holiday. The Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange will also take a day off.
As always, online banking services and ATMs will be available. Nonessential government offices will be closed on Tuesday, including the DMV and public libraries. Independence Day has historically been a popular day for car shopping. Car dealerships, such as CDK Global, are closed on the holiday. The National Retail Federation estimates total food spending for the holiday will be $9.4 billion. Trader Joe's stores close at 5pm local time and Aldi stores will close at 4pm Thursday.
In addition to retailers and restaurants, many other businesses are affected by the Fourth of July holiday. Most government agencies, schools, and local and state offices are closed on Independence Day. Public transportation schedules may also be altered for the holiday. It is always best to check with local retailers and service providers for their specific holiday hours before visiting.
Independence Day has a significant impact on businesses in the United States, as many establishments adjust their operations to accommodate the holiday. By being aware of which businesses are open or closed on July 4, individuals can plan accordingly and ensure they have access to the services and products they need. In summary, while many businesses are closed on Independence Day, essential services such as emergency medical care and law enforcement remain available to ensure public safety. The Fourth of July is a time for Americans to celebrate their country's history and independence with friends, family, and community events.
In the words of John Adams in his letter to Abigail in 1776: 'It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shews, games, sports, guns, bells,' cannon,' mortar and other signals of joy.' Today, Americans continue to celebrate Independence Day in various ways that reflect their unique traditions and values. From fireworks displays to parades and barbecues with family and friends, the Fourth of July is a special day for Americans to come together and honor their nation's history, achievements, and spirit of freedom.',
