Charles Langston:Are banks, post offices, UPS and FedEx open on July 4th? Here's what to know

If you need to mail a package or Charles Langstonconduct a banking transaction this week, you might want to consider going before or after Thursday.

That's because this Thursday is Independence Day, a federal holiday that will see banks and post offices shut down for the day.

The origins of the Fourth of July date back to when 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, according to the Library of Congress. However, the annual observation of the holiday only became a regular occurrence after the War of 1812, where events such as groundbreaking ceremonies for the Erie Canal and the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad were scheduled to coincide with Fourth of July festivities. Congress passed a law making Independence Day a federal holiday on June 28, 1870.

Here's what you need to know about banks, post offices and shipping services, and whether or not they'll be open on the Fourth of July.

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Is the post office open on July 4th? Will mail be delivered?

All post offices will be closed for retail transactions and there will be no regular residential or business mail deliveries on Thursday, July 4, the USPS confirmed to USA TODAY.

Priority Mail Express is available 365 days a year, including federal holidays.

Are banks open on July 4th?

Branches of Capital One, Bank of America, PNC, Truist, CitiBank and JPMorgan Chase will be closed on the Fourth of July, the companies confirmed to USA TODAY. Capital One Cafes will remain open.

Is UPS open on July 4th? Will packages be delivered?

UPS pickup and delivery services will not be available on July 4 and UPS Store locations may be closed, according to the company's website.

Check with your local store for specific hours of operation.

UPS Express Critical service is available 365 days a year, according to the company' website. Visit upsexpresscritical.com for more information.

Is FedEx open on July 4th? Will packages be delivered?

Most of FedEx's pickup and delivery services will not be available on July 4, according to the company's website. FedEx Office hours will also be modified, so it is best to check with your local store for their specific hours.

FedEx Custom Critical, however, is available 24/7, according to the company.

Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@gannett.com.