US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) released a list of Federal holidays for the calendar year 2026
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 1 hour ago
Understanding Federal Holidays
Federal holidays are crucial for planning your logistics and supply chain operations. These holidays can affect shipping schedules, customs clearance, and overall delivery times. Knowing the dates and implications of these holidays is essential for businesses with urgent, high-security, and specialized freight needs.
Here is the list of federal holidays as designated by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for 2026:
Date | Holiday
Wednesday, January 1 | New Year’s Day
Monday, January 20 | Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Monday, January 20 | Inauguration Day (observed only in the D.C. area)
Monday, February 17 | Washington’s Birthday (Presidents’ Day)
Monday, May 26 | Memorial Day
Thursday, June 19 | Juneteenth National Independence Day
Friday, July 4 | Independence Day
Monday, September 1 | Labor Day
Monday, October 13 | Columbus Day
Tuesday, November 11 | Veterans Day
Thursday, November 27 | Thanksgiving Day
Thursday, December 25 | Christmas Day
Note for Non-Monday–Friday Schedules
Employees with alternate work schedules (like shift workers or weekend staff) may observe holidays on different days per agency policy.
Inauguration Day (January 20, every 4 years) is a holiday only in the Washington, D.C. area.
Impact of Federal Holidays on Logistics
During federal holidays, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) offices—including border crossings and administrative centers—may close or operate on reduced schedules. These changes can significantly impact your logistics operations, leading to:
Delays in Customs Clearance: Expect longer processing times at ports of entry.
Shipping Interruptions: Be prepared for potential backlogs before and after holiday closures.
Supply Chain Disruptions: Anticipate extended transit times, especially for cross-border shipments.
To ensure your shipments continue to flow smoothly during federal holidays, consider the following strategies:
Plan Ahead: Review the holiday schedule and adjust your shipping timelines accordingly.
Communicate with Partners: Keep open lines of communication with your suppliers, carriers, and customers about potential delays.
Utilize Technology: Leverage logistics software to monitor shipments and manage schedules effectively.
Consider Alternative Shipping Options: If possible, explore expedited shipping methods to mitigate delays.
Stay Informed: Regularly check for updates from CBP and other relevant authorities regarding holiday operations.
Understanding the federal holiday schedule for 2026 is vital for maintaining efficient logistics operations. By planning ahead and staying informed, you can minimize disruptions and ensure timely deliveries, even during holiday periods.
For more information on federal holidays, visit the U.S. Customs Holiday Schedule.
This holiday is designated as "Inauguration Day" in *section 6103(c) of title 5 of the United States Code, which is the law that specifies holidays for Federal employees. Federal employees in the Washington, DC, area are entitled to a holiday on the day a President is inaugurated on January 20th for each fourth year after 1965
This holiday is designated as "Washington's Birthday" in section 6103(a) of title 5 of the United States Code, which is the law that specifies holidays for Federal employees. Though other institutions such as state and local governments and private businesses may use other names, it is our policy to always refer to holidays by the names designated.
Holiday | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 |
New Year’s Day | January 1 | January 1 | January 1* | January 1 | January 1 |
Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. | January 19 | January 18 | January 17 | January 15 | January 21 |
Washington’s Birthday | February 16 | February 15 | February 21 | February 19 | February 18 |
Memorial Day | May 25 | May 31 | May 29 | May 28 | May 27 |
Juneteenth National Independence Day | June 19 | June 19* | June 19 | June 19 | June 19 |
Independence Day | July 4* | July 4** | July 4 | July 4 | July 4 |
Labor Day | September 7 | September 6 | September 4 | September 3 | September 2 |
Columbus Day | October 12 | October 11 | October 9 | October 8 | October 14 |
Veterans Day | November 11 | November 11 | November 11* | November 11** | November 11 |
Thanksgiving Day | November 26 | November 25 | November 23 | November 22 | November 28 |
Christmas Day | December 25 | December 25* | December 25 | December 25 | December 25 |
In accordance with 5 U.S.C. § 6103, Federal law establishes the official public holidays for Federal employees, including Inauguration Day and Washington’s Birthday. Inauguration Day, designated under section 6103(c), applies to Federal employees in the Washington, DC, area on January 20 of each fourth year following 1965, when a President is inaugurated. Washington’s Birthday is designated under section 6103(a), and although it may be referred to by other names outside the Federal Government, agencies use the statutory name specified in law. For most Federal employees working a Monday through Friday schedule, when a holiday falls on a Saturday, it is observed on the preceding Friday, and when it falls on a Sunday, it is observed on the following Monday, consistent with 5 U.S.C. § 6103(b) and Executive Order 11582.
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