The Rule of Thumb on Columbus Day

Columbus Day is today, Monday, October 12, 2026.  The rule of thumb is that it is always observed on the second Monday of October, so the date shifts each year between October 8 and October 14. President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed Columbus Day a national holiday in 1937, and the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968 moved it to a Monday observance starting in 1971. This year, it again shares its date with Indigenous Peoples’ Day, which a growing number of states and cities recognize on the same Monday.

What it means for exporters: U.S. ports of entry stay open, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection continues processing cargo, though some CBP administrative offices may be closed. Export filings through the Automated Export System are still required, and the system remains available.  The U.S. Postal Service won’t deliver, and banks that follow the Federal Reserve calendar are closed, which can delay wire transfers, letters of credit, and other payment documents by a day. Private carriers such as UPS and FedEx generally operate, but confirm pickup schedules in advance.

Also look beyond U.S. borders. Columbus Day always coincides with Canadian Thanksgiving, so expect closures at America’s largest trading partner. In addition, October 12 is Spain’s National Day and a holiday in several Latin American countries. Build a buffer into any shipment or payment due this week!

And for those of you who have the day off, enjoy it!