Hello,
Why are you concerning yourself with this, do you intend to hold contracts till expiration? IMHO, it would be much wiser to know when expiration is and roll to the forward contract. Which someone correct me if I'm mistaken, most do the week prior to expiration. Although trading obviously occurs up to the expiration date, I would not see the benefit for the majority here to hold till that date.
Know the expiration date. Should you desire to hold a certain futures contract, roll the week prior or at the latest a couple days prior. It is good to know about settlement, while not having to concern themselves with the formalities of going through settlement.
This is just my opinion and the way I trade them. I've never had to settle in almost four years of trading them, nor have I desired to up to this point.
Good Luck & Good Trading!
Kelly