source media release
To guarantee delivery anywhere in the U.S. by regular mail, the deadline is Thursday, Dec. 20. Express Mail can be mailed as late as Dec. 22.
If sending items to members of the military, it\’s Tuesday, Dec. 18.
All international mail has to be sent by today. International mail can still reach its destination on time using Global Express Guaranteed by Wednesday, Dec. 19.
December is the busiest time of the year for the postal service, with 20 billion cards, letters and packages expected to be delivered this holiday season. Monday, Dec. 17, is expected to be the busiest mailing day as the Postal Service estimates it will handle 275 million cards and letters – more than three times the average daily volume of 82 million. Total mail volume (including packages) on Dec. 17 should approach 1 billion pieces. Wednesday, Dec. 19 is expected to be the busiest delivery day.
\”Our employees are working around the clock to make sure cards and presents arrive on time for the holidays,\” Deputy Postmaster General Pat Donahoe said. \”In fact, we\’re even delivering Express Mail on Christmas Day – excluding Santa, only the Postal Service will deliver on that day.\”
The USPS offers free, environmentally friendly Priority Mail and Express Mail boxes and envelopes. The Postal Service also offers pre-packaged shipping products, Ready Post, sold at local Post Offices for customers unable to find proper mailing boxes and envelopes.
Flat rate boxes and envelopes allows customers to pay a flat rate of $8.95 regardless of the weight of the package.
These supplies can be ordered at usps.com or picked up at a local Post Office and can be shipped anywhere in the world.
The USPS has a number of online options to calculate postage, print shipping labels and mail items from home.
When a package is ready to be shipped, log on to usps.com/pickup to schedule a free package pickup from home or office. Visit usps.com.
About 7,000 Post Offices offer extended hours, and most have an attendant assisting customers at the automated postal machines, during the holiday season.
Packages weighing more than 13 ounces bearing postage stamps cannot be dropped in blue collection boxes.
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