Postal Service announces holiday deadlines

The U.S. Postal Service will deliver more than 15 billion pieces of mail this holiday season. In the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, the Postal Service also expects to deliver 850 million packages, which is more than a 10 percent increase compared to last year.

Residents can help mail delivery go smoothly during the season by following these tips:

Shovel out or plow your mail box so your carrier can drive up to the box. Plow your driveway if you are expecting packages too big to put in your mail box. Also, make sure your sidewalks and driveways are clear of ice and snow or are sanded.

If your mail has been on hold because your delivery person can’t get to your mailbox, pick up your mail at the post office and let the clerk know when your driveway and mailbox is plowed and accessible.

Busiest mailing and delivery days

With an increase in early and online shopping for gifts, there is no longer a “busiest day” for holiday shipping. Instead, the Postal Service’s busiest time is now two weeks before Christmas. Starting the week of Dec. 11, customer traffic is expected to increase, with the week of Dec. 18 to 24 predicted to be the busiest mailing, shipping and delivery week. During this week, nearly 3 billion pieces of first class mail, including greeting cards, will be processed and delivered. The Postal Service also expects to deliver nearly 200 million packages per week during these two weeks.

Holiday

shipping

deadlines

Dec. 11 – APO/FPO/DPO Priority Mail and First Class Mail

Dec. 14 – U.S.P.S. Retail Ground

Dec. 15 – Hawaii to Mainland Priority Mail and First Class

Dec. 16 – APO/FPO/DPO U.S.P.S. Priority Mail Express

Dec. 16 – First Class Packages (up to 15.99 ounces)

Dec. 19 – First Class Mail (including greeting cards)

Dec. 20 – Priority Mail

Dec. 20 – Hawaii to Mainland Priority Mail Express

Dec. 20 – Alaska to Mainland Priority Mail and First Class

Dec. 21 – Alaska to Mainland Priority Mail Express

Dec. 22 – Priority Mail Express