MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD) – 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 the same period last year.
There is no longer a “busiest day” for holiday shipping, according to the Postal Service. Instead, the agency’s busiest time is the two weeks before Christmas.
We’re told during this week, nearly three 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.
December 18 will be the Postal Service’s busiest day online with more than 7 million customers predicted to visit usps.com to ship holiday gifts.
You can also order free Priority Mail boxes, print shipping labels, purchase postage and request free next-day Package Pickup from the mail carrier on usps.com.
The Postal Service offers a new feature this year to help you track and schedule package delivery. Our Informed Delivery tool not only allows you to see your incoming mail and packages, it also allows you to reschedule delivery of your packages to ensure you’re able to be home to receive them.
If you’re shipping holiday cards and gifts, for Hanukah, Kwanza, Christmas, or other holiday traditions, the Postal Service recommended the following deadlines:
- December 19 – First Class Mail (including greeting cards)
- December 20 – Priority Mail
- December 20 – Hawaii to Mainland Priority Mail Express
- December 20 – Alaska to Mainland Priority Mail & First Class
- December 21 – Alaska to Mainland Priority Mail Express
- December 22 – Priority Mail Express
Domestic mail detailsInternational mail-by dates
“The Postal Service is well prepared to meet our customers’ needs during the holiday season, especially as demand for package deliveries continues to grow,” said Megan J. Brennan, Postmaster General and CEO.