Updated 12/20/2010 02:35 PM
Post Offices Flooded With Last-Minute Holiday Packages
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Those heading to the post office today won’t be alone – as it’s expected to be the busiest mailing day of the year.
Postal officials say they will ship out more than 800 million cards, letters and packages in the days before Christmas. That's a 40-percent spike in volume compared to a typical business day.
"It's Christmas and some nieces of mine are special to me so I need it to make sure they get there on time,” said one post office customer.
Today is the deadline for First-Class mail to be delivered by Christmas.
"I mailed my packaged this morning myself,” said Valerie Donald of the United States Postal Service. “But I have faith in the postal service.”
“I don't really consider it last minute,” said another post office customer. “It’s just in time for it to get there."
Those who use Priority Mail have until tomorrow and those who use Express Mail have until Wednesday to make sure their package arrives by Christmas.
Private services like Fed-Ex and UPS say Thursday is the latest customers can wait if they want to get gifts to someone by Christmas.
The USPS asks customers to make sure their packages are secure and that the shipping address is included both on the label and inside the box. It also recommends paying for tracking confirmation.
For other shipping deadlines and more information, call 1-800-ASK-USPS or go to usps.com.