Going To The Post Office? Wait In Line
USPS Says That It's Crunch Day
LOS ANGELES, Updated 1:21 p.m. EST December 18, 2000 -- Christmas is only a week away, and that means that the holiday mail crunch is on.
If you still have to send off your packages, you can count on long lines.
The United States Postal Service said that Monday will be the busiest mailing day of the season. It's the last day that the USPS recommends sending domestic priority mail if you want to be sure that your packages make it before Christmas Day.
The post office expects to process more than 20 billion pieces of mail this Christmas season, which is 3 percent higher than last year, a local news service reported.
Nationwide, about 40,000 temporary workers have been brought in to help move the avalanche of Christmas mail.
In addition, postal authorities are making use of "80 supplemental airplanes dedicated entirely to moving the mail, hundreds of added truck connections and dozens of additional trains," according to a postal service statement.
Don't Get Lost In The Shuffle
To ensure that your packages will not get lost, the USPS asks that you remember to use a complete return address and be sure that you are using the correct ZIP code. You can look up ZIP codes on the USPS Web site. You can even track or confirm your parcel online.
Find The Nearest Post Office
Not sure from where you should mail your package? Find your nearest post office right here.
Other Mailing & Packaging Tips
- Avoid waiting in line for holiday stamps by buying holiday stamps by phone at (800) STAMP-24 or online at The Postal Store.
- When mailing framed photographs, take the glass out of the frame and wrap it separately.
- Remove batteries from toys. Wrap and place them next to the toys in the mailing box.
- Include the address information on an index card inside the package, in addition to the address on the outside.
- Packages displaying postage stamps and weighing one pound or more must be taken to the post office for mailing.
- You may purchase insurance coverage for protection against loss or damage.
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