PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Ever since COVID-19, shopping online has been the go-to method for most. This holiday season is expected to be another record-breaking year for online shopping, but the U.S. Postal Service assures it is ready for the annual surge in shipping orders.
In 2022, USPS processed and delivered about 11.7 billion packages during the holiday season. Paul Smith, corporate communications manager for the Eastern United States, said regions like Philadelphia are well-prepared for such massive surges.
“You look at just within the immediate range of how many facilities we have, I think it speaks volumes — no pun intended — as to how much mail we process in this area,” he said. “Every holiday is our Super Bowl, and we hope to get back there — along with our Philadelphia Eagles.”
In addition to not needing to staff as many seasonal employees this year, USPS has increased the number of sorting machines in its arsenal, adding some 348 in the last few years.
“The machines are just a sight to see on how fast they can process these packages,” Smith noted.
Even with the new and improved tech, there are some best practices customers should follow. USPS says they should pay attention to the recommended mail-by dates so packages can be delivered in time for the holidays.
“No. 1 is you want to mail early,” said Smith. “Our deadline suggestions are for Ground Advantage, Dec. 16. Priority Mail, Dec. 18. And for the procrastinators, Priority Mail Express, Dec. 20.”
And, in the giving spirit, there will be no holiday surcharge on any USPS packages this year. USPS also offers Informed Delivery, a free package tracking service that lets customers know when their packages will be delivered.