(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — With the holiday season back in full swing, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is working hard to keep up with surging demand.
“We’ve had a lot of great things that we’ve done getting ready for the big season,” said Tim Norman, who handles strategic communications for the USPS in Illinois.
Norman said USPS has installed nearly 350 package sorting machines all over the country, which allows postal workers to “process 70 million packages per day during the peak season.”
The postal service said it's also relying more on ground transportation, as close to 95% of the mail now goes by ground. To help carry the load, USPS has hired 10,000 seasonal employees, and officials said letter carriers can pick up packages at homes.
Even with the improved technology and increased workforce, Norman said the best advice to ensure holiday packages and cards are delivered on time is the same as it’s always been.
“Mail early,” he said. “Mail as soon as you can. That’s the whole thing.”
He added that if a package is being sent to a nearby location, it may take two or three days. Mail that has to reach either the west or east coast, though, will need more time.
As for the cost of shipping, the Postal Service has announced it will not have a peak, or demand, surcharge this holiday season, offering 'increased predictability in pricing for customers.'
"The Postal Service continues to be the most affordable way to mail and ship this holiday season," USPS said in a press release.
2023 USPS Holiday Shipping and Mailing Deadlines
Within the Lower 48 (excludes Alaska and Hawaii)
USPS Ground Advantage — Dec. 16; First-Class Mail (including greeting cards) — Dec. 16; Priority Mail — Dec. 18; Priority Mail Express — Dec. 20.