Postal Service Having Busiest Day of Year

Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2012.

The United States Postal Service expects this will be the busiest mailing day of the year.

According to a press release, U.S. Postal Service officials predict more than 658 million cards, letters and packages will be mailed on that day, compared to 528 million pieces on an average day. 

Over the holidays, Thanksgiving to New Year's Eve, the U.S. Postal Service expects to deliver 17.9 billion cards, letters and packages.

Because of this busy time, officials want to remind the public that Dec. 20 is the last day to send First-Class Mail, in order to have it reach its destination by Christmas Eve.

After Dec. 20, the U.S. Postal Service recommends using Priority Mail, a 2-day service to most of the country. Any later than Dec. 22, Express Mail is recommended.

Express Mail can be mailed as late as Christmas Eve at most Post Offices for guaranteed delivery on Christmas Day. 

Tips from U.S. Postal Service:

• Use complete addresses on your cards, letters and packages, including apartment numbers and suite numbers.
• Use directionals, such as NE and NW and designations such as St., Ave., and Blvd. – and always include the ZIP Code. If you’re unsure of the ZIP Code, go to www.usps.com.
• When sending packages, use a sturdy container that is designed for shipping, cushion the contents, include a return address inside the package and seal it, using shipping tape.