Postal Service: ‘Ready for the Rush’

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The United States Postal Service and FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) are getting ready for the busiest mailing day of the year. USPS officials say they are expecting more than 640 million pieces of mail on Monday. FedEx operates a major distribution facility near Indianapolis International Airport, and officials say the company is expecting record volume this holiday season.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Monday, Dec. 15, will mark the Postal Service's busiest mailing day of the year with more than 640 million cards, letters and packages expected to be processed. Last year 607 million pieces of mail were delivered during the holiday season, reflecting an increase due to growth in advertising and mail package volume.

“We are ready for the rush and ready to deliver,” said Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe. “This isn’t just our busiest time of year — it’s our season. Customers can count on the Postal Service to deliver their holiday gifts in time for Christmas as we have for the past 239 years.”

The Postal Service is delivering seven days a week in major cities and high volume areas including Christmas Day. Dec. 20 is the deadline to send greeting cards, packages and letters to ensure delivery in time for Christmas. For the last-minute shoppers, Dec. 23 is the deadline for sending packages using Priority Mail Express.

Customers can skip the trip to the Post Office altogether and ship online using the Postal Service’s website, usps.com. Using Click-N-Ship, customers can print shipping labels for postage. The popular Priority Mail Flat Rate Holiday Boxes virtually eliminate the need to weigh packages.

Customers also may request free package pickup online, The Postal Service will pick up packages as part of regular mail delivery the next business day and, unlike with other shipping companies, there is no fee for this service.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

Sources: USPS, FedEx