Dec. 20 busiest mailing day for Postal Service

Online Staff Report

The Postal Service expects to deliver 16.5 billion cards, letters and packages between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The busiest mailing day is expected to be Tuesday, Dec. 20, when 589 million pieces of mail will be processed — compared to 551 million on a typical day.

The Rockford Post Office and plant expects to process 1.2 million pieces of mail Tuesday, Dec. 20, compared to the usual 1 million pieces. This includes 490,000 cancellations for the busiest mailing day, which is an increase from the usual 200,000 pieces.

For last-minute shoppers, there are convenient options available to ship those remaining cards, letters and packages.

“We know customers are looking at convenient ways to ship holiday gifts,” said Rockford Postmaster Ron Calloway. “By going online to usps.com, they can take care of their shipping needs right from the comfort of their home computer.”

Priority Mail Flat-Rate Boxes are available free at your local Post Office in four different sizes, or can be ordered online at shop.usps.com, or by telephone at 1-800-STAMP-24. Postage, labels and customs forms can be printed online any time using usps.com/clicknship.

“Our eco friendly Priority Mail Flat-Rate boxes are the best bargain in shipping,” Calloway said. “If it fits, it ships, up to 70 pounds, to any destination in the United States at the same flat rate.”

Calloway adds that customers can print postage and shipping labels directly from the computer using Click-N-Ship. “Discounts are also available when shipping online along with free Delivery Confirmation,” he said. “You can also schedule free package pickup online as well.”

First-Class Mail sent by Dec. 20, Priority Mail sent by Dec. 21 and Express Mail sent by Dec. 22 should arrive in time for Christmas.

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