20 Billion in 30 Days
The U. S. Postal Service has begun its mission to bring Christmas cheer on time this year. Beginning December 1 a National Operations Center starts its “24-7” duty to coordinate mail movement around the world. It will take more than 200,000 trucks, 700,000 employees, and 37,000 Post Offices to deliver the expected 20 billion pieces of holiday mail between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The busiest mailing day is set for December 17 when the day’s volume should approach 1 billion pieces.
“This is one of the most challenging and exciting times of the year for us,” said Carl T. January, Jr., Dallas District Manager.
In addition to the logistics of moving and delivering all this mail, the Postal Service will have extended hours at more than 7,000 Post Offices. Customers will be able to purchase stamps online or at more than 55,000 alternate access points, including banks, grocery stores, drug stores and Automated Postal Centers.
January stressed that mailing early is key and recommended these mailing deadlines:
- Dec. 4 – Military serving in Iraq and Afghanistan
- Dec. 18 – Military serving in other installations around the world
- Dec. 15 – Parcel Post
- Dec. 20 – First Class & Priority Mail
- Dec. 22 – Express Mail
“Marking these dates and taking advantage of the convenience of our online products and services will give you something you really can use this time of year,” January said. “More time.”
