Peek Into Holiday Mail and Package Processing
By Mike Porter
It’s the most wonderful season — so bring on the packages!
The holidays are in full swing, and the U.S. Postal Service’s mail and package processing team is ready! We have been planning early and preparing for this moment all year long. It is a special time for the organization to shine, as many of the letters and packages that are processed will be traveling to loved ones who can’t be home this season.
From friends and family out of state to military and international heroes who serve the country daily, our mission is to expeditiously process every item that flows through our postal network so that they arrive safely and on time, lifting spirits across the nation — and the world — with heartfelt gifts and messages.
With this important mission in mind, and thanks to the ongoing implementation of the Delivering for America plan, we have been enhancing our mail processing operations to be highly automated, efficient and precise. Since 2021, USPS has installed 348 cutting-edge package sorting machines nationwide, including 100 sorting machines since last holiday season. This equipment — which is part of the organization’s $40 billion investment in new technology and facilities — enables us to sort and process packages of all sizes more quickly and reliably.
We have taken a fresh look at every aspect of what it takes to move mail and packages to produce quick, safe and effective in-and-out loading on our docks. Due to all the organization’s enhancements, the Postal Service has expanded its daily package processing capacity to more than 70 million — an increase of approximately 10 million over last year’s capacity. Since 2020, the Postal Service has nearly tripled its daily package processing capacity.
In short, we have you covered. And with no holiday surcharges and no additional fees for residential area or Saturday delivery, the Postal Service continues to be an affordable way to send packages offering a variety of options for shipping and mailing.
And speaking of options, have you heard about the new USPS Ground AdvantageTM shipping option? It’s the Postal Service’s new offering that provides an affordable, simple and reliable way to send packages inside the U.S with an expected delivery time of just 2-to-5 business days. With prices starting at only $4.75, customers can choose to ship their packages easily from their home or office online with the enhanced Click-N-Ship® service or by visiting their local Post OfficeTM. Packages can be shipped to all 50 states, U.S. military bases, territories, possessions and freely associated states1. So, ship early and experience the joy of shipping with our enhanced, more reliable ground solution – and all the savings, too!
Sending something last minute? Not to worry, customers can send their packages using Priority Mail® (1 to 3 business days) or Priority Mail Express® (next day to 2-day service). Also, don’t forget to check out the Postal Service’s international mail and shipping services for your friends and family abroad.
Remember, the only thing better than receiving a special package during the holidays, is sending one! Ship with confidence and rest assured, the United States Postal Service and its dedicated mail and package processing team are ready to handle the peak season surge and committed to delivering exceptional service to the American people during the holidays and beyond.
For more information on tools and tips to help customers prepare for the busy holiday season, please visit the online USPS Holiday Newsroom.
1 For mailable items up to 70 lbs. Expected delivery in 2–5 business days. Packages going to certain places (including Alaska, Hawaii, and offshore destinations), or containing hazardous materials or live animals may receive slower service.
