Chicago, IL — Don’t be surprised to see a letter carrier on your front door step Sunday morning. Because package growth this holiday season has exceeded even the most optimistic projections, the Postal Service will be delivering packages throughout Chicago the two Sundays before the Christmas holiday.
Additionally, the Chicago Post Office will institute early-morning package delivery throughout the week, with packages being delivered before the regularly scheduled mail delivery during the holiday season.
“We’re excited about the explosion in package growth,” said Chicago District Manager Karen Schenck, “and we want to make sure that we get every gift to its intended recipient in time for the holiday.”
All Chicago delivery stations (except ZIP Codes 60612, 60624, 60644 and 60651) will be making Sunday package delivery on December 15 and December 22. Also, customers in the following areas will be able to pick up packages for which they have received a “notice left” slip at their delivery stations on those days:
| Name of Station/ZIP Code | Address | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Charles Hayes 60649 | 7436 S. Exchange St. | 11 am – 3 pm |
| Cicero 60804 | 2440 S. Laramie | 4 pm – 7 pm |
| Clearing 60638 | 5645 S. Archer Ave. | 8 am - Noon |
| Edgebrook/Lincolnwood 60646/60712 |
6500 N. Lincoln Ave. | 2 pm – 5 pm |
| Fort Dearborn 60610/11/54 |
540 N. Dearborn | 10 am – 2 pm |
| Graceland 60657 | 3635 N. Lincoln Ave. | 10 am – 2 pm |
| Lakeview 60613 | 1343 W. Irving Park Rd. | 10 am – 2 pm |
| Mt Greenwood/Alsip 60803/55 |
3349 W. 111th St. | 1 pm – 5 pm |
| Niles 60714 | 6977 W. Oakton | 4 pm – 7 pm |
| Riverdale 60827 | 661 W. 138th St. | 2 pm – 5 pm |
| Wicker Park 60622/42 | 1419 W. Carroll St | 8 am – 1 pm |
In fiscal year 2013, the Postal Service saw a 6 percent increase in package volume over the prior year. An additional 12 percent increase is expected this holiday season, totaling 420 million packages. The marketplace has changed, said Schenck, and the Postal Service is adapting to it.
“This significant increase in packages means our customers are seeing us as their shipper of choice because of our large delivery network,” said Schenck.
The deadline for sending First-Class Mail in time for the holidays is Friday, December 20. The deadline for sending Priority Mail in time for the Holidays is Saturday, December 21. The Priority Mail Express deadline is Monday, December 23, for local delivery. Priority Mail Express will be delivered on Christmas Day. First-Class cards and letters can also be dropped into local postal blue collection boxes – even on Sundays.
Customers are also advised to please clear snow and ice to ensure safe and timely delivery during the holiday season. “With the possibility of inclement weather,” added Schenck, “please help your carrier by keeping a clear path to your mail box or porch.”
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