MILWAUKEE, WI — The U.S. Postal Service expects Monday, December 19 to be the busiest mailing day of the holiday season and Thursday, December 22, to be the busiest delivery day. That means hundreds of thousands of cards, letters and packages will be in the mail stream.

“For those last minute procrastinators, there’s less than two weeks until Christmas” said Acting Milwaukee Postmaster Wanda Prater. “Now is the time to get those holiday cards, letters, and packages in the mail.”

The Postal Service wants to make sure each customer’s cards, letters, and packages reach their destination in time for the holiday, added Prater. “Your cards and packages are important to you,” she said. “They are important to the Postal Service as well.”

Prater reminds customers that postal blue collection boxes are also a safe, secure and convenient option for depositing mail any time during the week – even on Sundays. “Our collection boxes are scanned each time mail is picked up to ensure timely collection and more efficient processing of cards and letters – and even smaller packages with proper postage.”

Mail-by Dates (Domestic Services)

• Dec. 15 – USPS Retail Ground: Ground service for less-than-urgent deliveries and oversized packages.

• Dec. 20 - First Class Mail: Service for standard-sized, single-piece envelopes and small packages weighing up to 13 ounces with delivery in 3 business days or less.

• Dec. 21 - Priority Mail: Domestic service in 1, 2, or 3 business days based on where your package starts and where it’s being sent, variety of Flat Rate options.

• Dec. 23 - Priority Mail Express: Fastest domestic service, guaranteed overnight scheduled delivery to most locations. Some restrictions and exceptions apply. Please note, Priority Mail Express postage refund eligibility is adjusted for shipments mailed Dec. 22 through Dec. 25.

Busy customers who don’t have the time to visit the Post Office can go to www.usps.com/holiday. The Postal Service’s holiday website will help make mailing and shipping easier. Nearly 75 million customers will skip the trip to the Post Office altogether and take advantage of convenient online shipping this holiday season.

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

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Please Note: For broadcast quality video and audio, photo stills and other media resources, visit the USPS Newsroom at about.usps.com/news/welcome.htm.

More USPS holiday news, including shipping deadlines and Santa mail, can be found at usps.com/holidaynews.

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For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and usps.com/postalfacts.