What:

Local media invited to view the Los Angeles Processing & Distribution Center, High Output Package Sorter (HOPS) machines, in action and get an inside look at how USPS is delivering holiday mail and packages this holiday season.

When:

December 2, 2025

Time(s):

Two (2) timeframes are offered for convenience:
Morning Start time: 6 a.m.
OR
Evening Start time 7 p.m.

Where:

Los Angeles Processing & Distribution Center
7001 S Central Avenue (Gate 3 Entrance – Expansion Building)
Los Angeles, CA 90052

Acceptable footwear: Closed-toed (leather or nubuck), non-slip shoes; no mesh tennis or high heeled shoes permitted.

Event is open to media outlets and representatives only. RSVP with Natashi Garvins natashi.l.garvins@usps.gov to schedule participation..

Key accomplishments and areas of progress ahead of the 2025 peak holiday season include:

• Increasing daily processing capacity from 60 million to 88 million by deploying more than 600 package sorters: USPS has expanded its daily package processing capacity by adding 614 state-of-the-art package sorting machines over the past five years, including 94 installed this year alone. The machines have automated scanning capabilities that ensure tracking visibility for our customers as packages move through the postal system. These machines allow us to handle more and larger packages than the legacy machines and prepare the Postal Service for the expected surge in package volume for the holidays.

• By comparison, in December 2024, USPS delivered 45 percent more packages per operating day than its competitors, in addition to also delivering more than 350 million mail pieces per operating day.

• Hiring 14,000 seasonal employees: USPS has stabilized its workforce since 2020 through the conversion of nearly 232,000 pre-career employees to full-time positions. This year, it plans to hire 14,000 temporary employees — down from 40,000 just a few years ago. The seasonal workforce will complement the full-time employee base and better position the Postal Service to handle the extra holiday volume in key locations throughout the nation.

• Expanding turnaround service: In July, USPS updated its service standards. The new standards allow the organization to expand its reach for turnaround service — processing and delivering mail and packages within the same region. The turnaround service enhancements will now have a 2-day or 3-day service standard. This means local consumers and businesses can send holiday greetings in the region more quickly and reliably.

• New vehicles in the postal delivery fleet are now on routes: USPS has received nearly 29,000 new vehicles this year and deployed more than 24,000 of them on postal delivery routes. The Postal Service expects to acquire a total of 106,480 new vehicles, including 66,000 zero-emission electric vehicles, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility while ensuring reliable service.

• Variety of products and services for shipping gifts: The Postal Service has a range of convenient and affordable options for customers to get their mail and packages where they need to go during the holidays quickly and reliably. With $100 insurance and tracking included on most shipments, customers can rely on USPS Ground Advantage (2-5 business days), Priority Mail (2-3 business days) and Priority Mail Express (1-3 business days) during the holidays.
  

USPS Holiday Package Counter

• Live Nov. 28, the USPS Holiday Newsroom is the exclusive home of the Postal Service’s proprietary holiday package and mail counter which displays the number of letters, cards and packages accepted into the postal network during the holidays – through Dec. 25. Please visit usps.com/holidaynews for holiday package counter, mailing & shipping, as well as links to the Postal Store for other holiday information.

OTHER HOLIDAY INFORMATION:

For expected delivery before Dec. 25, the Postal Service recommends the following send-by dates:

2025 Holiday Shipping Dates for Contiguous U.S. (Lower 48 States)

• USPS Ground Advantage service: Dec. 17
• First-Class Mail: Dec. 17
• Priority Mail: Dec. 18
• Priority Mail Express: Dec. 20

2025 Holiday Shipping Dates for Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and U.S. Territories

• USPS Ground Advantage service: Dec. 16
• First-Class Mail: Dec. 17
• Priority Mail: Dec. 18
• Priority Mail Express: Dec. 20

For a complete list of suggested dates for customers sending packages to military or international addresses, the Postal Service recommends visiting the USPS holiday shipping page.

During the holiday season, customers should always plan to mail and ship packages early to ensure arrival by Dec. 25.

For tips on mailing and shipping preparation, ordering free shipping supplies, packaging guidelines (including restricted and prohibited item information), and Post Office location hours, visit usps.com or the USPS YouTube channel.

For Information to help prepare for the busy holiday season, please visit the USPS Holiday Newsroom at usps.com/holidaynews.

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