Dec. 8, 2025
How Fast Can You Pack a Holiday Shipment? We’ll Race Ya!
Media invited to a ‘pack a box’ challenge with our very own retail experts
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What:
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The United States Postal Service is built for speed. From the early days of the Pony Express to modern-day electric vehicles, we go the extra mile with utmost efficiency.
This holiday season, we are putting our retail experts to the test.
Media are invited to a challenge at the Hartford Post Office to see who can pack a box better and faster – all while teaching viewers the correct way to pack a box for the holidays. -
Who:
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Hartford Postmaster Tricia Lucas and Hartford Post Office Retail Associates.
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When:
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Week of December 15-19 – Times are flexible.
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Where:
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Hartford Post Office lobby
141 Weston Street, Hartford, CT 06101 -
RSVP:
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RSVP to amy.n.gibbs@usps.gov
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Background:
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Packing a box for the holiday season is an artform. It requires proper tape, clear addressing and a tight, sturdy box. The goal? To ship early and ship correctly.
“Try to make the contents as tight as possible. Don’t leave anything loose inside your box. If you can, add bubble wrap or foam. If it’s fragile or hazardous, let us know and we can assist you,” says Syosset, NY, Post Office Lead Sales and Service Associate Cory Johnson.
Labeling a package is also important, she adds. Generally, the return address should be placed in the upper left corner of the package. The delivery address must be placed on the side of the package that bears the postage.
“I have noticed, while working at the retail window, some customers put the “to” where the “from” should be. I let them know how to fix this,” Johnson said.
Johnson emphasizes to check the hazardous materials guidelines and proper shipping procedures for items such as cellphones, aerosol sprays, and perfumes.
“It’s beneficial and advantageous for customers to check the information on our website, USPS.com, and do their part to ship safely,” Johnson said.
To make sure your gift arrives before December 25, USPS has set recommended send-by dates for domestic mail in the contiguous 48 states:
- For First-Class Mail and USPS Ground Advantage: send by Dec. 17.
- For Priority Mail: send by Dec. 18.
- For Priority Mail Express: send by Dec. 20.
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The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to more than 170 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is celebrating its 250th year of service to customers amidst a network modernization plan aimed at restoring long-term financial sustainability, improving service, and maintaining the organization as one of America’s most valued and trusted brands.
The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.
For USPS media resources, including broadcast-quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom. Follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter; Instagram; Pinterest; Threads; and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube Channel and like us on Facebook. For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com.
MEDIA ADVISORY
Media contacts
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Amy Gibbs
amy.n.gibbs@usps.gov