IDAHO — It’s a week-long event of epic proportions. Dec. 16-22 is projected to be the busiest mailing, shipping and delivery week of the year, according to Idaho postal officials, who say they’re prepared for what they like to call the Super Bowl of shipping. USPS expects to deliver more than 28 million packages per day.

“We’ve hired more than 100 seasonal workers, extended retail hours at seven locations every Saturday before Christmas, fully-staffed Post Offices with managers in the lobbies to assist customers, delivering packages seven days a week, and expanded the delivery windows for packages to include early morning and evenings,” said USPS District Manager Laura Hubrich, who reminded customers they don’t have to visit a Post Office to conduct most transactions.

Hubrich shared 10 savvy shipping and mailing tips to help Idahoans mail conveniently this holiday season.

• Use 24/7 online Post Office at usps.com – customers can buy stamps, change their address, print postage-paid shipping labels and request a Free Package Pickup – all from the comfort of home or business.
• Use Self-Service Kiosks – These easy to use machines allow customers to buy stamps, mail cards and packages 24/7, using debit or credit cards. The kiosks are located in nine Southern Idaho postal lobbies, including six in Boise area: Boise Main, Cole Village, Five Mile, Meridian Main, Nampa Main and Caldwell Main. Other locations include: Twin Falls Pioneer, Pocatello Main, and Idaho Falls Main.
• Use Contract postal locations – Hundreds of Idaho businesses offer USPS services ranging from stamp booklets to package shipping. To identify the location nearest you, call 1-800-782-6724 or go online to usps.com/locator.
• Seven Southern Idaho Post Offices have extended retail hours every Saturday before Christmas (see list of locations and hours below). Same locations offer Package Pick up service from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday before Christmas for customers wanting to pick up notified mail/packages that couldn’t be delivered on the first attempt.
• Buy Stamps By Mail (ask your carrier or clerk for a form) or by Phone at 1-800-STAMP-24.
• Rural carriers are Post Offices on Wheels – buy stamps and ship packages.
• Be Informed – Informed Delivery is the Postal Service’s free daily digital preview of what’s coming to your mailbox through a daily email notification This holiday season, manage your packages and sneak a peek at mail headed your way — all from your mobile app, dashboard, tablet or computer. Sign up is free and easy at informeddelivery.usps.com
• Proper Packaging – Never use brown paper and string to wrap your packages as they can get caught in USPS automated processing equipment. Use a strong box, Priority Mail Boxes are free and available at your Post Office. Use shipping and packing tape, and ensure the items in the box don’t shift when moving it back and forth. Always use the right ZIP Code.
• Get Info – Go online to usps.com/holiday to find helpful mailing tips, holiday shipping dates, order free Priority Mail boxes, print postage-paid shipping labels, and schedule a free pick up of their package by their postal carrier the next day.
• Help Keep Your Carrier Safe – Keep your dogs restrained. Clear snow and ice from around mailboxes and walkways when it snows

With a projected 800 million package deliveries between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, the Postal Service delivers more packages to homes than any other shipper.

Saturday Extended Retail Hours

Seven Southern Idaho Post Offices will extend retail hours every Saturday before Christmas for customer convenience. They will also provide package pick up service every Sunday before Christmas from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for customers to pick up notified mail or packages which couldn’t be delivered on the first attempt.

• Boise Main 770 S. 13th St. – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Boise Five Mile 1350 S. Five Mile Rd. – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Caldwell 832 Arthur St. – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Meridian 1200 N. Main St. – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Pocatello Main 730 E. Clark St. – 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Twin Falls Pioneer 1376 Fillmore St. – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Nampa Post Office 123 11th Ave S – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Nampa Sunday Package Pick Up will be available at the Nampa Carrier Annex 820 Park Centre Way – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Sunday before Christmas)

Holiday Military Shipping Deadlines

• Dec. 18 – USPS Priority Mail Express to Military Addresses (except Iraq and Afghanistan)

International Shipping Deadlines

• Dec. 7 – Priority Mail Express International to Africa, Central and South America
• Dec. 14 – Priority Mail Express International to all other countries
• Dec. 18 to 19 – Global Express Guaranteed depending on country

Domestic Shipping Deadlines

• Dec. 14 – USPS Retail Ground
• Dec. 20 – First-Class Mail and packages
• Dec. 21 – Priority Mail
• Dec. 23 – Priority Mail Express

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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