CHICAGO IL — The United States Postal Service is nearing the 5.5 billionth holiday delivery of 2023 with a delivery in Chicago’s Evergreen Park area today. This milestone delivery demonstrates the Postal Service is a reliable way to send holiday mail and packages and serves as a reminder of upcoming shipping and mailing deadlines. The package was delivered to a local residential customer by Evergreen Park Station Letter Carrier Carilla Hayden.

The milestone delivery reflects the number of mailpieces and packages the Postal Service has accepted into its network since Nov. 24. As the holiday season kicks into high gear, the Postal Service network is operating smoothly, taking an average of 2.6 days to deliver letters, cards, flats, or packages.

Additionally, the Postal Service has made it easier for customers to mail and ship during this holiday season by eliminating seasonal surcharges. There are no additional fees for residential area delivery, for Saturday delivery or for minimum volumes – making USPS one of the most affordable ways to mail and ship this holiday season.

The recommended holiday shipping and mailing dates for expected delivery in the continental U.S. before Dec. 25 are:

• Dec. 16: USPS Ground Advantage (5-day shipping)
• Dec. 16: First-Class Mail (5-Day Mailing)
• Dec. 20: First-Class Mail (2-Day); USPS Ground Advantage (2-Day) and Priority Mail Service
• Dec. 21: Priority Mail Express Service (2-Day)

For additional information on recommended shipping and mailing dates, expert tips, and how-to videos please visit the USPS Holiday Newsroom online.

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