Reporters must email tad.kelley@usps.gov or call 412.359.7119 for appointment

Media Appointments available only between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. for Monday, December 17, 2018

PITTSBUGH — This Monday, December 17, kicks off the what is expected to be the busiest mailing week of the year when the Western PA District anticipates handling over 2 million pieces of mail – more than double a normal day’s volume – unofficially making it the “busiest mailing day” of the season.

What:

Spokesperson will meet pre-scheduled media representatives, by appointment, at the Pittsburgh Main Post Office lobby to share holiday mailing tips on the “Busiest Mailing Day”

When:

Monday, December 17, 2018
(Email/call to confirm appointments - available between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Dec. 17th.)

Where:

Pittsburgh Main Post Office
1001 California Avenue (park in customer lot)
Pittsburgh, PA 15290

Note: Due to safety requirements, closed toe shoes must be worn.

Background:

On an average day, the Pittsburgh Plant cancels approximately 800,000 stamped letters and flats. First-Class Mail volume on Monday, Dec. 18 is projected to exceed 2 million pieces. Depositing mail early in the day and on the weekend helps the Postal Service get a jump on mail processing and better prepare for the anticipated high volumes to be received on Monday.

In anticipation of the busiest mailing week of the season, blue collection boxes will be collected on Sunday, December 17, throughout the city of Pittsburgh, as heavier weekend mail volumes are expected to be generated by holiday mailers and shoppers. Normal Saturday collection runs will be conducted.

The Postal Service is asking customers to deposit their mail in collection boxes in front of businesses, on main streets and in front of Post Offices - early in the day Saturday and Sunday - to assist collections drivers in transporting the mail to processing centers earlier. Depositing mail early in the day, on the weekend, helps the Postal Service get a jump on mail processing and better prepare for the anticipated high volumes to be received on Monday.

Mailing early is the key to beating the rush. Customers should take note of the following mail-by deadlines:

• USPS Retail Ground            Dec - 14
• First-Class Mail®                  Dec - 20
• Priority Mail®                      Dec - 20  (the best bargain in shipping)
• Priority Mail Express™        Dec - 22* (Commitments based on drop-off times.)

There are also many online options that allow customers to skip the trip. The busiest mailing week is expected to be the Postal Service’s busiest week online with more than 7 million customers predicted to visit usps.com. Customers can use Click-N-Ship to print and pay for shipping labels. They can also schedule a package pickup online, and order additional shipping supplies.

Shipping Tips: Customers are reminded of these tips to help make mailing and shipping simple, and to help ensure their cards, letters and gifts arrive safely:

• Priority Mail Flat Rate is a convenient option for holiday shipping. It’s reliable, and provides expected delivery dates, improved tracking and included insurance up to $50.  
• When sending a gift or card, print mailing and return addresses clearly and include all address elements, such as apartment numbers and directional information (ex: 123 S Main St. Apt. 2B). Use the ZIP Code finder on usps.com if unsure of the correct one.
• Make sure to pack gifts and boxes properly, and secure fragile items with packaging materials.
• Priority Flat-Rate Mail boxes are available free of charge at the Post Office, online at www.usps.com/shippingsupplies, or by calling 800-STAMP-24.
• USPS provides a money-back guarantee on Priority Mail Express and includes an automatic $100 of free insurance. Free Priority Mail Express boxes and envelopes are available as well.

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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