Dec. 13, 2019

Nashville Delivers

Media invited for look at Sunday package delivery

USPS Mail Delivery Unit

What:

Opportunity to capture b-roll and photos with an opportunity to speak with a letter carrier and postal manager about delivering the holiday – even on Sundays. The Postal Service expects to deliver approximately 13 billion mailpieces during the 2019 holiday season, of which 800 million are parcels

Who:

Nashville Letter Carrier Ellsah Johnson
Strategic Communications Specialist Susan Wright

When:

Sunday, Dec. 15 at 8:30 a.m.

Where:

Church Street Station Post Office
1718 Church St
Nashville TN 37203

(Please enter the back parking lot from State Street)

Background:

USPS providing Sunday package delivery for the peak season. The Postal Service is projecting more than 8 million packages delivered each Sunday leading up to Christmas.
 
Busiest Mailing and Delivery Days 

  • Nearly 200 million packages are expected to be delivered during the busiest week— Dec. 16-22, and about the same the week prior.
  • Nearly 2.5 billion pieces of mail, including greeting cards and packages, are expected to be processed and delivered during the busiest week.
  • Dec. 16 is expected to be the busiest day for usps.com with more than 8 million customers predicted to visit on that day alone, compared to nearly 5 million people on regular days.

TIPS TO AVOID A SHIPPING GLITCH

  • Select a durable box to protect the contents. Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express boxes are free at local post offices
  • Do NOT reuse mailing boxes – they weaken in the shipping process
  • Properly address packages. Include both “to” and “from” information and only on one side
  • Print addresses clearly and include all address elements, such as apartment numbers and directional information (ex:123 S Main St. Apt. 2B)
  • Never guess a ZIP Code. Look up a ZIP Code at usps.com under Quick Tools. NO ZIP is better than a WRONG ZIP
  • Pay attention to batteries. In general, batteries should be securely packaged in the manufacturer’s original packaging. Items shipped with batteries installed that tick, vibrate or make noises during transportation can be delayed due to security concerns. Lithium batteries are hazardous materials and are restricted by type, quantity and battery strength. Information about shipping batteries, including lithium batteries, is in Publication 52, sec. 349.22.
  • Leave space for extra cushioning inside and stuff glass and fragile, hollow items, like vases, with newspaper or packing material to avoid damage. When mailing framed photographs, take the glass out of the frame and wrap it separately
  • Place a card inside the package with delivery and return addresses. This helps postal employees deliver the item should the mailing label become damaged or fall off

The holidays are now hi-tech as customers register for the Informed Delivery, which allows residential users to view digital images of their incoming letter mail before it is delivered to their address. Additionally, more customers than ever are expected to use Click-N-Ship this year to ship from the convenience of their home or office at www.usps.com.

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

RECOMMENDED MAIL-BY DATES

Friday, Dec. 20

First-Class

Saturday, Dec. 21

Priority Mail

Monday, Dec. 23

Priority Mail Express

Post Offices nationwide will be closed on Christmas Day, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2019 and New Year’s Day, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020. All Post Offices will be open after the holidays, and regular mail delivery will resume Dec. 26 and Jan. 2.

Some Post Offices may have extended hours leading up to the holidays, while others may have limited hours on Christmas Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 24. Although there are no plans for limited hours on New Year’s Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 31, customers should always check with their local Post Offices for hours of operation.

The Tennessee District serves ZIP Codes 370-374, 376-385 in Tennessee and 307 in northern Georgia.

The Postal Service does not receive tax dollars for operating expenses; it relies entirely on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

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