Christmas crunch: Postal Service sorts through busiest time

Early in the morning at the Le Mars Post Office, USPS employee Bernita Eppling scans packages to help ensure all the Christmas gifts get to the right place at the right time. Wednesday is the USPS's busiest delivery day across the nation. [Click to enlarge]

Dec. 17 is predicted to be their busiest delivery day.

That comes two days after their busiest mail sorting day.

"The Postal Service will handle 960 million cards and letters today," said Le Mars Postmaster Dan Kelly on Monday. "That's nearly double the average daily volume."

That's only about 5 percent of the holiday load.

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) predicts they'll deliver 19 billion cards, letters and packages in the period between this year's Thanksgiving and Christmas.

However, that's about 1 billion less than last year's prediction.

"The Post Office is a good indicator of the general economy with a presence in so many communities," noted USPS spokesman Rich Watkins. "We're expecting a slight decrease, but we'll see once the numbers come in after a few days."

Numbers are dipping in Le Mars, local Postmaster Kelly said.

Last year at this time, the Le Mars Post Office had three stations at the mail counter accepting mail, and the line still stretched to the outer door, he recalled.

This year, there's barely a line.

"Volume is down greatly this year," Kelly said. "The economy has to have played a huge part."

Across the nation, the mail load is down about 9 percent from the same period last year, he added.

Business at the post office's window is dropping even lower, he said.

Part of that decrease might be due to Internet mailing options.

Using the USPS website (www.usps.com), people can label and mail packages right from their home. Other than the cost of postage, which can be paid online, the pickup by their regular mail carrier is free.

"That way people don't have to leave their house on a day like today, and it helps keep the line down at the post office," Kelly said.

"People can do it in their pajamas from their homes," Watkins said.

The carriers will come rain or shine...or icy wind.

"I have about five layers on," said letter carrier Sandy Henry, of Le Mars, getting ready to deliver the mail Monday in below zero temperatures. "I've got long johns and I use those packaged hand warmers a lot. Someone told me to put them on the veins on the top of your hands and they work really well."

And she has a trusty pair of waterproof boots.

As for letters to Santa? Yes the USPS helps handle them.

"Normally we receive quite a few," said Kelly in Le Mars.

Sometimes, kids even get a letter back from the jolly old elf.

Are you mailing a package?

Watkins gave a few tips to help the USPS deliver it on time and looking good.

*First, mail it early. Even bringing the package in earlier in the day helps the USPS workers as they sort the mail.

"Waiting until Christmas Eve to mail it is cutting it a little close, even for Santa," Watkins said.

*Second, make sure it is properly addressed. The proper zip code is important here. If you don't know the zip code, you can use a computer to find it. On the Internet, go to www.USPS.com and use the Zip Code Locator.

*Third, put the return address on the package. It's even a good idea to include a return address inside the package in case it would be needed.

*Fourth, wrap the parcel well.

"We don't get near the number of brown paper packages tied up with string -- most definitely NOT one of our favorite things," said Watkins with a laugh. Using good packaging tape helps, he said.

Free packaging boxes for Priority and Express Mail are available by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS or by visiting the USPS website.

Sending mail with the USPS? Mail by:

Dec. 16 - Parcel Post (the most economical service)

Dec. 20 - First Class Mail (letters and greeting cards)

Dec. 20 - Priority Mail (2-3 day service)

Dec. 23 - Express Mail