Christmas Around The Corner, Gifts Should Be Shipped By These Dates
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Monday marks the busiest day for those looking to mail Christmas packages and greeting cards meant to make it on time for the big day.
On the busiest mailing day of the year, the U.S. Postal Service says they are ready for the rush.
"The post office works all year for this," said Mirtha Uriarte with the U.S. Postal Service.
That is why Nolan Pratt made it a priority to send his gifts today. As for what he was sending, he said Bahamian treats, cards, bread and rum cake.
According to the U.S. Postal Service, more than 612 million pieces are expected to be processed nationwide today.
For those thinking about sending their gifts out, Tuesday is the deadline for those shipping domestically using First-Class Mail and internationally using Global Express Guaranteed.
After that, if you want to have your holiday treat delivered on time, you should send it by December 21st if you're using Priority Mail.
Those wanting to wait a bit longer can ship it by December 23rd through Priority Mail Express.
To avoid any hiccups along your holiday way, the U.S. Postal Service has some tips.
- Opt for Priority Mail Flat Rate as a convenient and reliable option
- Print mailing and return addresses clearly
- Pack gifts and boxes properly
- Remove batteries from toys
- Never guess a zip code
- Do not reuse mailing boxes
- Leave space for cushioning inside the box
- Stuff glass and fragile, hollow items, like vases with newspapers or packing material
Postal officials are also warning those using the mail system to get their gifts to their loved ones to practice caution in protecting their packages. The biggest one is not to sending cash by mail. Checks and money orders are safer and can be canceled if they are stolen.
Also, make sure to avoid leaving delivered mail and packages unattended. If you think you won't be home, you can ship it to an alternate address and even change the delivery address while it's in transit using USPS Package Intercept.
Click here for more information from the U.S. Postal Service.
