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December 18, 2009

Post office busy with Christmas packages

By Tiffany Green The Cullman Times

CULLMAN — Christmas is next week and with that comes last minute holiday packages and long lines at the post office.

“It has been horrendous. The lines have been steady all week. We just had our heaviest day of the year Monday with over 800 million pieces of mail going through post offices nationwide,” Cullman postmaster Lynn Rives said. “But all the way up until December 23, we will guarantee packages.”

Rives said Priority Mail typically takes two to three days, but if you need something quicker and guaranteed, use Express Mail.

Express Mail has a tracking system and automatic insurance.

“Express Mail will guarantee it to be there,” Rives said.

According the United States Postal Service Web site, the deadline for mailing  packages to be received by Dec. 25 in the United States are First Class and Priority- Dec. 21, Express Mail-Dec. 23, Parcel Post-Dec. 16, DMBMC Ship-Dec. 19 and DDU Drop Ship-Dec. 23.

Rives said the number one thing to remember is to label packages and cards correctly.

“Please be sure to get a current address,” she said. “Addresses are really crucial. If people have moved during the year, we will forward. We try to get everything delivered on time.”

The post office has all needed packaging material including bubble wrap, boxes and postage.

The USPS advises customers to pack heavier items in a sturdy box with strong reinforcement materials and strong tape. Packages heavier than 70 pounds can not be mailed.

The USPS also recommends removing any items which have batteries because many times they will turn on during shipping. Also remember to use clear or brown packaging tape and do not use cord, string or twine.

For a complete listing of when customers should send holiday packages, visit www.usps.com.

Post offices will be open Christmas Eve until 4:30 p.m. The office will be closed Dec. 25 and 26, but regular mail routes will run and deliver mail on Dec. 26.



* Tiffany Green can be reached by e-mail at tgreen@cullmantimes.com or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 220.

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