Postal Service Urges Pasadenans to Send Packages Early This Holiday Season

The U.S. Postal Service is asking its local customers to send their Christmas mail and packages early to avoid late deliveries and other disruptions during the holiday season.

The Postal Service is going on a hiring spree to get as many as 28,000 seasonal workers to keep up with demand, but it’s not easy to find many people because of a very tight labor market nationwide, according to a report by CBS news. 

“But they can’t find many people who want to work there. Managers and postmasters recently testified at a congressional hearing. They warned hiring won’t be easy. Recruitment nationwide, including here in California, is tough because of a very tight labor market.”

“A congressional investigation also found absentee problems in some cities is making matters worse,” according to CBS. 

The report also said to expect night time deliveries and long lines at post offices.

“Postal worker representatives say the end result could be after-dark, even night-time deliveries and the possibility of long lines at post offices,” the report added.

Instead, it is recommending that if you live in the contiguous U.S., you should send your mail by Dec. 17 through 19 if you expect delivery to your addressee by Dec. 25, if you’re using USPS Retail Ground or First-Class mail.

Priority Mail Express users can send their mail or packages by Dec. 23 to reach the addressee by Christmas Day.

The Postal Service website has a list of the recommended send-by dates for domestic, international, and military mailers on this page, www.usps.com/holiday/holiday-shipping-dates.htm,

“The earlier you send, the better: Don’t delay, mail and ship today,” the USPS said.

Residential customers are advised to check the USPS Mail Service Disruptions website, at https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/, for current, frequently-updated information about whether mail is being delivered to your neighborhood or if your local Post Office is open. 

You can also call the USPS customer service center at (800) ASK-USPS (800-275-8777).

Business mailers can contact the Business Service Network headquarters communications manager for additional information or to report a disruption. The email address is mailserviceupdate@usps.gov.