Post office experiences a surge in activity as shipping deadlines approach

Little Rock, Arkansas – Post offices nationwide are bustling with activity as the holiday season peaks, with many rushing to send gifts and letters before Christmas arrives.

“I stopped by to collect my mail and grab a few things,” stated Michael Gray as he exited the USPS in Little Rock.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has announced that over 7.5 billion packages have been processed through their system this season.

“This is what we refer to as our peak season.” The situation has persisted from late November and continued throughout the Christmas season. “This is our peak season,” stated Julie Chudy, Customer Relations Coordinator for USPS.

Chudy highlighted that staff members are putting in extended hours to handle the surge in workload and requested that customers remain patient.

“Delivering the mail to processing centers, sorting it, and loading it back onto trucks keeps everyone busy: from the letter carriers to the plant workers, everyone has a role,” Chudy stated.
The deadline for USPS Ground Advantage Service and First-Class Mail Service to guarantee delivery before December 25 has now passed for those who are looking to send items in time for the holiday.

There remains an opportunity for Priority Mail, which has a deadline set for December 19, and for Priority Mail Express, with its deadline on December 21.

The Postal Service has issued a reminder to customers regarding the restrictions on specific items.

Alcohol is not accepted. Restrictions are in place regarding firearms. While marijuana is legal today, it is not permissible to send it through the mail. “Access to medicine is limited,” Chudy stated.

The Postal Service announced the addition of 7,500 seasonal employees to manage the surge in shipping volume during this holiday season.