The United States Postal Service (USPS) is implementing significant changes at its packaging facility in Avondale, Arizona, in anticipation of increased demand during the holiday season. As the festive period approaches, the Postal Service aims to mitigate potential delivery delays by enhancing its operational capacity.
USPS spokesperson Sherry Patterson emphasized the urgency of the holiday rush, stating, “It’s the holiday season! It’s the time where people are shopping and getting ready for the holiday.” In response, the Postal Service has introduced a new machine designed to improve the speed of package processing, allowing the facility to handle millions more packages efficiently.
The new system spans an impressive 160,000 square feet, equivalent to three football fields. This upgrade is expected to increase the USPS’s nationwide package capacity from 60 million to 88 million packages.
In addition to technological advancements, USPS has also expanded its workforce to meet the heightened demand. The organization has hired 14,000 seasonal workers, supplementing its existing workforce of 232,000 employees. Furthermore, the Postal Service has deployed 24,000 new delivery drivers across the country to manage peak shipping periods effectively. Patterson noted, “We have 24,000 new vehicles that have been deployed on delivery routes, and so we are definitely ready.”
For over 250 years, USPS has played a vital role in connecting families and communities, and this holiday season is no exception. As customers prepare to send their seasonal greetings and gifts, USPS urges the public to be mindful of crucial shipping deadlines. There are three key dates that customers must adhere to ensure timely delivery for Christmas: December 18 for First-Class Mail, December 20 for Priority Mail, and December 23 for Priority Mail Express.
Other shipping services, including FedEx and United Parcel Service (UPS), have also released their Christmas shipping deadlines. Some international destinations may require several weeks for processing and shipping, making it essential for customers to plan ahead.
In a rare move, the USPS has announced plans to temporarily shut down all post offices across the United States for a 24-hour blackout. This decision highlights the complexities and challenges of maintaining operations during one of the busiest times of the year.
As the holiday season approaches, USPS is taking proactive steps to ensure that packages reach their destinations on time, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the Postal Service and its customers to achieve a successful delivery experience.
