Neither Snow Nor Rain Nor Heat—Nor Sundays …

Don’t be surprised if you see a letter carrier delivering packages on Sunday. Because package growth this holiday season has exceeded even the most optimistic projections, the Postal Service started delivering packages in selected ZIP Code areas last Sunday and will continue the Sunday before the Christmas holiday.

“We’re excited about the explosion in package growth,” said Elmhurst Postmaster Betty Weise. “And we want to make sure that we get every gift to its intended recipient in time for the holiday.” 

In an effort to meet customer expectations, some delivery units will be attempting package delivery in addition to the regularly scheduled mail delivery during the holiday season."

Locally, the Elmhurst and Glen Ellyn Post Offices made Sunday package delivery on Dec. 15 and will continue on Dec. 22. Customers also will be able to pick up packages at the Elmhurst and Glen Ellyn Post Offices from 1 to 4 p.m. on those days. 

In fiscal year 2013, the Postal Service saw a 6 percent increase in package volume over the prior year. An additional 12 percent increase is expected this holiday season, totaling 420 million packages. 

The marketplace has changed, Weise said, and the Postal Service is adapting to it.

“This significant increase in packages means our customers are seeing us as their shipper of choice because of our large delivery network,” she said.

Mailing Deadlines

The deadline for sending First-Class Mail in time for the holidays is Friday, Dec. 20. The deadline for sending Priority Mail in time for the Holidays is Saturday, Dec. 21. The Priority Mail Express deadline is Monday, Dec. 23, for local delivery. Priority Mail Express will be delivered on Christmas Day. First-Class cards and letters can also be dropped into local postal blue collection boxes—even on Sundays.

Customers are also asked to clear snow and ice to ensure safe and timely delivery during the holiday season. 

“With the possibility of inclement weather, please help your carrier by keeping a clear path to your mail box or porch,” Weise said.

Early Close on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve

Most post offices in the Chicagoland area, including those in Elmhurst and Glen Ellyn, will close at noon on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, and New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31. 

Customers are encouraged to go online to usps.com or call 800-ASK-USPS for information about specific post offices. Commercial customers should check with their Business Mail Entry Units for Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 hours of operation.

Mail will be delivered on those days as scheduled.

In observance of the holidays, post offices will be closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Only Express Mail will be delivered on those days in most major metropolitan areas. 

Postal services, including buying stamps and gifts, paying for postage and post office boxes, and other transactions, are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at usps.com.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

Source: US Postal Service