Chicago Post Office Ready for Busiest Mailing Day

2.1 Million Cancellations Expected for Monday, December 17

CHICAGO — With the peak of the holiday mailing season fast approaching, the Chicago District is ready to handle the final wave of cards, letters and packages. That wave will reach its highest point Monday, December 17, when more than 2.1 million letters will be cancelled at the main processing plant in downtown Chicago.

There’s still time to get those special holiday gifts and greetings to their final destinations. Even with the additional volume, customers can rest assured that mail sent next week will arrive in time for Christmas. Priority Mail with Delivery Confirmation is best for mail sent by Thursday, December 20, with Express Mail overnight service recommended after that date.  Express Mail is delivered 365 days a year, including Christmas Day.

For faster service and delivery, mail as early in the day as possible.  Postal retail lobbies usually have fewer customers in the morning, and mailing at that time gets cards and packages on their way that much sooner.

When addressing envelopes and packages, use these guidelines:

• Print complete address clearly.
  
• A complete address must include street number and name, secondary address (such as apartment or suite number), city, state and 5-digit ZIP Code. For example: 123 S. Main St. Apt 4 Chicago IL 60601. 
  
• Use the proper ZIP Code. ZIP Codes can be found at usps.com or by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS.
  
• Print the delivery and return addresses on the same side of the envelope or package.
  
• Always use a return address. It tells the Postal Service where to return mail if it can’t be delivered.   
  
• Packages can weigh up to 70 lbs. and measure up to 130 inches in combined length and width. Make sure the width is measured around the largest point of the package.

     Helpful packaging tips:

• Make sure packages are able to withstand processing without the contents or packaging breaking.
  
• Cushion items with bubble wrap, newspaper, or “foam peanuts” so they do not shift during transit.
  
• Wrap each item separately when packing more than one item in the same box.
  
• Remove batteries from electronic devices and wrap separately.
  
• Close and shake the box to see if there is enough cushioning. If items are shifting, add more cushioning.
  
• Mark packages "Fragile" in large print on the outside of the box when shipping materials that might break.
  
• When re-using a box, make sure previous labels and markings are covered before mailing.
  
• Mark "Perishable" on packages that contain food or other items that can spoil.
  
• Place an extra address label with the delivery and return address inside the package. This ensures the safe return of an item that could not be delivered should the outside label become damaged or fall off.
  
• Always use tape designed for sealing shipping boxes. Do not use string, cellophane or masking tape to seal packages.

Customers who don’t have time to visit a Post Office in person can always log on to USPS.com and handle their holiday mailing needs whenever their schedule allows.  Online customers can buy and print postage (USPS.com/clicknship), buy insurance (USPS.com/insurance), request a free package pickup from home or office (USPS.com/carrierpickup), purchase gift cards and send greeting cards with customized images (USPS.com/cardstore), or shop for stamps and gifts (USPS.com, click on “buy stamps and shop”)