Topeka Post Office Announces Holiday Mail Dates, Guidelines and Package Tips

TOPEKA, Kan. —The Topeka Post Office is ready to deliver the holidays.

“We expect a very busy holiday mail season,” said Postmaster B. Steven  Pinkerton. “We welcome all the cards, letters and packages our customers give us.”

Pinkerton provided the following holiday mailing tips. 

Holiday Mailing Tips

• Mail early.
• Deadlines for U.S. delivery by Christmas: Using regular mail and Priority Mail service, mail holiday cards, letters and packages by Thursday, Dec. 20.  After this date, please use Express Mail for packages to many destinations.
• The holiday mailing deadline for delivery by Christmas to most overseas military locations and international destinations is Dec. 11.  Express Mail is available to many locations after these dates.
• Call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) to get the holiday customer service hours of your local post office, rates, ZIP Codes. You can also get holiday mail information at usps.com.
• Include the correct printed address on all cards, letters and packages including name, street, apartment #, city, state, ZIP Code. Print return address in the upper left corner.  Never guess on the ZIP Code.  There is a ZIP Code Lookup on usps.com or you can call 1-800-ASK-USPS.
• For holiday cards and letters, the Post Office offers several colorful 41-cent Holiday stamps including Holiday Knits, Madonna , Eid, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.
• You can order holiday stamps and other stamps by phone at 1-800-STAMP-24 and online at usps.com.  You can also order stamps by mail —request a “Stamps By Mail” envelope from your letter carrier.
• When preparing your package for mailing, use a strong, sturdy box with no writing on the outside.
• Package the contents of your parcel tightly and securely; using newspaper, bubble wrap or other cushioning inside. Remove batteries from toys. Package cookies, fruitcake and other food items in leak-proof containers or secure protective wrapping. For packages, include the name and address on a piece of paper inside.
• Seal your package with strong, reinforced packing tape. Do NOT use paper or string on the outside of package. They can get tangled in mail processing equipment.
• For packages, print the complete name and address including ZIP Code in large print on one side of the package only. Make sure you print your return name and address in upper left corner.
• Package senders are encouraged to purchase package Delivery Confirmation service and Insurance.
• Take your packages directly to the post office for mailing. Best time is mid-morning or mid-afternoon.
• The U.S. Postal Service expects the biggest and busiest mailing day of the year to be Monday, December 17. The biggest delivery day is expected to be Wednesday, December 19.

Visit the Holiday Press Room at usps.com