Time is running out for you to ensure your shipped gifts arrive on time for such end-of-the-year celebrations as Christmas, Hannukah and Kwanza.<\/p>\n
Mail carriers say they\u2019re more than prepared to handle the increased volume in deliveries \u2014 but only if you get postage on your packages and ship them quickly. <\/p>\n
With automation and AI-driven planning and upgrades, UPS said it\u2019s able to predict demand and prevent disruptions for the holidays and beyond.<\/p>\n
At the United States Postal Service, planning to handle the influx of holiday packages takes place throughout the year, \u201cand we are well prepared and ready to deliver for the American public,\u201d Postmaster General David Steiner said in a statement.<\/a> <\/p>\n In anticipation of the peak delivery season, the Postal Service increased daily processing from 60 million to 88 million packages by deploying more than 600 package sorters, hiring 14,000 seasonal workers, debuting new facilities and deploying 24,000 delivery vehicles. <\/p>\n All mail carriers have expanded their operations in some ways in anticipation of the holiday rush. Despite these investments, there are still deadlines they recommend you abide by so your gift arrives on time. <\/p>\n USPS<\/p>\n The Postal Service recommends the following send-by dates<\/a> for expected delivery before Dec. 25 within the United States, excluding Alaska and Hawaii.<\/p>\n Dec. 17 for packages sent as Ground Advantage service Dec. 17 for packages sent as First-Class Mail service Dec. 18 for packages sent as Priority Mail service Dec. 20 for packages sent as Priority Mail Express service <\/p>\n The deadlines for packages sent to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and U.S. territories: <\/p>\n Dec. 16 for packages sent as Ground Advantage service Dec. 17 for packages sent as First-Class Mail service Dec. 18 for packages sent as Priority Mail service Dec. 20 for packages sent as Priority Mail Express service <\/p>\n International destinations vary. Parcels sent to Canada and Mexico have the following deadlines: <\/p>\n Dec. 9 for packages sent as First-Class Package International service Dec. 9 for packages sent as Priority Mail International service Dec. 16 for packages sent as Priority Mail Express International service FedEx<\/p>\n