Holiday shipping rush hits Kansas City-area post offices

To make sure your package arrives on time…

Friday, Dec. 22 is the last day for Priority Mail Express. “We normally deliver 4,000 during the year”.

Though some aren’t anxious about waiting this late.

“I’m so relieved. It’s wonderful, it’s so great to have this”, she said.

Canada Post is saying 2017 is another record year for shipping volume.

“The good news is that they still have a few more days to shop and send their gifts off, as USA carriers are offering guaranteed Christmas delivery through this week”, she said. “That would get it there this week before Christmas”.

The Postal Service’s new feature, Informed Delivery, makes tracking packages easy. “So, that’s a little bit of peace of mind for you”.

Swanson says Thursday will likely be the busiest delivery day…

They’ve also added 3,000 seasonal workers, along with 1,000 vehicles.

The deadline to use priority mail is Wednesday. “It just comes through more secure”.

And with the rise in e-commerce, officials estimate there will be a 10 percent increase in holiday shipping compared to past year.

With so much shipping going on, there are naturally concerns about delays.

Owens said lines have been out the door at some post office branches in Southeast Wisconsin so be prepared to wait. People can print postage and it comes with tracking. “It’s early days, expecting your carrier to be in your neighborhood when you’re leaving for work”.

“We’re working very closely, behind the scenes, so that those retailers can give their shoppers confidence that what they’re buying will get under the tree in time”, Hamilton said.