WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Postal Service is gearing up for the 2024 holiday season, backed by investments and strategies outlined in its 10-year Delivering for America plan. As the peak season approaches, USPS officials are confident they can handle the anticipated surge in mail and package volume, offering reliable and affordable shipping options for consumers and businesses.
“Our ability to move packages and mail has never been stronger,” said Dr. Joshua Colin, USPS Chief Retail and Delivery Officer. “The progress made under our Delivering for America plan has prepared us to handle the holiday rush with efficiency and reliability.”
Key Investments for Peak Season
Ahead of the busy season, USPS has made several key investments to ensure smooth operations:
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Revitalized Sorting & Delivery Centers: USPS has updated 83 centers, which will boost package processing capacity and improve delivery efficiency.
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New Sorting Machines: The Postal Service has installed 506 new package sorting machines, part of a broader $40 billion investment in technology and infrastructure. These machines help process packages faster and more reliably.
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Expanded Processing Capacity: USPS can now process approximately 60 million packages daily, helping to handle the expected volume during the holiday season.
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Improved Ground Transportation: Nearly 95% of mail and packages will be moved via the more reliable and cost-effective ground transportation network, reducing dependence on air travel.
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Seasonal Staffing: USPS is hiring 7,500 seasonal employees to meet the surge in demand. However, due to a stable and experienced workforce, fewer temporary hires are expected this year.
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Next-Generation Delivery Vehicles: USPS will roll out its new BEV (battery-electric) vehicles this winter, with more than 27,000 new vehicles, including 500 electric models, on the roads during the holidays.
Affordable Shipping Options
USPS is also offering simplified and cost-effective shipping solutions for customers:
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USPS Ground Advantage: This affordable service offers delivery within 2-5 business days across the contiguous U.S., providing a reliable option for shipping at a lower cost than competitors.
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Priority Mail: This service offers fast delivery and is, on average, 35% cheaper than similar competitor services. It remains a popular choice for sending packages across the country.
“We’re focused on making holiday shipping easier and more affordable for customers,” said Steve Montieth, USPS Chief Customer and Marketing Officer. “By shipping early, customers can avoid the holiday rush and save on shipping costs.”
For more information on preparing shipments, including recommended mailing dates and free shipping supplies, visit usps.com.
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