Send packages early this season
By Carin R. Kirkegaard
The holiday season is well underway, which means anyone looking to send holiday gifts and greetings should get their packages and cards sent. For residents looking for close shipping options, the Castle Pines community offers two choices – United States Postal Service (USPS) and The UPS Store.
United States Postal Service
(361 Village Square Lane)
According to the United States Postal Service, the total number of letters, cards and packages processed and delivered is estimated to be more than 12 billion.
As of November 28, Sunday delivery was implemented in locations with high package volumes.
Post office traffic increases starting December 6 with the busiest days falling the week of December 13-18. For those looking to avoid leaving home for a trip to the post office, the USPS has online services available. Visit www.usps.com and use the Click-N-Ship feature. After signing up for a USPS account, users can print shipping labels, request a package pickup, buy stamps and priority mailboxes, as well as other postal services. December 19 is predicted to be the busiest day online with more than 12.5 million expected to visit the website for shipping help.
- The USPS recommends the following mailing and shipping deadlines for expected delivery by December 25 for the contiguous U.S.:
- USPS Retail Ground Service – December 15
- First-Class Mail Service (including greeting cards) – December 17
- First Class packages – December 17
- Priority Mail Service – December 18
- Priority Mail Express Service – December 23
For holiday shipping dates for the noncontiguous U.S., international mail and military mail, visit https://www.usps.com/holiday/holiday-shipping-dates.htm.
The UPS Store
(558 Castle Pines Parkway)
Similar to last year’s holiday season, package carriers are anticipating a higher volume due to the continued rise of online shopping, although ship by dates remain similar to last year’s dates to get packages into homes for the holidays.
With options like a UPS access point location, customers can choose to have packages delivered directly to The UPS Store to avoid packages arriving when no one is home, or to keep gifts hidden from spying eyes. For customers who would prefer to avoid lines at the store, a scheduled pickup can be arranged at www.ups.com and clicking on the Ship Now button.
UPS recommends the following shipping deadlines for expected delivery in the domestic U.S. by December 25:
- December 21 for UPS 3 Day Select
- December 22 for UPS 2nd Day Air
- December 23 for UPS Next Day Air
For additional information, visit https://www.ups.com.
