Get those packages in the mail

By Jason Foster - jfoster@heraldonline.com

The mad holiday rush has officially begun, which means the clock is ticking to get packages mailed in time to ensure delivery by Christmas.

Shipping deadlines vary. If you need to ship something to Columbia, you've still got a few weeks. But if you're sending something to someone serving in Iraq or Afghanistan, time is about to run out.

Here are some important U.S. Postal Service mailing dates to remember, along with some tips to help make sure your letters and packages get delivered before the big day.

Friday

The deadline to mail items destined for Iraq or Afghanistan

Dec. 11

The last day to send First Class Mail to most foreign countries for a pre-Christmas delivery

Dec. 21

The last day to mail something via First Class Mail or Priority Mail to ensure delivery by Dec. 25

Dec. 23

If you've waited this late to mail something, your only option is Express Mail, which can be delivered on Christmas Day.

For more information on holiday mailing deadlines and rates, visit www.usps.com.

If you prefer to use another carrier, here are some dates for UPS and FedEx:

UPS: Domestic packages can be shipped up to Dec. 23 for delivery before Christmas. A same-day option is available for “critical” packages. For more information, visit www.ups.com.

FedEx: Packages shipping via FedEx Ground and FedEx Home Delivery must be sent by Dec. 17. Various express options have later dates, including a same-day shipping option. For more information, visit www.fedex.com.

Other tips

The post office stays pretty busy during the holiday season, but Rock Hill Postmaster Ron Cole says the best time to avoid long lines is in the morning. “Before lunch if possible,” he said. After that, expect to wait.

Also, Cole said, have packages packed and addressed before coming to the post office. This helps the line move quickly. It also helps to go online to usps.com to calculate shipping for a package before bringing it to the post office to mail.

By the numbers

16.6 billion

The number of cards, letters and packages the U.S. Postal Service will deliver between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day

Dec. 14

Traditionally the busiest mailing day of the year

839 million

The number of items processed by the postal service Dec. 14

97 million

The number of customers during the holidays

Jason Foster