HONOLULU — The U.S. Postal Service is expecting to deliver more than 18 billion pieces of mail from Thanksgiving to Christmas this year. In an effort to ensure packages and mail arrives on time, the Postal Service has issued holiday
HONOLULU — The U.S. Postal Service is expecting to deliver more than 18 billion pieces of mail from Thanksgiving to Christmas this year.
In an effort to ensure packages and mail arrives on time, the Postal Service has issued holiday mailing dates specific to Hawai‘i, along with other tips to expedite deliveries.
Suggested mailing dates are today for First-Class and Priority Mail headed to international and overseas military destinations, and Dec. 18 for First-Class and Priority Mail headed to the Mainland.
Holiday cheer to the Mainland can be sent as late as Dec. 20 via Express Mail service.
The busiest mailing day is anticipated to be Dec. 17. The busiest delivery day is likely to be Dec. 19 for cards and letters and Dec. 20 for packages.
Suggested mailing dates are not deadlines, implying that packages or letters will not arrive at their destinations if mailed after the listed dates.
In fact, if normal holiday conditions prevail, chances are good that letters and packages sent shortly after the suggested dates will still make it to their destinations before Dec. 25.
Ultimately, uncontrollable factors such as mailing volumes and weather determine whether deliveries can be made early or on time.
Self Service Ship and Mail Centers kiosks allow customers to purchase stamps, print and pay for postage for packages, and conduct other common transactions without seeing a mail clerk.
Customers can access Self Service Ship and Mail Centers day or night. USPS Self Service Ship and Mail Centers are located in Hawai‘i outside the buildings or in the service lobbies.
Customers can save money with Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes by sending up to 70 pounds in Medium Flat Rate Boxes to domestic locations for only $11.35.
An even better deal is the Large Flat Rate Box, which holds 50 percent more (with the same 70-pound limit) for only $15.45, and features “Seasons Greetings from Hawai‘i” printed on the side.
To support military troops overseas, up to 70 pounds can be shipped in the military Large Flat Rate Box to APO and FPO locations for only $13.45, a savings of $2 over flat rate fees.
Priority Mail and Express Mail envelopes and boxes are available for free at local post offices, including special “Seasons Greetings From Hawai‘i” Large Flat Rate boxes.
Paying for postage and printing out mailing labels from www.USPS.com provides a 15 percent savings off counter rates and features free delivery confirmation.
In addition, discounted rates are available online for Priority, Express and International mailings. Purchased online, Medium Flat Rate Boxes sent domestically are $10.85; Large Flat Rate Boxes sent domestically are $14.65; and military APO/FPO Large Flat Rate Boxes are $12.65.
After printing out the mailing labels for your packages at www.USPS.com, notify the postal service at www.usps.com/pickup that boxes are ready to be picked up.
Carriers will be alerted and will pick up packages from homes or offices, usually the next business day. There is no extra charge for this service.
