ATLANTA — Are you planning to do some online Christmas shopping this year? Well, the United States Postal Service (USPS) said it's ready to make the process smoother this holiday season.
The USPS said it is primed and ready to deliver exceptional service during this year's holiday rush thanks to significant advancements from its 10-year Delivering for America Plan.
“Our ability to move packages and mail throughout our network has never been stronger. USPS continues to be the most affordable and reliable way to ship packages and mail this holiday season and year-round,” USPS Chief Retail and Delivery Officer Dr. Joshua Colin said.
11Alive has been continuously investigating delays and fielding concerns from Georgians since shortly after the new Regional Processing & Distribution Center opened in Palmetto in February. We received thousands of complaints about missing or delayed mail, and lawmakers even made demands to the U.S. Attorney General.
Despite those recent postal slowdowns, the USPS maintains that 98% of the nation is now receiving mail and packages in fewer than three days.
Key investments, such as 83 revitalized sorting and delivery centers and an additional 506 package-sorting machines, have been deployed as part of the effort to modernize operations. These improvements allow USPS to process up to 60 million items daily, while the transition to ground transportation for over 95% of mail volume enhances reliability and reduces costs.
Fewer seasonal hires are also expected this year, with 7,500 workers supplementing an "experienced and stable workforce." Additionally, USPS will deploy its next-generation delivery vehicles this winter, including battery-electric models, reflecting its commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Customers can also expect simplified and cost-effective shipping options. The USPS Ground Advantage service offers delivery in 2-5 business days at competitive rates, while Priority Mail provides a faster option that is, on average, 35% less expensive than comparable services from competitors, according to a release.
“The United States Postal Service’s portfolio of shipping products make holiday shipping easy,” said Steve Montieth, USPS chief customer and marketing officer and executive vice president. “Both USPS Ground Advantage and USPS Priority Mail are priced lower than competitors, meaning customers can save more this holiday season. So, ship early and enjoy your holiday season.”
With these improvements and services, USPS is well-prepared to meet the needs of millions of Americans during the holidays. For more details on holiday shipping, visit USPS.com.
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