Dec. 20 will be busiest mailing day

Monday was the U.S. Postal Services second busiest mailing day, Dec. 20 is the busiest day of the year.

As the U.S. Postal Service prepares for the big day of the year, shoppers are scrambling to send their holiday gifts and cards in time for Christmas.

"For last-minute shoppers, the Postal Service offers quick, easy and convenient shipping choices," said  Postal Service Spokesman David Rupert.

The Postal Service expects to deliver 15.8 billion letters, packages and cards between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The busiest mailing day is expected to be Dec. 20, when 801 million cards and letters will be processed, nearly double the average daily volume. The busiest delivery day will be Dec. 22.

"We know that customers are looking at options for shipping their holiday gifts, and the Postal Service offers a great combination of value and convenience," said  Rupert . "By going online customers can take care of their shipping needs right from their home computer.

Priority Mail Flat-Rate Boxes are available free at your local Post Office in four different sizes, or can be ordered online at shop.usps.com, or by telephone at 1-800-STAMP-24. Postage, labels and customs forms can be printed online any time using usps.com/clicknship.

"Our eco friendly Priority Mail Flat-Rate boxes are the best bargain in shipping," said  Rupert . "If it fits, it ships, up to 70 pounds, to any destination in the United States. Flat Rate boxes are always the same rate to any state." First-Class Mail® and Priority Mail® sent by Dec. 20 will arrive in time for Christmas.

The Postal Service provides a money-back guarantee for delivery by Christmas Day on Express Mail® accepted by Dec. 22 for delivery within designated ZIP Codes. Gifts sent by Express Mail are automatically insured for $100. Free Express Mail packages and envelopes are available online at usps.com and at your local Post Office.

"The easiest way to alleviate holiday stress this year is to do all of your shipping online at usps.com said  Rupert. "You can print postage and shipping labels directly from your computer with Click-N-Ship. We offer discounts when you ship online, and you get free Delivery Confirmation when you use Click-N-Ship. Plus, you can schedule free package pickup online as well, so you can take care of all of your shipping from your computer without ever leaving home."