Ready for the holidays

Alexis Barker
NLJ News Editor
 
The U.S. Postal Service expects to deliver some 2.5 billion pieces of first class mail the week of Dec. 16, according to Newcastle Postmaster Craig Ausmann. Because of this increase in postal deliveries, the local post office is making some adjustments for the holiday season and encouraging people to send out their holiday packages as early as possible. 
“In order to get your packages delivered by Christmas Day, first-class packages should be mailed before Dec. 19, priority mail by Dec. 20 and priority mail express by Dec. 22,” Ausmann said.
The earlier the package is sent, he said, the better to guarantee delivery by the holiday. 
The Newcastle post office is also adjusting its hours and delivery schedule in anticipation of the increase in holiday-related business. 
“The Newcastle post office is gearing up for another successful holiday season and would like the public to know of some peak holiday season changes,” Ausmann said. “For local customer service, the Newcastle post office will be delivering Sunday Amazon packages beginning on Nov. 25 through Jan. 5.” 
In addition to the Sunday package delivery, Ausmann wants the public to know that Saturday retail hours are being extended to 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
“Beginning Saturday, Nov. 23, and running through Saturday, Dec. 21, we would like to encourage customers to come see us on Saturdays for all your mailing needs,” Ausmann said. 
Holiday wreaths and mailers are available at the post office, with stamps featuring Christmas holiday wreaths, sparkling holiday Santas and many more, all available in pads of $20 for $11. Flat-rate priority mailing boxes are available in small, medium and large and an array of prices. 
The public is also reminded that packages are not available for pickup onsite unless you have already received a peach-colored parcel notice that
was left by your carrier, Ausmann said. 
“Please do not come to the retail window with your smartphone and expect to pick up a package,” Ausmann said. “Oftentimes, we end up looking for packages that we don’t have at the post office, which ends up wasting valuable time for waiting customers.”