USPS will deliver seven days a week during holidays

In an effort to handle the expected double-digit package volume growth this holiday season, the Postal Service on Thursday announced that it would be delivering packages seven days a week in major cities and high-volume areas beginning Nov. 17 through Christmas Day.

"The Postal Service will be out making deliveries every single day during the holiday season, including Christmas Day," said Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe. "During the holidays, no carrier makes more deliveries to more places than the Postal Service, and this year, we're raising the bar with enhanced tracking and Sunday delivery."

The demand for package service has increased as online retailers ship more products out to consumers. The Postal Service expects 450 million to 470 million packages this year, a nearly 12% growth over the same time last year. The Postal Service lowered some of its prices for businesses and frequent shippers. Additionally, new priority mail pricing provides more affordable shipping optins, along with better tracking for its business customers.

"Football has its season. But the holidays? That's our season," Donahoe said. "That's crunch time for us, and year after year, we step up our game. E-commerce package business continues to be a big player now more than ever, so we've enhanced our network to ensure America that we'll deliver their cards, gifts and letters in time for the holidays."

The Postal Service will launch an advertising campaign today with an eye on bringing in new consumer and business customers. It also noted that consumers can bypass potential holiday hassles by going to USPS.com to take advantage of online services. A full list of shipping deadlines may be accessed at USPS.com/HolidayNews.