Busiest Day of the Year for U.S. Post Office

If you went to the post office today, you may have waited in a long line. That's because today is the busiest mailing day.

The U.S. Postal Service expects to mail billions of letters, cards and packages this holiday. The holidays are a time when many people are rushing around, trying to get those last minute things done. Today also marks a very busy day for the U.S. Postal Service. It's expected to be the biggest shipping day of the entire year. Mary Jenkins was rushing to the post office to mail her last minute packages in.

"That's why we are here early. We thought we were going to be one of the first but that didn't work out," says Jenkins.

Mary Jenkins says she was behind on getting her Christmas shopping done. THat's why she waited until to mail them out.

"We have to get them out. One goes to Georgia, one goes to Virginia. So yeah we are at a deadline," Jenkins said.

For Jenkins and other last minute mailers, they may be dealing with long lines today.

Karen Mazurkiewicz, spokesperson for the U.S. Postal Service said, "Today is the busiest mailing day of the year. We know that from experience that we will have the most customers coming as they do their holiday shopping and cards over the weekend, wanting to get them out and into the mail."

The U.S. Postal Service expects to handle nearly 18 billion letters during the holidays. This Henrietta facility will handle nearly six million packages.Thankfully there are ways to save time.

"You can pick up your stamps at a local retailer, they sell holiday stamps. When you get here make sure you are prepared. Make sure your package is put together, you have a good address on it, " Mazurkiewicz said.

Waiting last minute or not, your packages could make someone's Christmas extra special.

"Some of them are for children, so they will love it," Jenkins said.