SAN ANTONIO — US Postal Service workers have been loading, driving and delivering mail and packages around the clock, aiming to get gifts and cards to the appropriate homes by Christmas morning.
"That's why we prepare all year round," said USPS Customer Relations Coordinator Christina Moreno. "Christmas is our favorite time of year. We have to bring a lot of Christmas cheer, but we're ready."
KENS 5 Eyewitness News got a look inside the loading dock in San Antonio where mail trucks are loaded as packages, letters and cards are brought to their next step in the delivery process. On Thursday morning, there was a lot of activity.
Workers deliver 800 million packages between Thanksgiving and New Year's, without even factoring in cards and letters. USPS expanded Sunday delivery operations in cities that receive high volumes of packages this year, and will deliver Priority Mail Express packages in some cities on Christmas Day.
To handle increased demand, the USPS is also doing additional Sunday delivery service in major cities, and will also be offering Christmas day delivery for an extra charge in some locations.
Deadlines are approaching for anyone hoping to get mail or gifts to homes on December 25th. The deadline for First Class Mail is December 20, for Priority Mail, December 21st and for Priority Express, December 23.
Some post offices are also opening earlier and staying open later than normal to give customers extra time to get their packages shipped. To see hours at your nearest USPS location, click here.