One week before Christmas, postal workers are cranking out packages around the clock, seven days a week at the Tampa processing facility.
If your gift is not on the assembly line, you may be in a line at the post office or heading there soon.
“We see it, we feel it, we are busier,” said USPS spokesperson Jane Donaldson.
Monday marks the busiest shipping day for USPS -- up 10 percent from last year.
The continuous influx of people has many packing their patience.
But some are learning the hard way. If you didn’t pack correctly, expect to get out of line, adding more time to your trip.
“I was trying to expedite the process and give them 34 envelopes and have them automatically stamped, but I wasn't able to do that,” said John DeNicola.
So DeNicola is left hand stamping each letter.
Stacey Dupell forgot to address her box, forcing her to turn around too.
“I did nothing they told me, I didn't get my tag prepared or print anything out or weigh it,” said Dupell.
To make sure that doesn’t happen to you, follow these five steps before you go to the post office.
- If you wrapped a gift, place it in a plain larger box
- Remove all batteries from electronics
- On the outside print the to and from address clearly and in caps
- Pay and print postage from USPS.com
- You can schedule a pick-up online
Whatever option you choose, just know this: If you are shipping standard, Tuesday is the last day it will be guaranteed before Christmas.
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