Post office is humming for the holidays

It’s six days and counting.

According to U.S. Postal Service officials, the Monday before Christmas is traditionally the busiest day of the year at local branches. When they open the doors for business, postal workers often find eager customers waiting at the door hoping to mail last-minute packages for delivery by Christmas.

In Milpitas, the line of customers moved briskly at 10:30 a.m. today as customers with large and small packages made their way to the counter which was fully staffed. In addition, postal supervisor Tess Sanchez worked the line to make sure customers had their packages and envelopes properly addressed, labeled and sealed before they reached the counter.

Sanchez said it’s still not too late to mail a package for delivery in time for Christmas. But she cautioned that time is important and should not be wasted. In order to save time when mailing package, Sanchez said preparation is the key. “Make sure the box if properly taped. Use only two-inch strapping tape for it,” she cautioned. Sanchez emphasized that customers should not use masking tape because it isn’t designed for shipping packages and will come loose.

Of course, a complete and easy-to-read delivery address also is important. Sanchez said that if customers are addressing their packages by hand, a pen with dark and indelible ink works best.

Are there common holiday items that cannot be shipped via USPS?

“Do not mail wine or liquor,” Sanchez said.

The Milpitas post office is located at 450 S. Abel St. It is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. Postal officials can be reached at (800) 275-8777 or (408) 262-0860.