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YOUNGSTOWN -- Deadlines are fast approaching for mailing and shipping holiday packages, and some already have passed.
"If they have it ready, they should get it there as soon as possible," Naddia Dhalai, U.S. Postal Service spokesperson, said.
Dhalai said the deadline for ground transport was Saturday. The deadline for three-day Priority mail is Wednesday, and Thursday for Priority Express mail, if packages are to arrive on or before Dec. 23. But Dhalai said factors like winter weather could cause delays, so customers should use caution.
"We do the best we can and we're the best at it, but these are just guidelines, so the sooner the better," she said.
Dhalai said this is the Postal Service's busiest week of the year, and while USPS has seen an increase in packages, Dhalai said they are well-equipped to handle it.
"Last year, we processed and delivered 12 billion pieces nationwide," she said. "It seems like it's just as busy as previous years, but we did increase our daily capacity to 70 million, which is 10 million more than last year."
Dhalai said USPS has installed 348 new package sorting machines and hired an additional 10,000 seasonal employees nationwide.
Renee Twitty, postmaster at the Youngstown post office, said the branch has seen a year-over-year increase of about 5%.
Twitty's branch, which also serves Boardman, Austintown, and Poland has been busy since peak season began, around Black Friday. She said the Youngstown office has processed more than 222,800 parcels since Nov. 18. Twitty added the branch handled 35,000 parcels in Youngstown alone last week, not including the packages going to and from the suburban communities.
According to Twitty, her office is even better equipped and staffed than it was last year and has been managing the volume well.
"I know the Post Office is the best at what we do," she said. "We also assist UPS and FedEx and Amazon. We're providing the customers with cards and packages and bringing it all to their door seven days a week."
UPS spokesperson Mechelle Stanchfield said the company also has seen a significant increase in volume this year, but expects to deliver without a hitch.
"Experts are predicting an increase in holiday sales, but we are well-positioned," she said. "During peak days, we expect to deliver more than 30 million packages a day around the world."
Stanchfield said UPS domestic deadlines also are coming up quickly. The deadline for 3-Day Select is Tuesday; Wednesday for 2nd Day Air; and Thursday for Next Day Air, with a Saturday delivery option.
For delivery to Canada and Mexico, Stanchfield said the deadline for UPS Worldwide Expedited shipping is Tuesday, and Wednesday for Worldwide Express.
"We're well-positioned to deliver the same reliable services our customers depend on year-round during the holiday shopping season," Stanchfield said.
She said UPS also offers convenient online tools like UPS My Choice, for receiving texts and email alerts about package arrivals, leaving instructions for delivery drivers and setting up and confirming delivery locations. Customers can also use UPS Access Point to deliver or receive packages at any one of approximately 20,000 retail locations nationwide.
Stanchfield said UPS.com also provides helpful tips on packaging and shipping, as well as information on possible discounts.
FedEx and DHL did not respond to requests for interviews for this article.
Deadlines to send a box
USPS 3-day -- Wednesday
USPS Express -- Thursday
UPS 3-day select -- Tuesday
UPS 2nd Day Air -- Wednesday
UPS Next Day Air -- Thursday