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Time is growing short to mail those Christmas packages

Huntington City Post Office employee Wayne Kelton (left) assists Darrin Malone with mailing a parcel. The post office says due to an increased volume of packages, customers need to plan ahead to avoid delays.
Huntington City Post Office employee Wayne Kelton (left) assists Darrin Malone with mailing a parcel. The post office says due to an increased volume of packages, customers need to plan ahead to avoid delays. Photo by Andre B. Laird.

With time winding down, residents looking to ship parcels to friends and loved ones have only a few days left to ensure they make Christmas.

Julie Przybylinski, supervisor of customer service at the Huntington City Post Office, says that during the busy season, hours of operations are slightly modified.

"Now, through Dec. 23, we will operate under normal hours, which are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday," Przybylinski states. "On Christmas Eve, (Dec. 24) and New Year's Eve (Dec. 31), we will be open from 8 a.m. to noon."

In terms of choices for mailing, Przybylinski says that Express Mail will ship overnight guaranteed, as usual. However, the same does not apply to priority or parcel post.

"We handling up to three times the normal load because of the holidays," she states. "Also, a lot of stores have been paying for shipping when you buy from them and that increases the load also."

Przybylinski says that priority mail, which usually takes two to three days, will now take four to five to get to its destination. The wait is even longer for parcel post.

"Parcel post is the least expensive and as such has the least priority," Przybylinski states. "If you choose that option, the package won't make Christmas. It usually takes seven to 10 days, but because of the increased volume, it's now going to take 10 to 14 days."

Przybylinski says that customers should anticipate at least one extra day even for parcels mailed within the same zip code.

She adds that customers should also anticipate long lines in the lobby and the wait can be avoided or shortened with proper planning by visiting www.usps.com.

"You can jump online and input your parcel's weight and get a delivery confirmation number and insurance," says Przybylinski. "There is also a big discount for those who choose to do so online."

For more information, contact the post office at 356-0920.

The Huntington City Post Office is located at 330 W. Market St.