WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Postal Service says it is fully prepared to handle this year’s holiday shipping rush, following nearly $20 billion in modernization investments that have expanded capacity, streamlined delivery operations, and shortened delivery times across its network.
Postmaster General and CEO David Steiner said the Postal Service has entered its 250th year “ready to deliver for the American public” during what is expected to be one of its busiest seasons in recent history.
“The Postal Service plans throughout the year to deliver the nation’s mail and packages during the high-volume holiday season and we are well prepared and ready to deliver for the American public,” Steiner said. “We expect to continue gaining market share in our package business because of the strong value and reliability we provide.”
Expanding Processing Capacity
Over the past five years, the Postal Service has installed more than 600 high-speed package sorting machines, raising its daily processing capacity from 60 million to 88 million packages. The new automated scanners provide real-time tracking and have improved throughput, allowing the agency to handle larger volumes of packages and mail with faster turnaround times.
In December 2024, USPS delivered 45 percent more packages per operating day than its competitors, in addition to handling more than 350 million pieces of mail daily.
Workforce and Facility Expansion
USPS has continued stabilizing its workforce by converting more than 232,000 pre-career employees to full-time positions since 2020. For this year’s holiday season, it plans to hire 14,000 seasonal employees, a substantial reduction from the 40,000 temporary hires required just a few years ago — a sign of stronger year-round staffing levels.
To accommodate growth, the Postal Service has opened new facilities in Dallas, Phoenix, and Johnson City, Tennessee, with additional sites in Memphis, Birmingham, Tampa, and San Antonio slated to open before year’s end. In total, USPS has opened nine regional processing and distribution centers, 19 transfer hubs, 17 local processing centers, and 133 sorting and delivery centers in the past four years.
Improved Service Standards
In July, USPS updated its delivery standards to expand two- and three-day turnaround service within the same regional service areas. The agency reports that it now delivers mail and packages in less than three days on average, maintaining the fastest overall delivery time among major carriers while remaining the most affordable shipping option.
New Fleet, Greater Sustainability
As part of its ongoing modernization effort, USPS has received nearly 29,000 new vehicles this year, deploying more than 24,000 on delivery routes. The agency plans to acquire over 106,000 new vehicles in total, including 66,000 zero-emission electric models, marking a major step toward sustainability.
Looking Ahead
The Postal Service says customers can continue to expect affordable and dependable options this season, including USPS Ground Advantage, Priority Mail, and Priority Mail Express, all of which include $100 in insurance and tracking at no additional cost.
In addition to extended post office hours, proactive scanning, and early parcel delivery programs, USPS emphasized that it continues to offer the lowest postage rates in the industrialized world.
With service standards holding steady and infrastructure investments in place, the Postal Service says it is ready for what it calls the “nation’s largest annual logistics operation” — ensuring holiday greetings, gifts, and packages reach nearly 169 million addresses on time.
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