Post office ready for holiday mail rush

By Staff
Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
The Christmas mail rush is fast approaching and the Hartselle Post Office is prepared to meet the challenge, according to Ted Hyche, postmaster.
"This is the busiest time of the year for us in Hartselle as well as all of the other post offices around the country," Hecht stated. "We expect to handle thousands and thousands of incoming and outgoing gift packages, letters and greeting cards before Dec. 25. Bring it on, we're ready! But I highly recommend that you don't wait until the last minute."
Hyche said he expects the mail rush to peak on Dec. 20 for outgoing mail. "Many of our patrons will use the weekend before to address their greeting cards and they'll come to us on the Monday after," he explained. "We'll have all three of our service windows staffed that day. We'll also have all of our regular carriers on duty as well as all the extra help we can get. We'll do everything we can to make sure that the work is done as quickly and smoothly as possible."
"We actually look forward to this time of the year," Hyche stated. "You'll see our employees wearing their Christmas sweat shirts and going the extra mile to help meet the needs of our patrons."
He offered the following guidelines for preparing and mailing gift packages and other holiday mail:
PREPARING PACKAGES
. Select a box that is strong enough to protect the contents.
. Package contents with shredded or rolled newspaper, bubble wrap or Styrofoam peanuts. Pack tightly to avoid shifting.
. Secure package with tape that is designed for shipping.
. Print addresses clearly.
. Put the delivery and return addresses on only one side of the package.
SUGGESTED MAILING DEADLINES
. Parcel Post should be mailed no later than the first week in December
. Priority mail should be used until December 22
. Express mail should be used beginning December 23.