It is once again time to ship your holiday packages, and Horned Frogs can conveniently
check their list right here on campus.
According to Andy Easley, manager of mail services at TCU, first class mail should
be sent by Dec. 13. The official published date from the United States Post Office is Dec. 18 for the contiguous United States, but, as a retired postmaster, he wouldn’t
push it.
“We always think we have plenty of time, but it sneaks up on us,” he said. “Severe
weather or anything can happen. Unless you’re sending Express, I’d get it in the mail
by Friday, Dec. 13.”
Priority mail can be pushed a bit further till Dec. 19.
The post office simply has a longer turnaround in recent years, with services that
used to take one to three days now taking more like three to five, he explained. This
comes from many factors but is largely driven by a drastic increase in packages and
a decrease in letters sent in the postal system.
However, Easley said that USPS reports that everything is under control and should
run well this holiday season.
“Delivering for America, the strategic plan underway in the postal service, has really
worked toward stabilizing logistics over the last couple of years. There is more automation
in processing plants and a more efficient, increased package capacity.”
Back at the TCU Post Office, Easley reports a full stock of holiday stamps and workers
ready to accept packages. The center accepts cash or credit cards and can ship USPS,
FedEx at discounted rates, UPS with prepaid labels.
They will be open through Friday, Dec. 20, and open again Jan. 6, 2025 for any necessary
returns.
