USPS website a hit this holiday season

BUFFALO, N.Y. (RELEASE) - Forty-one million postal customers will visit the Postal Service’s website, usps.com this holiday season. Some will go for the bargains, others for the convenience.

“Savvy shoppers know the best rates for shipping services like Priority Mail, Express Mail, and International Mail are found online,” said Western New York Retail Manager George Niessing. “Customers purchasing postage online will save up to 11 percent over rates found at the Post Office.”

Customers can also order free Express and Priority Mail packaging (including the Flat Rate Priority Mail Box), request a free carrier pick up, and purchase holiday stamps and stationary at usps.com. For customers on the move, mail can be placed on hold or forwarded through Premium Forwarding Service or by implementing a Change of Address through usps.com also.

“We’re encouraging our customers to skip the trip and save fuel this Yule using usps.com,” said Niessing. “It’s a great time and money saver!”

If online holiday shopping or shipping is not an option, remember that holiday stamps are also available at over 350 Western New York grocery and convenient stores, pharmacies, and banks; by requesting a Stamps By Mail form from the local post office or mail carrier; at one of 28 Automated Postal Centers or by calling 1-800-STAMP-24. A full list is available at usps.com or by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS.

Customers are encouraged to order Flat Rate boxes by Dec. 10, to receive the boxes in time to ship gifts for the holidays.

For more holiday news and information, visit the Postal Service’s interactive holiday press room at www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/2009/holiday/hpr.htm

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.