US Postal Service processes millions of packages and letters amid holiday season

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – The U.S. Postal Service continues to push through the holiday season, working to get packages and mail to people on time.

The Charleston Processing and Distribution Center is receiving, sorting, and scanning millions of packages and letters daily. However, the postal service has invested in new technology to make that process faster. The plant now has the Single Induction Package Sorter (SIPS) machine, allowing for items to get through at a faster rate with more reliability.

“It processes up to 4500 packages per hour and the good thing about it is that it sorts larger boxes. Whereas our SPS is kind of limited to the size, ” Vincent Risoli, plant manager of USPS, said. “It is much needed and really helped us stay fluid through peak.”

Officials stated this is “peak season,” meaning they are doing their best to get through a high volume of packages to make deliveries arrive on time.

“We have processed 1.4 million packages so far, since Thanksgiving. Our letters probably processed about 4 million letters to that cancellation machine we just looked at, and automation about 14 million letters since Thanksgiving, so it’s been busy,” said Risoli.

Though employees said the high volume is something they are used to seeing around this time of year.

“It’s hectic but I mean for me I’ve been here for so long – it’s kind of the same to me,” Tae Dukes, employee of USPS, said. “They kind of emphasize like you trying to get as much volume as possible because they want people to get their packages on time for Christmas. So, that’s very important for us.”

However, as the machines and employees work hard to make the holidays special, they emphasize patience is key.

“Just keep your patience, don’t get overly frustrated. There are a lot of dedicated men and women behind the scenes to get every package where it needs to be for the holiday season and all year long.”

The deadline for shipping with USPS ground and first-class is Dec. 18 while priority mail is Dec. 19. The latest day for USPS priority mail express is Dec. 21.