WASHINGTON (AP) -- The U.S. Postal Service will deliver packages on Sundays in major cities and high volume areas during the holiday season.<br />
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Seven-day delivery will run from Nov. 17 through Christmas Day in response to anticipated growing demands.<br />
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The agency expects 12 percent growth in its package business this holiday season, or in the range of about 450 to 470 million packages.<br />
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The Postal Service says demand for package services has grown as online retailers ship more products to their customers.<br />
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"Football has its season. But the holidays? That's our season. That's crunch time for us," Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe said, in a statement. "E-commerce package business continues to be a big player now more than ever, so we've enhanced our network to ensure America that we'll deliver their cards, gifts and letters in time for the holidays."<br />
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The struggling agency lost $2 billion this spring despite increasing its volume and charging consumers more to send mail.<br />
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The Postal Service is an independent agency that receives no tax dollars for day-to-day operations but is subject to congressional control.<br />
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For expected delivery by Christmas, the agency recommends these mailing and shipping deadlines:<br />
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- Dec. 2 - International first-class or priority mail<br />
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- Dec. 10 - International express priority mail<br />
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- Dec. 15 - Standard post<br />
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- Dec. 17 - Guaranteed global express<br />
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- Dec. 20 - Domestic first-class or priority mail<br />
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- Dec. 23 - Domestic express priority mail
