New USPS Service Standards Could Bring Holiday Shipping Delays

On October 1, the United States Postal Service (USPS) announced new service standards ahead of the holiday season. They were implemented as part of the "Delivering For America" strategic plan to make postal services more consistent, reliable, and efficient. 

While the goal is to improve services, the USPS says the new standards could lead to a one or two day delay for some first class mail items and periodicals traveling long distances. 

People and businesses in Sussex County told WRDE their mail has already been late recently. Some say they never received certain items at all.

"I do actually have a sign in front of the store that says our whole store is 25 dollars and under, and that all of the things in the store are great for holiday shopping, for all your stocking stuffers, and things to start getting prepared now because I can't promise you that when Christmas time comes or when holidays come that I'll have the things that they want in stock," Jessica Charles, Manager of Top It Off, said. 

While a spokesperson from the USPS tells us delays aren't expected for most shipments, they do encourage you to mail first-class items that require deadline early. 

Along with the new policy also come increased shipping prices. Cost to ship items could increase by 25 cents up to five dollars, depending on weight and location.

The USPS aren't the only ones experiencing delays. Numerous shipping companies have faced delays since the start of the pandemic for various reasons, including employee shortages and port backlogs. 

Charles says Top It Off is just receiving summer shipments due to backlogging, and the store encourages you to start your holiday shopping now. 

"We're whole sale and we sell to about 2,000 boutiques all around the world and half our catalog is already starting to be out of stock because everyone is just stocking up," Charles said.

We reached out to the United Parcel Service (UPS), who told us the aren't expecting any delays going into the holidays. 

USPS shipping rates will return to normal on December 26. In the meantime, they do need help during the busy season and will be hosting job fairs throughout Delaware.