COVID-19, Record Holiday Volume Leading to Nationwide Shipping Delays

Some Americans are missing a few gifts for Christmas due to delays with the United States Postal Service.

Given the COVID-19 pandemic and record-setting mail and package orders this holiday season, the U. S. Postal Service said its 644,000 employees have been doing everything in their power to get every package delivered on time.

Scott Claussen said the pandemic has forced him to do more shopping online.

“You don’t have near as much exposure,” Claussen said.

Claussen said he has experienced delays over the past several weeks, even receiving several emails from the U.S. Postal Service.

According to the United States Postal Service, record holiday volume compounded by a temporary employee shortage due to COVID-19 and capacity challenges with airlifts and trucking for moving this historic volume of mail are leading to temporary delays.

“I feel like I have seen it more often this year than I have in the past.”

Claussen said even with delays, he was lucky enough to get his packages just in time for Christmas day.

The U.S. Postal Service said it will continue to flex its network, including making sure the right equipment is available to sort, process and deliver a historic volume of mail and packages this holiday season.

Claussen said he would not be surprised to see delays continue through the first quarter of next year.

“It might be the norm in the beginning, but I think we are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel," said Claussen.

The U.S. Postal Service encourages customers to send their holiday gifts and cards as soon as possible.