Wednesday is the deadline for holiday ground shipping

Shipping companies across the nation have noticed a sharp increase in mail and packages since last March.

“I think people couldn’t get together, and so the easiest way to feel connected was to send something,” explained Pack & Ship Owner Crysta Reeves. “Whether a card or a gift package, just something silly to say hey, I was thinking about you. That’s the easiest way to stay connected.”

The increase in online shopping has made holiday shipping even busier than usual.

“If you look at November, December combined, we’re seeing about a 7-10% increase over last year,” said DHL Supply Chain eCommerce President Kraig Foreman.”If you think about last year, last year was an over 20% increase on previous years’.”

“Right after Thanksgiving, we started noticing people coming in, bringing presents,” said Reeves. “Cookies, goodies, sending things out, and it started increasing slowly from there.”

Now, holiday shopping is on a time crunch.

“A lot of people, I think, especially with the weather being warm, it’s kind of sneaking up on everybody and they’re a little bit surprised by how quickly it’s going to be here,” said Reeves.

“This is now the time you’re going to start to see websites showing cut-offs for guarantees for Christmas delivery,” said Foreman. “Today and tomorrow, you’re really going to see websites show cut-offs for ground delivery.”

Wednesday is the official Christmas deadline for ground shipping. If you miss the deadline, there will be other delivery options, but these options will cost more.

“Anything after the next couple of days, you’re going to be paying an expedited freight charge or premium service charge to get that delivery made,” explained Foreman. “There’s still time, but you really have this week to make that happen, and the longer you wait, the more expensive it will be.”

“Get your packages in,” said Reeves. “If you’re unsure of a box size or anything, we can always help with that. Don’t wait just because you don’t have what you need.”