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Time is ticking to get your Christmas presents in the mail

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Today was considered one of the busiest shipping days of the year according to the US Postal Service.

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Monday is considered one of the busiest shipping days of the year according to the United States Postal Service.

The rush is on to send out Christmas packages so they arrive on time. At the downtown Fresno United States Post Office, the line began before the doors opened Monday morning. "My wife and I just got it together last night and I wrapped them last night," Fresno resident John Martinez said. "I thought I'd get here on time, but there's a long wait."

Martinez was one of the handful people who showed up on what's expected to be the busiest shipping day of the year. He said it's all worth it to send a piece of home to Japan. "The granddaughter loves to get the packages," Martinez said. "She opens them up and digs in and sees what it is, she loves the clothes, the toys, whatever we send her."

Also in line, Keith Dickey of Fresno. "I needed to get a package out to Montana for Christmas," he said. Dickey came with memorable Christmas and birthday presents to ship, ones he believes will make it on time.

"I think they are going to get it there," Dickey said. "They said by Friday, I cant complain about that."

But getting gifts across the world before Santa arrives is a challenge this season. UPS and FedEx say with the sky rocketing number of people buying online this year, making on-time deliveries a challenge this holiday season.

As for Catrina Draper, she's hoping this present will make to Seattle on time, but no matter what it's the thought that counts. "It's a blessing to be able to give in this day and age with all the cut backs and layoffs," Draper said. "Just to be able to be employed and to be a blessing to your family and friends, it feels good."

When it comes to shipping deadlines, the USPS said standard post is Tuesday and first class is Saturday. For FedEx, ground is December 16 and UPS is December 18th.

From the USPS to FedEx, this is the week to ship out your packages, or else experts say you have to shell out the extra cash to make sure your gift arrives on time.