Postal Service prepares for holiday shipping season

COLUMBIA, S.C. (CNN) – The US Postal Service is gearing up to help customers ship some 15 and a half billion cards, letters and packages in time for Christmas. It’s also aiming to cash in on the holiday by offering festive stamps, packaging and even gift cards. To make sure your package is delivered on time, the agency suggests sending gifts a little early. Taking advantage of the Postal Services online postage and free package pick-up may help as well. Check out usps.com for recommended mailing and shipping dates for holiday cards and gifts. To ensure that holiday mail and packages are delivered in time for Christmas, the Postal Service recommends the following mailing and shipping deadlines: Dec. 2 – first-class mail international Dec. 2 – priority mail international Dec. 10 – priority mail express international Dec. 15 – standard post Dec. 17 – global express guaranteed Dec. 20 – first-class mail Dec. 20 – priority mail Dec. 23 – priority mail express