Carmel-by-the-Sea USPS sees big spike in volume this holiday season

CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, Calif. (KION) At the Carmel-by-the-Sea United States Post Office (USPS), the phrase “holiday rush” just doesn’t cut it.

Staff said they have sorted and scanned around 7,500 packages since Monday.

"I have to come everyday. Down here, this is it. There's no delivery at home,” said Carmel-by-the-Sea resident, Jean McFarland. 

McFarland is one of the many residents that has made coming to the post office part of their daily routine. 

For decades, the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea has operated without physical addresses. It’s a considerable challenge for the only post office in town during the busiest time of year. "We start preparing in October.

We put out job listings for extra holiday help. We try to get extra carrier help and extra clerk help,” said Carmel-by-the-Sea USPS Postmaster, Sandy Tamiano. 

The extra help was, no doubt, needed this year. Tamiano said they’ve already seen a 30% increase in the number of the parcels processed, compared to the last holiday season. 

Tamiano said the increase is likely related to the growing popularity of shopping online. "I think it's a combination of things, but especially for convenience. Even for older people, like myself, the convenience of shopping at home is so great,” said Tamiano. 

As the lines grow longer with each day this week, staff recommend coming in at least one hour before closing time to pick up your mail. 

Some said they wouldn’t mind the wait. “This is not just a postal thing. This is our central place for meeting for neighbors and so on. This is our town square,” said McFarland.

For more information on sending and receiving mail in time for the holidays, about.usps.com.