Long Post Office Lines Expected

But There Are Alternatives To Waiting In Line For A Window Clerk

(CBS)  Going to the post office Monday? You may find some long lines, because the Monday before Christmas is always the busiest day for the Postal Service.

"The card and letter volume triples to about 280 million, and that pushes our daily volume that day up to about 850 million pieces," U.S. Postal Service spokesman Paul Herrington tells CBSNews.com's Lloyd de Vries.

Harrington says customers who want to minimize their wait can use the Postal Service's online services, at www.USPS.com, or through new machines on hand in some post offices.

"In the past 7-month period, we've installed 2,500 Automated Postal Centers, self-service kiosks, at which customers can buy stamps, weigh and mail packages, in one simple transaction," Harrington said.

The machines accept credit and debit cards, but not cash or checks, and Harrington says they're easy to use.

Mailers can pay their postage online and then ask the USPS to pick up their packages, as part of its Click 'n Ship program.

The USPS Web site also can give correct ZIP codes and find the nearest post office, as well as retail stores selling stamps. The site even creates maps showing how to get there.

String isn't allowed on packages because it could get caught in the sorting machines, and if you're paying extra for faster service, Harrington says skip the brown wrapping paper.

"If someone is using one of the premier services, the Express Mail or Priority Mail, the kraft paper might cause it to be misdirected," he explains.

Harrington suggests using the free boxes offered for Priority Mail, which come in "two sizes. Fit all you can into them for one flat rate."

That rate is $7.70.

Rates for overnight delivery, Express Mail, begin at $13.65 for a half pound or less, and even will be delivered Christmas Day.

Sometimes the mail carriers even show up dressed as Santa.