6 post offices extend hours

Retail hours will be extended the next two Saturdays at six Utah post offices to make mailing those holiday cards and packages more convenient.

While most post offices are open every Saturday, these post offices will have extended hours on Saturday, Dec. 11, and Saturday, Dec. 18:

• Ogden Main (3680 Pacific Ave.), 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Ogden Ben Lomond (221 N. Washington Blvd.), 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Ogden Mt. Ogden (1145 E. 4600 South), 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Provo Main (95 W. 100 South), 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Provo East Bay (936 S. 250 East), 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• West Valley City (3490 S. 4400 West), 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

In addition, the Salt Lake City Airport Post Office, located just south of the main terminal, is open 24 hours a day, every day. Automated Postal Centers are located in the lobbies of 31 Utah post offices. These self-service kiosks are easy to use and accept credit and debit cards.

"We encourage everyone to mail early to ensure those greetings reach loved ones in time," said Salt Lake district manager Ken McArthur, who recommends customers use Priority Mail through Dec. 20, and Express Mail through Christmas Eve, Dec. 24. Last-minute packages can be delivered Christmas Day via Express Mail.

He also offers the following holiday mailing tips:

• Holiday mail deadline for delivery by Christmas to most overseas military locations is Dec. 11, using First Class and Priority Mail, and Dec. 13 to most international locations, using Air Mail. Global Express Mail is available to many locations after these dates.

• Call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) to get the holiday customer service hours of your local post office, rates and ZIP codes. Check out the Postal Service's Web site at www.usps.com for postage calculations, post office locations, ZIP code lookup, plus stamps and unique gifts.

• Print postage-paid shipping labels from the comfort of your home or business using the Postal Service's Click-N-Ship online package service. There is no extra charge for the service, and you receive free delivery confirmation with your packages. Click-N-Ship is available on the postal Web site at www.usps.com/clicknship.

• Include the correct printed address on all cards, letters and packages including name, street, apartment number, city, state and ZIP code. Print return address in the upper left corner.

• For holiday cards and letters, the Post Office offers several colorful 37-cent holiday stamps including Holiday Music Makers, Madonna and Child, Snowmen, Eid, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.

• Seal your package with strong, reinforced packing tape. Do not use paper or string on the outside of package. They can get tangled in mail processing equipment.

• The Postal Service expects the busiest mailing day of the year to be Monday, Dec. 20. The biggest delivery day is expected to be Wednesday, Dec. 22.