INDIANAPOLIS — If you're shipping a gift, now is the time to get it in the mail.
Jason Terrell is a United States postal carrier who has been getting goods to his customers for almost 22 years.
"I'm kind of like Santa's helper," Terrell laughed. "Letter mail has decreased, but the packages have increased."
After all of the mail is loaded into his truck, Terrell is off to the races.
Susan Wright with the U.S. Postal Service said this time of year is peak season.
"(It) is the time between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. So, it is all hands-on deck," Wright said.
Before you drop off any letter or package, make sure it's taped securely and addressed correctly.
"Do not guess on a ZIP code. That's our first line of sortation. So, if you get that wrong, you're really going to misdirect your package," Wright said.
And that's something you don't want to risk with deadlines looming.
The USPS deadline for Christmas cards and small packages is Saturday, Dec. 17. The deadline for USPS Priority Mail is Monday, Dec. 19 and Priority Mail Express is Friday, Dec. 23. Priority Mail Express rates start at $27.25.
For FedEx, the Ground Home Delivery deadline is Wednesday, Dec. 14. Same-Day Express is Friday, Dec. 23.
UPS ground says their deadline varies, so check their website. Next Day Air can be sent as late as Thursday, Dec. 22.