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post officeSACRAMENTO-

The deadline to get first class packages delivered by Christmas day was last Friday but Monday was busy for many post offices as well because customers could still get express priority mail delivered by Christmas Day.

The flat rate box for priority mail cost about $40, more if the item is larger. In some cases, that’s about three times more than first class.

Still, the Christmas delivery guarantee only applies to certain areas.  One woman, who only wanted to be known as Maria, was concerned about paying too much to ship a present to New York in time for Wednesday.

“If it ends up being a whole bunch more, I really don’t want to do it,” she said.

She was told it would cost about $62 to get her small package there on Thursday, but she decided to do it anyway.

“It may not get there on Christmas Day, but Thursday’s just fine. It’s still worth it,” Maria said.

People were picking up packages too.  Diane Gomez was glad to pick up presents sent to her grandchildren from relatives in Arizona.  Gomez said it’s important to have the presents by Christmas and even a day late is not good enough.

“You have to have that enjoyment of Christmas at that time,” Gomez said.

Customers could also pay an extra $12.50 to get a Christmas Day delivery of express priority mail in some instances.  Postal workers deliver on Christmas Day, unlike UPS and FedEx.

UPS does offer a critical delivery system for items like organ donations or parts critical to keep factories running.  A package from Richmond, Va. to New York City, for instance, could cost about $1,000.

A special package shipment on Christmas day from Sacramento to Seattle would cost around $230.