USPS changing the way they sort packages

COLUMBIA, Md. (KYMA, KECY/ CNN) - Holiday work inside the post office is heating up.

Kiyiana Ray the postmaster for Columbia, MD remarks that, "During the holiday season we can average between 7 to 10,000 packages."

And for the month of December postal workers prefer a certain title.

"We are the original Santa Claus."

In order to maintain the nickname, they have to ensure gifts get to the right address before it's too late..

They also need the right tools

"This allows us to get our parcels and packages up to get our carriers out on the streets," Ray says.

"These sorting machines inside the post office make all the difference in terms of efficiency, with them, sorting packages and parcels take minutes without them it could take hours."

The sorting device is one-of-six inside Maryland and 249 nationally, which makes all

the difference, according to Columbia's Post Master Kiyiana Ray

"It has made a tremendous impact, it's helped me get my parcels up, both in my morning sort and my afternoon sort."

Having enough workers is essential to make sure packages are where they need to be before making it to

their final destination. Although they're holiday ready, they're still looking to bring in more man-power.

Mark Wahl, Strategic Communications Specialist, Atlantic Area says that, "We're stabling the workforce, we're still doing job-fairs we have 3 job fairs scheduled in the Maryland district between today and tomorrow, we're doing seasonal and we're doing career employees as well."

As you get ready to ship before Christmas, here's the dates to keep in mind.

For International packages get it in before December 9. For first class packages, letters & cards december 17.

Priority December 19 and the final deadline for express is December 23. But expect to shell out a few extra dollars.

Wahl continues, "We encourage everyone to mail early but if those who like to put off until the very last minute, we are the United States Postal Service & we are ready."