PENNSYLVANIA, USA — As millions took to online shopping this Cyber Monday, package and postal carriers are preparing for another busy year.
"From Thanksgiving to New Year's. Last year, we processed approximately 11 billion pieces of mail, 1.9 billion packages. Just this year, we've already passed 1 billion. Just since Thanksgiving," said Paul Smith, a United States Postal Service spokesperson.
He says as more packages land on porches, the threat of potential porch pirates grows.
"I think every delivery company, it's getting worse over time," said Smith.
With concerns over package thefts growing every year, Smith says the Postal Service allows several different options to keep your deliveries safe.
This includes receiving early notifications when your package is en route, putting your mail on hold if you're out of the area, or signing up for in-person pick-up at the post office.
"There are different things you can do to try and minimize these pirates," said Smith.
If your package is stolen, Smith says there are ways to save your holiday.
"You can file a claim with the Postal Service. Sometimes, the senders will make good on the product that they're selling. Sometimes even credit card companies," said Smith. "So definitely, don't give up and surrender. I would definitely take as much action as you can.
As shippers prepare for the winter rush, Smith says to keep an eye on your packages and the dates they are ordered.
"Adhere to the shipping dates, prepare the package, and we'll get it there on time," said Smith.
Other carriers offer similar package protections.
A spokesperson with UPS listed these tips as ways to protect their customers;
Customers can sign up for a free service called UPS My Choice, which sends an email alert that lets them know when their package is scheduled to be delivered.
If customers are at work during the day, they can use UPS My Choice to have packages delivered to where they work or to a UPS Access Point® location. They can also choose to have their deliveries sent to a relative or neighbor who is home during the day.
Customers can tell our driver where they’d like packages left with UPS My Choice. For example, in the shed in the backyard, or behind the garage. UPS drivers can also enter that information into their handheld computers for future deliveries.