Happy New Year! The Business Mail Resolutions Worth Keeping This Year

The calendar has flipped, inboxes are filling back up, and teams everywhere are stepping into the new year with fresh goals and a little extra optimism. January always carries that “clean slate” energy — new plans, new budgets, new chances to do things better than last year.

But while personal resolutions tend to fade by February, your business mail doesn’t have the luxury of falling off track. Notices still need to go out. Invoices still need to land on time. Compliance deadlines don’t care that it’s a new year.

So instead of promising big changes that won’t stick, let’s talk about business mail resolutions worth keeping — the kind that quietly make the rest of the year smoother.

If your goal is to send mail online with less stress, fewer mistakes, and more confidence, these resolutions are a great place to start.

Resolution #1: Stop Being a Last-Minute Panic

Every year starts the same way. Volume ramps up fast. Teams are back online. Deadlines arrive earlier than expected. And suddenly, mail becomes a scramble again.

Stacks of paper. Rushed approvals. Someone asking, “Did this already go out?” at 4:58 PM.

This year, business mail can resolve to be calmer.

When you send mail online through a centralized system, timing stops being a guessing game. Jobs move through a clear workflow. Deadlines are visible. Mail gets out when it should — not when someone finally has time to print and stuff envelopes.

A smoother January sets the tone for the entire year. Less panic now means fewer fire drills later.

Resolution #2: Be Easier to Trust

Trust matters more than speed when it comes to business-critical mail.

In the new year, mail should resolve to:

Provide proof when it matters
Show a clear audit trail
Remove doubt from compliance-related sending

That’s why so many teams are moving Certified Mail online instead of relying on manual processes or Post Office runs. Tracking, confirmation, and documentation shouldn’t live in someone’s inbox or a spreadsheet.

When mail is easy to trust, teams stop double-checking everything. Confidence replaces uncertainty — and that’s a resolution worth keeping.

Resolution #3: Stop Eating Up Everyone’s Time

No one starts the year hoping to spend hours printing, sorting, stuffing, or fixing small mailing errors.

And yet, manual mail workflows quietly steal time from:

Operations teams
Finance departments
Legal staff
Office managers

This year, business mail can resolve to stay in its lane.

A modern print and mail service handles the repetitive work automatically — formatting, printing, inserting, and sending — so your team can focus on higher-value tasks. January is the perfect time to remove busywork before it becomes routine again.

The less time mail takes, the more momentum teams keep as the year unfolds.

Resolution #4: Work Better With Digital Tools

Being “digital-first” doesn’t mean physical mail disappears. It means mail works with your digital systems instead of against them.

The best workflows today are digital-to-physical:

Files are uploaded online
Data flows cleanly from existing systems
Physical mail is triggered automatically

Instead of jumping between tools, teams manage everything in one place. This resolution isn’t about abandoning mail — it’s about modernizing how it fits into daily operations.

When business mail integrates smoothly, it stops feeling like a separate chore and starts feeling like part of a smart process.

Resolution #5: Stay Boring (In the Best Way)

Here’s the truth no one puts on a vision board: successful business mail is boring.

It shows up.
It follows the rules.
It doesn’t create surprises.

And that’s exactly what you want.

In the new year, mail doesn’t need to impress anyone. It just needs to be reliable. When notices go out correctly, invoices arrive on time, and compliance mail is handled consistently, teams barely notice — and that’s a win.

Boring mail means fewer escalations, fewer mistakes, and fewer headaches. It’s the kind of resolution that quietly pays off all year long.

If Your Mail Could Talk…

Just for fun, here’s what business mail might promise this year if it could actually talk:

“I won’t wait until the last minute anymore.”
“I’ll stop living in spreadsheets.”
“I’ll show proof when you need it.”
“I’ll take less time and cause fewer problems.”

Not bad goals, honestly.

A Fresh Start That Actually Sticks

The start of the year doesn’t require a massive overhaul. Often, it’s the small operational improvements made early that carry teams through the busiest months ahead.

If your goal this year is to send mail online with fewer mistakes, clearer tracking, and less stress, now is the perfect time to set those resolutions in motion.

Here’s to a calmer January, smoother workflows, and business mail that actually keeps its promises.

To learn more about LetterStream, click here.

LetterStream offers bulk printing and mailing services allowing companies to send physical mail online. Whether it’s online Certified Mail, First-Class Mail, FedEx 2Day, or postcards, we give both small businesses and large corporations the time and freedom back to work on tasks that better serve the company. If you’re interested in creating a free account you can do so, here.

Mail Delays in Winter and How to Handle Them

Winter weather can slow down mail, but it doesn’t need to slow down communication. When snow and storms hit, the most important thing customers want to know is simple: What’s happening, and what should we expect? This guide explains what parts of the mailing process businesses truly control during winter delays—and how clarity helps prevent confusion and frustration.

What Winter Weather Impacts—and What It Doesn’t

During severe weather, there’s a clear line between the steps a business controls and the steps that fall to the carriers. Understanding that line makes it easier to communicate realistic timelines.

What Businesses Can Control

Even during winter storms, several parts of the workflow stay fully within your control. You decide when mail is prepared, how accurate it is, and when it’s handed off to the carrier. Print quality stays consistent regardless of the forecast, and you can give customers tracking information so they always know where their mail is in the process.

Many organizations rely on LetterStream’s online mailing tools to keep these steps steady. Because everything is created and managed digitally, businesses can continue sending mail online quickly, accurately, and reliably—even when the weather outside is unpredictable.

What Businesses Cannot Control

Once the carrier has the mail piece, winter weather can affect travel routes, staffing, and regional processing times. Storms may slow local transportation, ground flights, or create bottlenecks at certain facilities. These delays are outside your hands, but how you explain them to your customers is not.

How to Set Clear Expectations With Customers During Storms

Transparent communication is one of the most effective tools during winter weather. Customers want to know what’s happening and appreciate early, honest updates.

A simple email message often works best:
“Your letter was sent on ____. Because of regional winter weather, it may take a little extra time to move through the carrier’s system. You can follow its progress using the tracking link provided.”

This type of wording acknowledges the situation without sounding alarmed or placing blame.

For time-sensitive documents—such as invoices, tax forms, or year-end notices—it can help to send them a little earlier than usual. Many businesses also find it useful to review approaching weather patterns or local carrier advisories so they can anticipate possible slowdowns.

Helping Customers Stay Informed Without Overexplaining

Most customers don’t need a deep dive into postal operations; they simply want to know that their mail is on its way and that someone is paying attention. Clear, calm updates go a long way. Pointing customers to tracking information reduces guesswork and gives them confidence that the process is still moving, even if slowly.

This is also where a consistent workflow matters. When businesses use tools like LetterStream to print and send their mail online, they know that everything was prepared correctly and handed off promptly. That consistency provides a reliable foundation for customer communication, even when the weather adds some unpredictability.

Clarity Builds Trust in Winter

Winter weather is unavoidable, but confusion doesn’t have to be. When businesses understand what they control—and communicate honestly about what they don’t—customers stay informed and confident, even during unpredictable weather events.

To learn more about LetterStream or to sign up for a free account, click here.

LetterStream offers bulk printing and mailing services allowing companies to send physical mail online. Whether it’s online Certified Mail, First-Class Mail, FedEx 2Day, or postcards, we give both small businesses and large corporations that time and freedom back to work on tasks that better serve the company. If you’re interested in creating a free account, you can do so here.

Easily Stay Ahead of USPS Delays During the Holiday Season

The holiday season isn’t just busy for shoppers — it’s crunch time for the mailroom. Every delay, missed deadline, or late delivery can impact customer satisfaction when it matters most.

When the holidays arrive, the mailroom transforms overnight. What’s usually a steady rhythm of outgoing letters, statements, and documents suddenly turns into a whirlwind of holiday cards, notices, and year-end communications. For companies that depend on timely mail, this seasonal surge can make the difference between satisfied clients and missed deadlines.

For businesses using a print and mail service like LetterStream, the holidays don’t have to mean chaos. Understanding USPS patterns, preparing early, and relying on automated printing and mailing tools can help you navigate the busiest postal season with ease.

Why the Holiday Mail Rush Happens

Every December, the United States Postal Service (USPS) experiences its peak season. Billions of pieces of mail move through sorting facilities in just a few short weeks. While USPS scales up to meet demand, the volume is staggering — and even small hiccups can ripple across the system.

Mail centers become congested, trucks fill to capacity, and planes get grounded by weather delays. Even First-Class and Priority Mail can take longer than expected to arrive. Add in limited operating days around major holidays, and it’s easy to see why December delivery times can be unpredictable.

USPS has long advised both businesses and consumers to send mail early. In fact, it regularly updates its Holiday Shipping Deadlines page each year to remind mailers that the week before Christmas is the busiest of all. For organizations sending compliance documents, invoices, or legal mail, waiting until mid-December is often too late.

What the USPS Wants You to Know

Each year, USPS publishes guidance to help mailers plan ahead. For example, the agency’s holiday cutoff dates indicate when items should be dropped off or entered into the mail stream to reach their destination by December 25.

Those who use a print and mail service like LetterStream gain a big advantage here — they can schedule mailings ahead of time and automatically hit those deadlines without the stress of manual preparation. The bottom line: the earlier you send, the more predictable your results.

How Businesses Can Stay Ahead of the Holiday Surge

If you treat December like any other mailing month, you’ll likely run into delays. But with the right systems and timing, you can avoid the holiday overwhelm and delays altogether. Here’s how companies using LetterStream stay ahead.

1. Start Early and Build in Buffer Time

Success during the holidays starts with planning. Businesses that map out their holiday and year-end communications in advance save themselves from last-minute stress. Schedule your statements, compliance letters, and notices to go out before the USPS cutoff dates, not after.

With LetterStream’s SaaS platform, you can easily send mail online by uploading your files, choosing your mail type (First-Class, Certified, or FedEx 2Day), and scheduling your mailings for production ahead of time. Once it’s in our system, you can trust it’ll move when it needs to, no Post Office lines or last-minute runs required.

2. Match Your Mail Class to Your Message

During the holidays, every day counts. Certified Mail online or FedEx 2Day may be worth the extra investment when timing and accountability matter. LetterStream’s dashboard allows you to select the appropriate mail class and track delivery progress. You’ll always know when your documents are delivered.

3. Set Expectations and Communicate Early

Even the best-planned mailing strategy can be disrupted by weather or unexpected volume surges. That’s why proactive communication is key. Let recipients know when to expect their mail, and alert them early if USPS service updates suggest possible delays.

By keeping your audience informed, you reduce inbound calls and maintain trust — even if a few envelopes take a little longer to arrive.

4. Monitor USPS Alerts and Prepare Contingencies

The USPS regularly updates its Service Alerts page with weather advisories and regional disruptions. Checking those updates can help you stay informed about potential issues that could affect delivery times.

LetterStream clients also have the benefit of tracking their outgoing mail in real time (with Certified Mail and FedEx 2Day), helping them decide when to follow up digitally or resend critical documents via a faster class if needed (this applies to Certified Mail only). Automation gives your team the flexibility to adapt when things don’t go according to plan.

What the Great Mail Rush Teaches Businesses

The holiday rush reminds us that mail is still a vital part of doing business. Whether you’re sending compliance mail, invoices, or customer notices, physical mail continues to be a trusted, tangible form of communication.

But during peak seasons, manual processes can become your biggest bottleneck. Printing, folding, and stuffing envelopes by hand — especially at scale — can easily create backlogs. That’s why companies that rely on automated printing and mailing systems perform better under pressure.

LetterStream eliminates the manual work by handling the printing, sorting, sealing, and mailing for you. You simply upload your files and let automation do the rest. That means fewer headaches, fewer missed deadlines, and a lot less stress for your team.

Your Mailing Prepared

The “Great Mail Rush” doesn’t have to bring chaos to your business. When you plan early, automate your printing and mailing, and stay informed about USPS updates, you’ll find that even the busiest season can run smoothly.

Because when it comes to business mail, time matters — but preparation matters more.

To learn more about LetterStream, click here.

LetterStream offers bulk printing and mailing services allowing companies to send physical mail online. Whether it’s online Certified Mail, First-Class Mail, FedEx 2Day, or postcards, we give both small businesses and large corporations that time and freedom back to work on tasks that better serve the company. If you’re interested in creating a free account, you can do so here.

Mail It Before End of Year

The Last-Minute Mail Marathon: Don’t Panic, LetterStream Has Your Back

The end of the year is here, and you’re the one tasked with getting all the business-critical mail out the door. Whether it’s statements, invoices, or notices, the pressure is real. With just two days left, it’s time to face the facts: there’s no room for error and no time for standing in line at the Post Office. But fear not—LetterStream.com is here to save the day!

Skip the Post Office: Let LetterStream Handle the Heavy Lifting

Why waste precious time battling long lines and dodging grumpy last-minute shoppers at the Post Office? With LetterStream’s Print and Mail services, you can handle everything from the comfort of your desk—or your favorite coffee shop (we won’t tell your boss).

LetterStream takes care of the whole process:
• Printing your documents.
• Stuffing envelopes.
• Addressing and applying postage.
• Mailing your critical correspondence on time.

All you need to do is upload your documents to LetterStream.com, customize your mailing preferences, and let us handle the rest. It’s that easy.

Why “Do It All Yourself” Is a Terrible Idea

You might be tempted to grab the office printer, some envelopes, and a stack of stamps. Let’s break down why that’s a recipe for disaster:
• Time Drain: Do you really have hours to spare folding papers and licking envelopes?
• Cost: Have you seen the price of printer ink lately? It’s practically liquid gold.
• Mistakes: A missed page or misaddressed envelope could cost your business more than just embarrassment.

With LetterStream, you’ll save time, reduce costs, and eliminate errors.

Tick-Tock: The Clock Is Ticking!

Those deadlines aren’t going to wait, and neither should you. The beauty of LetterStream’s services is that we specialize in fast, accurate, and professional mail handling, even when time is tight.

We’ve got you covered with:
• Certified Mail for critical legal documents.
• First-Class Mail for invoices and notices.
• FedEx 2-Day Shipping for when it really needs to arrive ASAP.

No minimum quantities, no contracts, just efficient and stress-free mailing solutions.

Make Next Year Easier—Start Using LetterStream Today

Why stop at a last-minute save? LetterStream can become your go-to solution for mailing all year round. Give yourself the gift of peace in the office—no more scrambling to meet deadlines or juggling envelopes.

The Bottom Line: Don’t Wait Another Second

If you’re staring down the end-of-year mailing deadline, don’t panic. Just head to LetterStream.com, upload your files, and let us work our magic. With two days to spare, there’s still time to get it all done without breaking a sweat.

Take a deep breath, grab a cup of coffee, and let us handle the rest.

LetterStream.com

Postal Holidays in 2023 to Keep In Mind

As we embrace the festive spirit, it’s crucial to stay informed about the USPS holiday schedule to ensure your holiday mailings reach their destinations on time. It feels like just yesterday we were talking about the USPS Postal Holidays 2022 and now here we are a year later going over the United States Postal Holidays 2023. Crazy how fast time flies!

Ok, let’s get into it. Here’s a quick rundown of the 2023 USPS Christmas and New Year’s schedule, followed by a sneak peek into the 2024 USPS holiday season.

2023 USPS Christmas and New Year’s Schedule: Plan Your Mailings Accordingly

If you’re wondering what the rest of the 2023 postal holiday schedule looks like for the United States Post Office, look no further!

Both the USPS and LetterStream will observe the following holidays during the rest of the 2023 holiday season.

USPS Postal Holidays 2023

Christmas Day – December 25, 2023 (Monday): USPS will be closed and mail delivery will not be taking place.
New Year’s Day – January 1, 2024 (Monday): USPS will be closed and mail delivery will not be taking place.

Keep in mind that it’s important to plan your mailings around these dates to avoid any delay. Stay tuned for another blog post where we talk about crucial days to remember during the 2023 holiday season to help avoid any late deliveries.

Oh, and you might also be wondering. “Is December 26 a postal holiday?” or “Is December 31 a postal holiday?”…actually you more specifically might ask, “Is New Year’s Eve a postal holiday?”

Neither one of those is a federal holiday or a U.S. Postal Service holliday and because of that Post Office locations will be open and they are not included in the U.S. Postal Service holiday schedule. To be on the safe side you may want to call and check with your local Post Office to see if they might be closing early on New Year’s Eve but most will be open and doing their normal delivery services which include sending regular mail, also known as First-Class Mail, Certified Mail, Marketing Mail and more.

Looking Ahead to 2024 Postal Holidays: USPS Holiday Schedule & LetterStream’s Holiday Schedule

Part of Christmas tree branch and a Christmas bell located next to a LetterStream lanyard with Certified Mail envelopes and Certified Mail tracking and USPS stamps

As we bid farewell to 2023, (can you believe it is already that time?!), it’s wise to get a glimpse of the upcoming year’s holiday schedule for better long-term planning.

We created a 2024 holiday calendar for you that not only showcases the USPS postal holidays and when the Post Office is closed in 2024 but also which days LetterStream is still open and mailing during that time.

You can find the 2024 USPS holiday schedule here.

Count on LetterStream for Your Holiday Mailings

LetterStream’s committed to providing fast, efficient and perfect mailing services throughout the holiday season and beyond. Our team is here to support you, offering assistance and guidance to make your mailing experience as smooth as possible.

While we have you, we wanted to extend our warmest wishes for a joyous holiday and a prosperous New Year. Thank you for choosing LetterStream as your trusted partner for all of your mailing and printing needs!

Official USPS And LetterStream 2023 Holiday Schedule

Here’s a handy link to the 2023 USPS Postal Holidays and LetterStream Holiday Schedule. We’ve also included important USPS early closing days which are not typically spelled out on the USPS Postal Holidays web page.

One more important mention; most USPS retail counters close early on both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, so make sure you call ahead and/or plan accordingly. In conjunction, LetterStream will also be closing early on both of those days.

LetterStream gives back with The 2019 Code Red Water Drive!

waterdrivepeople

A quick update on the water drive for Phoenix Rescue Mission.
Brown Community Management (https://www.brownmanagement.com/) invited us to participate with them again this year to help the Mission replenish their water supply of bottled water for needy and homeless individuals. And we gladly joined them again.
The Phoenix Rescue Mission is committed to reducing hunger and homelessness throughout Maricopa County. Their annual fall water drive replenishes their inventories as they work to prevent heat-related deaths in the valley. The water drive is called Code Red (https://phoenixrescue mission.org/codered) and we certainly encourage you to get your company involved in assisting in this event or finding others as a great way to give back.
We’d like to thank Brown Community Management for inviting us to participate. And a big thanks to OPACS (OPACS.com) who provided a box truck with a lift gate and a pallet of water to make this a record year for Brown and LetterStream in our contributions. But the biggest thanks goes to the LetterStream employees who grabbed a pallet, a case or just a bottle and dropped it off selflessly for the benefit of those less fortunate. Our LetterStream team donated 7,800 bottles of water.
Our next event is our annual Toys for Tots toy drive. If you are inclined, stop by and drop off an unwrapped toy if you are in the area. Or better yet, find a way to bring your organization together and share in the joys of giving through an event that you organize.

20% off Orange Paper and Postcards!

October Promotion

No tricks here, we are giving you a treat this Halloween season.
For the month of October, we will be offering 20% off all Orange 8 ½ X 11 paper and Orange Express Postcards.
You have a business to run and customers to keep happy, so we want to help you! For your festive holiday letters and notes look no further than LetterStream. For your fast mailing and printing needs, we’ll get the job done. Don’t wait until it’s too late and all the candy is gone, let us help you this Halloween season.

Official USPS And LetterStream 2015 Holiday Schedule

We’ve updated our USPS Holiday Calendar with the latest information from the USPS. In addition, we’ve added important USPS early closing days which are not typically spelled out on the USPS Postal Holidays web page.

We’ve placed this information along with LetterStream’s holiday schedule on a Google Calendar so you can have all the information at your fingertips on your smartphone, tablet or Google account.

If you are already synced to the LetterStream calendar, awesome! Your job here is done. If not, see the instructions below.

One more important mention; most USPS retail counters close early on both Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, so make sure you call ahead and/or plan accordingly. In conjunction, LetterStream will also be closing early on both of those days.

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Click on the “+Google Calendar” button below to subscribe with your Google account.

(*Click here for instructions on how to sync Google Calendar with a mobile device.)

Merry Christmas And Happy Holidays From LetterStream!

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!

From your friends at

This holiday season we want to wish you lots of love, time with family, hot chocolate, and of course… all your mail delivered on time. We are thankful for your support in 2014, and we look forward to serving you well in the coming year as well.

Please note that according to the USPS, most post offices will be closing at 12:00 noon on Christmas Eve (Wed. Dec. 24th) and New Year’s Eve (Wed. Dec. 31st). Be sure to drop mail in blue collection boxes by noon on those days as well, as the USPS will be picking up mail early.

See LetterStream’s holiday hours below.

Happy Mailing!

-The LetterStream Team

LetterStream Holiday Hours