Delays inside post office facilities around the nation are being heard, and if you're heading to the post office to mail packages before Christmas -- be sure to keep your fingers crossed too.

The post office is reporting delays in shipping times due to a perfect storm of factors. First, last week's actual storm, and another potential one this week over the Midwest, combined with a record number of parcels and COVID-19 related staff shortages and delays are ranging from minor to massive.

Diane Erlanger, speaking on behalf of the New York Metro Postal Workers Union, says delays may have been prevented if not for the appointment of the new Postmaster General, Louis DeJoy and his ordering the removal of sorting equipment. Meanwhile, customers in New Jersey are told as long as they ship overnight within state their packages should arrive on time. 

Several USPS customers reached out to News 12’s Jim Murdoch, with one saying, "My wife has over 100 packages that were shipped out that are missing and weren't scanned. It's awful."

Sen. Sherrod Brown, of Ohio, says, “The best way to get the U.S. Postal Service fixed is by reversing the harmful policies Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, a political donor with no postal experience, has implemented. The first step in seeing that through is by removing him from that position, and I expect President-elect Biden to do that."

It will cost you if you still want to mail a package. At the post office, you should use priority mail express overnight  If you're using UPS and ship today, use 2nd day air, and for FedEx -- use 2nd day service.