NEW YORK — FedEx driver Vito Randazzo works long hours this time of year, but the smile never seems to stop.
Working from one of two Fed Ex Corp. warehouses in Brooklyn, this day is much like any other, but Randazzo, 48, is noticeably aware of the ramp-up to his busiest day of the year.
Packages crowd the conveyor belt that snakes around the warehouse. Air-cargo containers loom like massive steel igloos at the start of the belt as couriers stretch and chat before the belt starts moving and streams boxes filled with everything from Christmas presents to medical supplies. The packages are scanned, sorted and directed onto separate belts according to their destination.
The drivers line up by their trucks when the packages arrive at their point on the belt. Randazzo arranges his cargo according to destination on the route he knows by heart.
FedEx expects today to be its busiest day of the year.
Excluding a partnership with the U.S. Postal Service, it expects to haul 10.4 million packages through express and ground service today, the last chance to ship via FedEx Ground for Christmas delivery. The prediction represents a 6 percent increase over the 9.8 million shipped on last year’s busiest day.
Randazzo, a 19-year veteran, began his career with the parcel carrier after leaving the family pizza business, lured by the benefits and steady paycheck that support his wife and three children.
Despite the habitual nature of the job, and the amount of knowledge he’s gained over the years, times have changed, Randazzo said.
He now drives one of 95 hybrid trucks in FedEx’s fleet. His truck no longer requires a key — a wristband with a sensor opens the doors.
Randazzo starts the engine and heads off on his route, in a neighborhood where he used to live.
“I know these streets. These people were my neighbors,” he said.
He leaps out of his truck and weaves from business to business, reflecting the four espressos he downed before work.
Computers and other electronics are probably the most popular deliveries this Christmas season, he said. The number of flower arrangements is rising as well.
His enthusiasm is a plus around the holidays, where the day can last 12 hours.
“I don’t get tired from working,” Randazzo said. “It really energizes me to be here. I think I would be tired if I sat at home.”
Delivery deadlines
U.S. Postal Service
The U.S. Postal Service expects nearly 1 billion pieces — including packages and 275 million cards and letters — to be mailed today, its busiest mailing day of the year. Wednesday is expected to be the busiest delivery day for the USPS.
Thursday is the deadline for cards and letters and Priority Mail, if you
want delivery by Christmas. You can send Express Mail until Saturday.
Mailing to a military address? Most deadlines for regular mail have passed, but you can still get it there via Express Mail if you act by Tuesday.
The deadline for shipping packages outside the U.S. at economical rates has passed, but you can still get the goods there if you ship via Express Mail or Global Express Guaranteed.
FedEx
FedEx expects to haul 10.4 million packages through express and ground service today, the deadline to ship via FedEx Ground and Home Delivery.
Thursday is the deadline for 2Day delivery, and Saturday is the last day to mail Overnight. International packages can be shipped on FedEx’s Next Flight service through Saturday.
UPS
United Parcel Service expects to ship 22 million packages on its peak day — Wednesday.
UPS recommends that you ship by Friday. Saturday is the last day you can send packages to be delivered on Christmas Eve, using Next-Day Air.
Sources: ; ;
