FARGO – They call it their "Super Bowl," the hectic time between Thanksgiving and Christmas. U.S. Postal Service workers are out in droves trying to keep up with a surge of packages, with some letter carriers working shifts as long as 12 hours.
"Basically, what's happening now is we're coming in earlier in the day, and some people are going out early before they actually start their route," said letter carrier Joe Cusher.
On his busiest days, he can carry up to 200 packages, but it wasn't always like this.
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The number of packages has doubled in the last 3 years because of Amazon, Cusher said. Despite the craziness it's caused postal workers, he's grateful for the added work.
"Amazon has kind of been a savior for us, as far as the amount of packages we get and the revenue we get from it. It's certainly helpful as the first class mail volume continues to drop," he said.
But even after the miles walked, lifting, and ringing doorbells, Cusher said he's happy to know he played a part in making someone's Christmas.
"Especially when you get to Christmas Eve, and somebody's expecting a package and you knock on the door and they're all excited," he said. "It makes you feel good."
