URBANDALE, Iowa — It’s one of the busiest times of the year for shipping carriers, who are trying to get packages where they need to go and when they need to be there.

The USPS processing and distribution center in Urbandale may process over 250,000 packages in a single night. That adds up to millions a week. The center then sends mail to carriers and post offices around the area and other facilities around the country.

If you’d like your package to get to its destination, it’s recommended to avoid putting wrapping paper on your package before it ships. If you want to put wrapping paper on a box, you’re encouraged to enclose it in a Priority Mail box over the wrapped package to preserve the wrapping. Processing equipment will usually damage wrapping paper.

There are shipping deadlines if you want your package to arrive before the holidays. For First Class mail, objects need to be mailed by December 18. The deadline for Priority Mail is December 19. Finally, items shipped by Priority Mail Express need to be mailed out by December 21.

USPS officials also ask you to keep your mail carriers in mind by leaving porch lights on when you’re expecting deliveries. It’s also helpful to keep animals restrained so carriers can deliver packages safely.

You can also track packages and find more information on the USPS website.