Dec. 8, 1999

Christmas has always been a busy time of year for the Post Office, but because of packages ordered off the internet, it's already busier than ever before.

"EDDIE BAUER DOT COM. EVERYBODY'S GOT A DOT COM TODAY."

From books to camping supplies to toys-- thousands of Utahns are Christmas shopping on line.

Kevin Meredith/ Mail Carrier: "DOT COM THIS DOT COM THAT. A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE SHOPPING ON THE INTERNET--E TOYS--IT'S REALLY INCREASED OUR PARCEL LOAD QUITE A BIT."

Nationwide, consumers are expected to spend $9-billion this holiday season on line. For local mail carriers, that translates into long hours and heavy loads.

Kevin Meredith says in the last three months he's delivered more packages from internet companies than in the last two years combined. The biggest customer?

Meredith: "I'M SURPRISED A LOT OF OLDER PEOPLE I HAVE ON THIS ROUTE-RETIRED-WOULDN'T THINK THAT THEY'D BE SHOPPING ON LINE, BUT THEY ARE UNLESS IT'S RELATIVES AND I'M BRINGING IT RIGHT TO THEIR DOOR."

At the Salt Lake City Distribution Center thousands of packages from internet companies are pouring in. Postal workers are trying to keep up with the demands. And U.P.S drivers say it seems every week they're delivering more packages with internet logos.

Stephanie Turpin/UPS Driver: "LAST WEEK I AVERAGED MAYBE 20 PERCENT FROM INTERNET DELIVERIES."

Delivery companies say more and more people are apparently discovering how to shop by point and click.

"THEY JUST GO ON IN THE COMFORT OF THEIR OWN HOME. POINT, CLICK, THEN I'M THERE A SHORT TIME LATER, KNOCKING ON THEIR DOOR."