New Delhi, Dec. 31 -- The United States Postal Service (USPS) will shut down operations across all its post offices on Thursday, 1 January, as the world welcomes the new year, as per its official holiday schedule.

1 January is a federal holiday in the United States, and this shutdown will be for a full 24 hours, with operations resuming on 2 January, Friday.

Local post offices will, however, remain opened on 31 December. Mail will also be picked up from the Blue Collection boxes. Customers have been advised to local a post office that may be open late if the regular time for collection passes. Regular as well as Priority Mail Express will also be delivered.

With the holiday season nearing its end, shoppers are now in a rush to return g...