How Honeywell and the Post Office are Brightening Christmas Deliveries

The United States Postal Service (USPS) anticipates shipping 750 million packages during this holiday season—roughly 5 million items a day. That figure represents a 12% increase over the 670 million packages processed in 2015.

To meet this demand, USPS is adding more than 5,000 Honeywell mobile devices to its expanded parcel‑tracking network. These rugged handhelds will be installed at permanent facilities and at 58 temporary sites specifically created for holiday traffic.

See also: Mo’ drones, mo’ problems needing drone insurance

USPS is deploying Honeywell’s CN51 rugged handheld computers to broaden its Surface Visibility program. This initiative enables the agency to track packages internally—from pickup and sorting to final delivery—by allowing staff and drivers to scan and record data on every parcel. The result is a clearer picture of where each item is in the USPS system.

“Consumers demand fast, accurate delivery, and USPS must know the precise location of every package throughout the entire process,” said Lisa London, president of Honeywell’s Productivity Products division. “By integrating Honeywell’s mobile computing and scanning technology, USPS gains deeper operational insight and can make data‑driven decisions that enhance customer service.”

The CN51 is engineered for harsh outdoor conditions. It features a large, multi‑touch screen, advanced motion tolerance, and omnidirectional 1D/2D barcode scanning. The device can survive drops of up to five feet onto concrete and has an IP64 rating against rain and dust.

Honeywell has long supported USPS with mobile technology to boost driver productivity and enhance visibility across its transportation network. In 2014, the agency deployed over 270,000 Honeywell mobile computers to postal delivery workers as part of a separate program that helped customers track their mail and packages.

But where are the delivery drones?

While drone‑based parcel delivery isn’t yet a holiday reality, Reno‑based startup Flirtey is pushing the technology forward. They recently delivered pizza by drone to a customer’s home in New Zealand and, earlier, executed the world’s first fully autonomous drone delivery from a 7‑Eleven store to a residential address—a historic milestone for U.S. and global commerce.

For those awaiting a USPS shipment, Alexa can now track your order and provide estimated arrival times. You can even use Alexa to place your Christmas orders from Amazon in the first place.