We want to let you know about some shipping deadlines. Wednesday is a big deadline for those sending gifts or letters. That's because it's the last day for standard shipping rates with the post office.That means if you ship after Wednesday the 18th, its going to cost you more if you want items to arrive before Christmas. The post office says the earlier you send it, the better.I met with some people dropping off packages at the Rockrimmon post office. Everyone I talked to yesterday was happy to avoid lines. Thats because they showed up early- at opening time. Denise Anderson says I came yesterday to mail one little package and it was the line was almost back to the door and that was about 10 oclock so I thought well Ill come early this morning and there was only one lady in front of me and she had just finished so it was very quick.If you want your items to arrive before Christmas and you miss Wednesday's deadline, its okay. Youll just have to pay for priority service. The cutoff date is the 19th for priority mail and the 21st for priority express. Thats coming up on Saturday. Another tip to avoid the lines at the post office is scheduling free pickups.