Amazon will begin Sunday deliveries using the U.S. Postal Service, reports The New York Times.

"For this holiday shopping season, Sunday delivery of Amazon products will be limited to the Los Angeles and New York metropolitan areas, which in New York’s case includes parts of New Jersey and Connecticut," the story reports. "In 2014 it is expected to expand to other cities including Dallas, Houston, New Orleans and Phoenix."

The article adds: "For the Postal Service, which lost nearly $16 billion last year, first-class mail delivery, particularly on Saturdays, is often a money loser, whereas package delivery is profitable.

"The deal, announced yesterday, on Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013, and taking effect immediately, in time for the holiday shopping season, gives the Postal Service a chance to take some business from United Parcel Service and FedEx, which do not deliver on Sundays. Now, some orders that would have been handled by either of those carriers for Monday delivery will go through the Postal Service and arrive on Sunday."

Amazon will not increase its rates for Sunday delivery. And, if you’re a member of Amazon Prime who qualifies for two-day free delivery, Sunday delivery will be free if you order on Friday.