USPS ships around 16 billion pieces of mail every year, including almost a billion packages.
Holiday shipping can be stressful for both shoppers and retailers who want to ensure everything gets where it needs to go on time. So, how do you ensure your shipping departs without a hitch at one of the busiest times of the year?
We have collected some of the best tips to help ensure your packages get where they need to be in time for the holidays. By following the items on this list, you can ensure that every package you send arrives without any significant problems or interruptions.
Be Aware of 2022 Holiday Shipping Deadlines
The 2022 holiday shipping deadline is rapidly approaching. The last day to ship a USPS package to most states is December 23. But that doesn’t mean you can wait until the last minute to ship your packages. The last day to ship to Alaska and Hawaii is December 21st.
Make sure you get all of your holiday shipping done well before these dates so that you can be confident that everything will arrive on time.
IMPORTANT
The closer that you get to the deadlines, the more you’ll pay for expedited shipping.
Choose an Appropriate Shipping Box
When shipping presents this holiday season, you must use the right-sized box. If you do not, you might end up paying more for an oversized package. You might even put the items in danger of damage from insufficient protection.
For this reason, many shipping suppliers can provide you with a wide range of box options in various shapes and sizes. A well-stocked company might even have over 30 different kinds of boxes ready for any situation.
The size and shape of the box aren’t the only things you should worry about. On top of this, you will need to consider the thickness and strength of any packaging you use.
Thin boxes, for example, are perfect for transporting light goods, as these will not cause much pressure on the edges of the container. The heavier the goods you ship, the more weight they will press on the outside of the box.
If you do not get a strong enough package, the item may break through the outside and fall out of the box.
Get Insurance for the Package
If you are shipping gifts or even items you have sold, the last thing you want is an accidental loss during shipping. This runs the risk of losing you money, because the item will not appear at its destination, and you won’t have it either.
This is exactly what shipping insurance is for.
Inform the shipping company how much the gift or product is worth. You can then ask how much it would be to insure the item for that amount. If the worst happens, you can receive compensation equal to the cost of the item.
Of course, insurance might cost a little more money than when you were first planning to send the gift. However, the peace of mind is worth it for the more expensive gifts you might want to send.
Make sure you have receipts for the items you are shipping as well, as that means you can make a claim with the correct information and ensure a payout.
Make Sure You Get the Details Right
Before sending your gift, you should ensure you get all the information you need correct. Ensuring you do this during the holiday season can help the postal workers get the package where it needs to go in the fewest business days possible.
Address
The first thing you need to do is send the package to the correct address. Double-check with the intended recipient that you have all their details right.
Size
The shipping company will want to know how big any package will be. This helps them determine the most efficient way to handle it. Be aware that larger containers may cost you more to send.
Prevent Late Delivery
Shipping delays can seriously impact how long it takes for your package to arrive, which is a severe problem around the holiday peak season. You need to make sure yours still gets to its location with time to spare, despite the massive increase in shipping that occurs around this time.
The best way to avoid problems like this is to prepare. Ship as soon as you can. Expedited shipping options can give you faster guaranteed delivery dates, but they’re also way more expensive.
Ship Perishables Safely
It can be tempting to send delicious treats to relatives over the holidays so you want to ensure it arrives without harm or spoiling.
As such, during the shipping season, be sure to send these items in properly sealed packages to prevent moisture from entering. Also, use sturdy packaging to ensure the treats are not harmed.
Secure the Package
The recipient will not be happy if your package is delivered with scrapes, dents, or major damage. This is why you should take all appropriate precautions to stop that from happening.
First, ensure the box your items ship in is slightly bigger than the items you send. Then, use packing materials to keep the item safe from transit. Packing foam can allow the box to move around without its contents sliding around.
When sealing the box, make sure you also use high-quality packing tape. You want a good waterproof seal on all the flaps in case it rains and to ensure the flaps on any box do not open prematurely.
Visit Us for Holiday Shipping in Roseburg, Oregon
By applying all of the advice above, your holiday shipping should get done faster and more securely than ever before. You can always contact us if you have any questions.
Our shipping service can get your package from you to your customer or loved one in no time without much hassle. We can also get you the shipping supplies you need for whatever you send.
Contact us here to inquire about all our printing, shipping, and handling options.