Shipping and Delivery Tips for the Holidays

If you have a package that is fragile, oddly shaped, or in need of serious protection? Well, go to the UPS store. For not too much more than the cost of shipping, they will package (including the box, the filler material, bubble wrap, those air filled bags, tape, and you know it is well shipped. Add UPS' shipping confirmation, a great delivery date estimator, and insurance, and you know when your package will arrive, you will know when it gets there, you will know it is covered if it gets lost and damaged, and you know that your package is well protected, so even 'priceless' family memorabilia or heirlooms are safe.

The United States Post Office (USPS)

Now sure, Obama says the post office is in trouble during town hall meetings, but do not let that scare you! You can get free packing boxes, and grab a free add paper for packing material, making the actual packaging of that special gift totally free! The post office has many different shipping options and speeds available to fit any need and budget, and they also have extra options available to make your shipping experience similar to Fed Ex or UPS. Now make sure that you know the difference between media mail, parcel post, first class, priority, and express mail, and know what options are available for which shipping services. Shipping times, depending on what service you choose, can take from several weeks to over night. Such features as shipment tracking, delivery confirmation, insurance, and flat rate boxes make this a simple shipping experience.

Federal Express (FedEx)

Do you have a package that you need somewhere tomorrow or the next day? Even on a Saturday? Well Federal Express is probably the most expensive of options available, but it is a reliable service. I work with FedEx, UPS, and USPS quite a bit in my 'day job', and have never seen a package not arrive on time, and on the rare occasion, they will arrive early. If they can't find the person the package is being sent to, they will return it to the sender, and depending on the circumstances, reship it for free. Their customer service is helpful, knowledgeable, and will do pretty much anything you need to keep your shipping experience a positive one. Don't try to get connected to someone on a truck, because they usually wont let you do that, but it is an option you should try if you need those last minute special instructions.

So that is great, we know where to ship, but what about how to ship our packages?

Packaging materials
Make sure that the materials you use for packing and shipping your holiday valuables fully surround your gift, and then wrap your present. Put a small layer of packing material around your wrapped present, and then package it. This will add a slight amount of bulk to a package, but it will be presented well when the recipient has gotten their gift.

Pay for a wrapping service

For three or four dollars, you can get your gift professionally wrapped as a part of your shipping service. If your gift wrapping skills aren't up to par, or wrapping your gift before shipping is not an option (like if you purchased it online), then finding a wrapping service may make your gift that much more special.