Tips to Insure Safe Delivery of Holiday Packages

As an employee of a major shipping company, I've seen my share of boxes that don't make it safely to their destinations, due occasionally to small oversights by the shipper. As the holiday season approaches and gifts are being shipped, it's important to follow these simple tips to insure the safe delivery of your presents. Don't let damage packages ruin your holidays.

Make sure the box you're using is new or like new and in sturdy condition. Other boxes may be loaded on top of your box, and if it isn't sturdy, it won't be able to support the weight. As important, make sure your box is the correct size. If the box is oversize and doesn't have the proper packaging, the top and sides will cave in, creating pressure on items inside. Before sealing the box put a copy of the ship to address and tracking # inside, this will allow a duplicate shipping label to be created if the original label becomes damaged or illegible. Your package will then continue on to its destination instead of finding itself on the island of misfit packages, known as over goods.

If you want your item insured, please be advised insurance will generally only pay $100 without a purchase of additional insurance. Make sure to inquire about the shipping company's insurance policy. If unfortunately, your item is damaged, a damage call tag will be issued and the package will be inspected. A word of warning, they will look to see if the box was packaged correctly. I've seen customers have their claims denied due to insufficient or improper packaging.

The Holidays are a festive time, but it's best not to ship boxes in wrapping paper. If you want to send wrapped gifts, I advise placing the wrapped boxes inside a shipping box. Wrapping paper tends to rip easily in transit or while traveling on moving belts inside the building.

If you are shopping online, here are a few tips to save you money. Order as early as possible, this will allow you to take advantage of ground shipping, the cheapest method. If you find yourself running out of time, an alternative to the more expensive next day air shipping, is second day air. Many companies also offer next day air savers. A next day air saver will get the package to you by the end of the next day and is less expensive then traditional next day air service, which gets the package to you in the morning of the next day.

Tis the season to be jolly, so don't let shipping problems turn you into a Grinch.