It's that time of the year again... the holidays. First, you do
the shopping and then you do the shipping, particularly if you have a lot of family that lives out of state. If you're planning on traveling by plane to visit them, don't check your packages as baggage; instead, ship them well in advance so they are waiting for you when you arrive. It is undoubtedly a busy time. In November, UPS estimated that on its peak day, December 20, it would deliver more than 21 million packages worldwide... the equivalent of 14,400 packages every minute. That number is predicted to be higher this year. Your package doesn't have to get lost in the mayhem. Follow these steps to make shipping your packages as easy as 1-2-3. 1. Select the right box Choose a box that is slightly larger than the item you are sending, so that you will be able cushion the item with packing material on all sides. Properly label the package and include a return address. Also put your return address on the inside of the package. This is helpful if the shipping label gets torn off or if the writing becomes unreadable. If you are reusing a box, cover any previous labels or cross out any previous address information with a heavy black marker. 2. Pack the item Pack the item with bubble wrap, peanuts, foam or paper. Close and shake the box to check whether you have enough cushioning. Add more packing materials if the items shift. Don't forget to include a shipping label inside the box. 3. Seal the box Use clear or brown packaging tape, reinforced packing tape or paper tape that is at least two inches wide. Avoid using masking tape, cellophane tape, cord, string or twine. Tape the opening of the box and reinforce all seams. 4. Ship perishables correctly If you want that cheese basket or fruitcake to arrive fresh, experts recommend shipping it on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, ideally via next-day delivery. If you send them on a Thursday or Friday, make sure the foods can handle extremely hot or cold temperatures for up to four days. This may require the use of frozen gel packs. 5. Insure valuable gifts Ship expensive jewelry and other valuables via next-day delivery in a box no smaller than 7 by 4 by 2 inches. Look into insuring the item through your insurance company, as most shipping companies put limits on claim amounts. Don't attach anything to the outside of the box that would reveal the item's value. 6. Save your receipt and tracking number Your item should arrive safe and sound, but if it doesn't, be sure you've kept your receipt and the tracking number. This will be the only way to prove that you actually did ship the item. It will also help your carrier locate the item if it was delivered to the wrong address. 7. Ship irregularly shaped items in the right packaging Use mailing tubes for posters and artwork. They are inexpensive and come in a variety of sizes to ensure that the poster will not be creased upon arrival at its destination. 8. Shop around To get a sense of how much it will cost to send a package somewhere, call these numbers and use the automated rate services: U.S. Postal Service, (800) ASK-USPS (275-8777); FedEx, (800) GO-FEDEX (463-3339); UPS, (800) PICK-UPS (742-5877); DHL, (800) CALL-DHL (225-5345). You'll need the zip code of the recipient, the weight of the package and the gift's basic shape (so you can choose, for example, whether to ship it in a box, envelope or tube). Note: Be sure and check with your carrier about any specific packing requirements. Some carriers assess additional handling charges for: . Any article that is not fully encased in an outside shipping container. . Any article that is encased in an outside shipping container made of metal or wood. . Cans or pails that are not fully encased in a shipping container of corrugated cardboard. . Irregularly shaped or oversized items. Happy shipping from Twist OP.
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