We’re knee-deep in the holiday season and Christmas is just around the corner. For those buying gifts and shipping important packages out to loved ones, this can be a season of joy and terror. You want to send the perfect gift, have it arrive in plenty of time, and fill the receiver with joy and wonder. You’re also terrified it’ll arrive late, damaged, or maybe at all.
Whether you’re shipping large and bulky items (hello furniture shipping or artwork shipping) maybe something smaller that fits in a package – we get it. It’s important to you, so it’s important to us.
We’ve got three simple tips to help ease those worries and ensure your holiday shipping is a joyful experience. Check them out!
3 Tips For Holiday Shipping
1. Know Your Deadlines
Knowing your deadlines is key to feeling confident about your package arrival. During the holiday season, all shipping carriers are extra busy – so they always post deadlines for shipping times to be helpful. While it can be overwhelming with so many carriers and so many shipping options, here are the big ones to keep in mind:
USPS: For first-class mail, make sure it’s out before Friday, December 20th
FedEx: For Ground and Home delivery, make sure it’s out before Monday, December 16th
UPS: For ground, make sure it gets out before Friday, December 13th
There’s always options like FedEx Overnight or UPS Next Day Air for emergencies – so if you need something asap just talk to a rep about those options. Just remember they can be costly!
2. Don’t Skimp on the Packaging
In order to feel confident your items will arrive safe and in one piece – pay special attention to the packaging. With millions of packages being shipped this holiday season and tight deadlines on all the carriers – it’s unfortunate to know they simply won’t be able to pay special attention to every item. Plus there’s adding risk of things being dropped off a truck, cart, or conveyer belt.
So take note of things that are glass, electronic, or china. Pay attention to things that can get punctured or bent. And note if something is liquid that can be spilled or spoiled.
If you aren’t sure of the best way to package your item, give us a call. We can give you advice on the best materials to use, and we even offer packaging as a service if you don’t want to do it yourself.
3. Stay Updated with Alerts
Depending on which carrier and service option you choose; you may receive a tracking number along with your shipment. This is great as it allows you to keep up with where your package is and stay alert in case something goes wrong.
Even better, most carriers provide the option of email or text updates! Simply head to the website, enter in your tracking info, and provide the details to get alerts throughout the shipment process.
With the carriers so busy taking care of the millions of items passing through hands, it’s a good idea for you to keep your eyes on the delivery process.
Conclusion
The holiday season is a time of joy and giving; not worrying about your shipping requirements. Take the stress out of shipping by using our three easy tips to ease the process. And to make it even easier, use a trusted shipping partner to handle it all for you.
Now that’s a real reason for cheer!