While there are no
“mailing deadlines,” the Postal Service recommends that
customers mailing holiday packages for arrival before Christmas Day
switch to Priority Mail on Saturday, Dec. 13, and then use Express
Mail beginning Saturday, Dec. 20.
While there are no “mailing deadlines,” the Postal Service recommends that customers mailing holiday packages for arrival before Christmas Day switch to Priority Mail on Saturday, Dec. 13, and then use Express Mail beginning Saturday, Dec. 20.
Express Mail offers guaranteed delivery service 365 days a year, including all weekends and holidays at no additional charge. The overnight delivery money-back guarantee typically applies to local area delivery and for delivery to major metropolitan areas where timely air transportation connections are available. Express Mail Service to all other areas is offered with a two-day guarantee.
Packaging tips:
• Select a box that is strong enough to protect the contents.
• Leave space for cushioning inside the carton.
• Cushion package contents with shredded or rolled newspaper, bubble wrap, or Styrofoam peanuts. Plain air-popped popcorn is also good for cushioning; it’s inexpensive and environmentally friendly. Pack tightly to avoid shifting.
• Always use tape that is designed for shipping, such as pressure • sensitive tape, nylon • reinforced kraft paper tape, or glass-reinforced pressure-sensitive tape.
• Do not use wrapping paper, string, masking tape or cellophane tape.
• Write, type or print the complete address, including return address, neatly.
• Put the delivery and return addresses on one side only of the package.
• Suggestion: Place a delivery and return address label inside the package.
• Stuff glass and fragile hollow items, like vases, with newspaper or packing material to avoid damage due to shock. When mailing framed photographs, take the glass out of the frame and wrap it separately.
• Remove batteries from toys. Wrap and place them next to the toys in the mailing box.
• Packages that weigh at least one pound must be taken into the Post Office for mailing, or you can use “Click-n-Ship” to purchase postage online and have the letter carrier pick up the package at your door.
• Obtain Express Mail and Priority Mailboxes, envelopes, and tubes from your post office.
• Purchase packaging products, including tapes, envelopes, padded bags, corrugated boxes, mailing tubes, and cushioning material from your post office. Some locations offer decorative boxes and expander packs that are suitable for mailing gifts.
Addressing tips:
• Always use complete address information; such as the suffixes Ave., Blvd. and St. Always include locators such as the apartment or suite number. Always use correct directional; such as N, W and SW. Don’t let an incorrect Zip code delay delivery of your mail. Local post offices and the Postal Service web site offer Zip cod e information. Use the four • digit add • on, Zip+4, in your addressing.
• If you don’t know the Zip code, don’t guess. The mail is sorted by Zip code first, then by city and state. Using a wrong Zip could cause delays.
Special tips: Access the Postal Services web site, www.usps.com, to:
• look up Zip codes
• calculate postage
• buy stamps online
• purchase unique gifts
Avoid waiting in line for stamps and buy Stamps by phone, 1-800-STAMP24, Stamps by Mail, or stamps from postal self-service vending machines. Still have questions, call 1-800-ASK-USPS.
