Shipping your holiday gifts? Here are tips from a professional Oregon packer and shipper
If you're shipping gifts ahead or in lieu of going home for the holidays, there’s not much time left to do it without costs racking up.
The major carriers — the U.S. Postal Service, United Parcel Service and FedEx – have posted their deadlines to mail gifts to make sure packages arrive on time for the holidays.
In general, earlier is better, said Cameron Wells, who owns Postal Stop in west Eugene.
While timing is important, there are a lot of other factors to consider before shipping gifts to loved ones, Wells said.
The earlier, the better
The Postal Service, UPS and FedEx all released shipping deadlines earlier this month, encouraging people to send packages early to make sure they arrive on time.
Post office: U.S. other than Alaska and Hawaii
- Retail ground service: Dec. 17
- First-class mail: Dec. 17
- Priority mail: Dec. 19
- Priority mail express: Dec. 23
There are varying deadlines outside the contiguous United States, including for Alaska, Hawaii, international military posts and international mail. Those are available at usps.com/holiday/holiday-shipping-dates.htm
UPS
- 3-Day Select: Dec. 20
- Second-day air services: Dec. 21
- Next-day air services: Dec. 22
For ground shipping deadlines, or to calculate international shipping timeframes or view other shipping deadlines, visit ups.com
FedEx
- Ground economy: Dec. 8
- Ground and home delivery: Dec. 14
- Express Saver: Dec. 20
- Two-day and two-day a.m.: Dec. 21
- Overnight services: Dec. 22
- Same day: Dec. 23
For more information, visit fedex.com
Wells recommends sending packages earlier than these deadlines. The earlier the better, he said, suggesting people start right after Thanksgiving.
Keeping prices down
Sending earlier helps avoid the higher shipping costs of air service, Wells said, but there are other ways to keep costs down.
For example, people can technically send packages weighing up to 150 pounds, he said, but once a package is 50 pounds, it starts getting more expensive.
Package size matters, too, he said.
If an item isn't fragile, Wells said, it's better to pack it in as small a box as possible.
People also should minimize the number of packages they're sending, he said.
Protect your package
It's crucial to properly package items, Wells said.
That means not using a thin box or an old one that's starting to wear out, he said, especially when shipping fragile items.
Postal Stop has 30 different box sizes for people to choose from, he said. The Postal Service, UPS and FedEx also offer boxes on site.
It also means using the right kind of tape — heavy-duty shipping tape that's wider than gift wrapping tape.
"Scotch tape is not shipping tape," Wells said.
When sending fragile items, make sure to leave at least a couple inches between the item and the side of the box, he said.
People with questions or concerns about packing their items to ship can turn to professionals for help, he said. Postal Stop won't wrap items, but the employees are professional packers.
Make sure it gets there
Staff also recommend people double-check addresses.
With carriers so busy, it's hard to intercept and re-route packages while still having items arrive on time.
Wells said people need to include an apartment number if they're shipping to a complex to make sure a package gets delivered.
He also recommended including a signature option if people are worried about a package getting stolen after it's delivered.
That's an additional fee, he said, but it can stop thefts by "porch pirates."
Think about what you're shipping
People need to know what they can and can't ship, Wells said.
For example, he said, companies can't package alcohol without a license.
Based on Postal Service, UPS and FedEx sites, several other items are prohibited or restricted for shipping, including:
- Marijuana (prohibited)
- Explosives, including fireworks (prohibited)
- Anything in an aerosol can (restricted)
You can find full lists for the Postal Service at usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm, for UPS at ups.com/vi/en/help-center/shipping-support/prohibited-items.page? and for FedEx at fedex.com/en-us/shipping/international-prohibited-items.html#.
People can send perishable items, Wells said, but should select the right speed of shipping and use dry ice if needed. There are restrictions for using dry ice and for how much can be on a plane at once.
Dry ice is available at most grocery stores if you ask at the counter, he said, and people should take care when handling it.
Keep your options open
There are different price points for different items and sizes of packages depending on the carrier.
Wells recommended using a local shipping shop that will offer different shipping options.
"We have the advantage of shipping whoever we want," he said.
Tips for shipping
- The earlier you send packages, the better.
- Use a sturdy box, not a thin or worn-out package, and strong tape.
- Go somewhere that gives you options
Contact city government watchdog Megan Banta at mbanta@registerguard.com. Follow her on Twitter @MeganBanta_1.