packages

Prepare Your Holiday Packages for Pickup and On-Time Delivery

­It's not yet time for present unwrapping and cookie snacking, but the holidays are on their way – and that means that for those of us in the shipping business it’s peak season! This holiday season is expected to be the busiest in UPS history. In December alone, UPS anticipates delivering 585 million packages. Whether you are using UPS or another courier such as DHL, Canpar or others, here are some tips and hints from your friends at The UPS Store to help your package get there in time for the holidays Beware of Packaging Perils Are you a do-it-yourselfer when it comes to packaging? You can help to ensure that your package arrives safely and on time with these packaging guidelines. Always use a new, rigid box with flaps intact Remove any labels, hazardous materials indicators, and other previous shipment markings on the box that are no longer applicable Wrap all items within the package separately using adequate cushioning material Use strong tape designed for shipping to seal your package Do not use string or paper over-wrap. This can get caught in the various machinery or conveyor belts as it gets sorted for its end destination Use a single address label that has clear, complete delivery and return information Place a duplicate address label inside the package, just in case the outside label is lost or unreadable Packaging for Those Few Extra Pounds If you are shipping heavier items, typically over 70 lbs......