Make Your List,

Check It Twice Before Sending Gifts Or Greetings

When the holidays hit, the US Postal Service gets swamped just like the rest of us. In fact, over 20 billion cards, letters and packages are delivered between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. 

To help make sure that packages arrive safely and on time, the Postal Service is offering some simple recommendations that can make a big difference in assuring your mail makes it home for the holidays.

When preparing packages, consider the following:

*Print addresses clearly. Don’t use script or other fancy writing.

*Include all address elements (apartment numbers, suite numbers, directional information for streets; for example: 123 S Main St or 12456 Elm St N).

*Include both To and From information on packages, but only on one side.

*Always use shipping tape. 

*Cushion contents appropriately. For example, fill 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.

Helpful packaging tips from mail carriers include these tricks of the trade: 

*Select a box that is strong enough to protect the contents. Leave space for cushioning inside the carton.

*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 craft paper tape, or fiberglass-reinforced pressure-sensitive tape. 

*Do not use wrapping paper, string, masking tape, or cellophane tape.

*Placing an index card with the sender’s address and recipient’s address inside the package will help the Postal Service re-pack boxes that were improperly wrapped and came apart during transporting and processing.

Packages being mailed using postage stamps and weighing 16 ounces (one pound) or more can be left for the letter carrier to pick up but cannot be deposited into a blue street mailbox.

For those who are really stressed this holiday season and don’t have time to pick up and wrap gifts for their entire list, the Postal Service now offers online gift cards and greeting cards. Gift cards range in value from $10 to $200 and retailers include AMC Theatres, Apple’s iTunes music card, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Bass Pro Shops, Bed Bath & Beyond, Blockbuster, Chili’s Bar & Grill, Circuit City, Foot Locker, Lowe’s, Marriott Hotels, Old Navy, Sears, and The Sharper Image. Gift cards must be purchased online no later than December 13 in order to be delivered December 24. Visit www.usps.com for details.