You've braved the malls and wrapped your gifts. Now, you've got to figure out how to get them to your loved ones in time for Christmas. So what should you know before packing those boxes? Janice Lieberman, TODAY's consumer correspondent and iVillage contributor, has the 101 on holiday shipping.
Ready, set, pack. Packing the box the right way is essential:
- Use a NEW box specifically designed for shipping.
- Fill the box. Less space will help prevent items from shifting.
- Use tape designed for packing; don't use duct or masking tape.
- Do not try to get fancy by decorating the outside of the shipping box. This could not only delay the shipping, but could mess up the processing machines (if ribbon, paper, etc., gets stuck), thereby delaying other shipments.
- Use the right packaging materials: two inches of bubble cushioning or packaging filler on every side. Old clothes, towels and crumpled newspaper DO NOT COUNT.
- Marking the outside of the box "FRAGILE" is not a substitute for proper packaging.
- Before closing the box, place an extra mailing label inside, in the event that the label on the outside gets damaged or falls off.
- If shipping cookies, consider stacking them in a coffee can. Most will fit perfectly in there, and the can provides good protection. You can even wrap the outside of the can to make it look more decorative.
- Lastly, guess what? If you give up on packing the box, many companies will actually do it for you. Of course, there is a fee involved, and that fee varies depending on the size of the box you're shipping.
WHAT ABOUT DEADLINES? HOW LONG CAN YOU WAIT IF YOU WANT YOUR GIFTS TO ARRIVE BY CHRISTMAS DAY?
I say do it now. The longer you wait, the more it will cost you. Take a look at these prices. The shipping may end up costing you more than the gift … if you wait till the last minute. Here’s what FedEx, for example, will run you:
Shipping a 5-lb. package on Monday, December 17: average of $8.61
Shipping the same package Overnight on Saturday, December 22: $56.64
My producer, Eric Jackson, compiled some info on the different shipping company deadlines, so save this list!
FEDEX
Via FedEx ground — Monday, December 17, is the deadline!
Via FedEx express — Saturday, December 22
(There is Christmas Eve delivery, too, but not on Christmas Day.)
UPS
3-Day Select Dec. 19
2nd Day Air Dec. 20
Next Day Air Dec. 21-22
(There is Christmas Eve delivery, but not on Christmas Day.)
DHL
DHL 2nd day — December 19
DHL Next Day — December 21
(There is Christmas Eve delivery, but not on Christmas Day.)
ALSO, FOR UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE (REGULAR MAIL)
First class letter — mail by December 20.
Priority mail — mail by December 20.
Express mail — mail by December 22.
*** ACCORDING TO THE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE, THERE WILL BE EXPRESS MAIL DELIVERY ON CHRISTMAS DAY. ***
WHAT ABOUT ONLINE SHOPPING?
I took a quick look at some of the big Web sites today — Amazon.com, BN.com (Barnes & Noble), Bestbuy.com, etc. — and all of them list clearly on the homepage how many days there are left to order if the gifts are to arrive by Christmas.
WHAT ABOUT INSURANCE? SHOULD YOU BUY IT?
MOST IMPORTANT: Consumers should check with their shipping company directly, because some have built-in insurance policies up to a certain amount. Also, like anything else, it's important to read the policy and the fine print, because some companies offer liability coverage and not insurance.
FedEx specifically told me they do NOT have an insurance policy, but do have liability coverage of up to $100 for certain items.
So, I'd say the bottom line in terms of insurance would be ... look into it if the item is valuable, but don't think that just because you have insurance, you're safe. Plus, if it's that valuable, maybe you should wait to give that gift in person if you can.