On time and undamaged: Tips for holiday shipping
Many people mail packages to loved ones during the holiday season - but plenty of people also have some serious shipping gripes!
It's no surprise, considering the United States Postal Service expects to deliver up to 470 million packages between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve.
It could be 50 million more than the same time last year.
FedEx and UPS also forecast a record number of deliveries.
So here, are some tips to make sure your items arrive both on time, undamaged and on budget:
First, find best deal for your shipping needs. High fees were the biggest complaint in Consumer Reports' shipping survey.
So, to find the best deal, shopping expert Tod Marks checked out rates for the U.S. Postal Service, FedEx and UPS.
"We compared the basic price to ship a three-pound package from our New York headquarters to Plano, Texas. We shipped it three ways - standard overnight, second day, and ground shipment," Marks said.
The U.S. Postal Service was the least expensive every time. For example, its rate for second-day delivery was about $12. The FedEx and UPS rates were more than $60.
Another gripe? Valuable packages left outside the door. That happened to more than half of those surveyed, and about four in ten have had a package go missing.
"If you're shipping valuable items, you might want to consider insurance. With UPS and FedEx, you're automatically covered for up to $100," Marks said.
The U.S. Postal Service automatically insures most Priority Mail Express shipments for up to $100 dollars as well.
"But you can always buy additional insurance if your item is really expensive," said Marks.
Another complaint: 55% of those surveyed said a package wasn't delivered when promised... so ship early.
If you want a package delivered by Christmas, the absolute deadline is December 23rd for USPS Express Service.
Also, remember to use the right wrapping so your packages don't arrive damaged.
Instead of using clothing, sheets, towels, or newspaper to pack breakables - Consumer Reports recommends bubble wrap along with peanuts and tightly crumpled, heavy paper.
For more, visit ConsumerReports.org
