Do's, don'ts for shipping holiday packages
Experts offer tips that help ensure timely, safe delivery

When the holidays hit, the U.S. Postal Service gets swamped. More than 20 billion cards, letters and packages are delivered between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.

To help make sure packages arrive safely and on time, the Postal Service is offering some simple recommendations that can make a big difference in assuring 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, such as apartment numbers, suite numbers and 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.

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 pressuresensitive tape, nylonreinforced craft paper tape or fiberglassreinforced pressuresensitive tape.

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

+ Place an index card with the sender's address and recipient's address inside the package. This will help the Postal Service repack 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.

Those who are stressed this holiday season and don't have time to pick up and wrap gifts for their entire list can now send a gift card or a greeting card online direct from the Postal Service's website at www.usps.com.

This story is provided by State Point Media.