Believe it or not, several mailers today are not up to par on shipping packages. They come to mailing places such as USPS, UPS, or FedEx unprepared to mail. Their packages may be wrapped in a box but not properly labeled, contents loose inside, and worse their items are not even in a box or any sort of mailer. It is not our intention to embarrass these mailers but to educate them for a smooth sailing experience through the postal service.
Here are 5 helpful tips for shipping packages through the Postal Service.
1. Know the items not allowed for shipping. The Postal Service will not allow mailers to ship certain items such as alcohol and liquor, perfume (over 3 oz), aerosol cans, lithium batteries, and loaded guns. These are just a few of the mailing restrictions. Avoid mailing delays by not packaging any of these restricted materials.
2. Be aware of the weight and size limitation of your package. Mailers can mail a package with a maximum weight limited to 70 pounds. The size of your package also has limits; it cannot be over 130 inches in length plus girth. You can mail any shape and form as long as they met the above weight and size requirements. (Note: refer to international mailing manual for foreign mail).
3. The type of mail you want your package sent by. The Postal Service has several types of mail that you can choose from. It all depends on how fast, safe, and how much money you are willing to pay for the delivery of your package. Mailers can utilize the below-listed types of mailing when shipping packages:
- First Class Mail: (domestic and foreign). Your mail has to be either 3/4″ thick, a padded envelope and irregular in shape to be classified as a first-class package. It cannot be over 13 oz. in weight for domestic mail and 4 pounds for international. Normally arrives at destinations (not guaranteed) about 3 to 4 business days for domestic and 5 to 10 business days for foreign. Additionally all foreign mail require a customs declaration form.
- Parcel Post Mail. You can use this type of mailing when you are shipping domestically. Delivery time is between 4 to 7 business days depending on stateside locations. Standard mail weight allowed ranges from 13 oz. to 70 pounds in weight.
- Priority Mail: (domestic and foreign). Priority mail packages are normally delivered within 2 to 3 business days within the United States and 6 to 10 business days internationally. This type of mail doesn’t guarantee delivery dates when you use this service. The Postal Service is so generous about its priority mail service by providing mailers with free boxes. Mailers can use flat rate boxes, popularized as “If It Fits It Ship” on marketing ads that are readily available to them with a flat-rate fee regardless of the weight of their package. (International mail requires customs form).
- Express Priority Mail: (domestic and foreign). Also called Priority Mail Express guarantees package deliveries within 1 or 2 days depending on location. Most cities in the US get a 1-day delivery service while remote areas are normally 2 days. Some countries get this limited delivery guarantees when using this type of mailing. Priority mails just like first-class mails also require customs declarations when mailing.
- Guaranteed Express Priority Mail: (foreign mail only). This type of shipping packages is for international locations only. The Postal Service contracts this service to Federal Express with guaranteed delivery to certain countries. Normally it takes 1 to 3 business days for delivery.
4. Insurance and Tracking. The Postal Service makes you, the mailer at ease when they handle your packages by offering you insurance and tracking. Insurance is for your protection against damaged or lost packages while tracking would confirm the delivery of your package.
5. Package Preparation. Now that you know all of the above items its time to package up and secure your parcel. Make your package snug and secure to avoid rattling during handling. Scotch tape will not cut it; do not laugh this happens a lot. Use a standard label format (sender on the top left of the package while addressee in the middle of the box) and place or write one side of the box only.
A smooth sailing package to its final delivery point must be planned. We know that some mailers are not up to par for a decent package preparation. The above helpful tips for shipping packages will undoubtedly help these mailers to have a safe and delightful experience with Postal Service.
Related articles
