HOW TO: Get Gifts There Swiftly, Safely

CENTRAL OHIO -- With 19 billion cards, letters and packages expected to be delivered this holiday season, the U.S. Postal Service has some tips to help get gifts to their destination swiftly and safely.

Proper addressing and proper packaging will help the Postal Service give every gift the service it deserves. The Postal Service offers free, environmentally friendly Priority Mail and Express Mail boxes and envelopes. These supplies can be ordered at usps.com or picked up at a local Post Office.

The best shipping value may be Priority Mail Flat-Rate boxes. With Priority Mail Flat-Rate boxes, there is no need for customers to calculate postage or weigh packages. If it fits, it ships and the more customers ship, the more they save. When a package is ready to be shipped, customers can also log onto usps.com/pickup to schedule free package pickup from home or their office allowing them to skip the trip to the Post Office and do all of their shipping online.

The Postal Service also offers pre-packaged shipping products, READY POST, sold at local Post Offices for customers needing sturdy, secure boxes and envelopes.

Helpful packaging tips:
Make sure packages are able to withstand processing without the contents or packaging breaking.
Cushion items with bubble wrap, newspaper, or “foam peanuts” so they do not shift during transit.
Wrap each item separately when packing more than one item in the same box.
Remove batteries from electronic devices and wrap separately.
Close and shake the box to see if there is enough cushioning. If items are shifting, add more cushioning.
Mark packages "Fragile" in large print on the outside of the box when shipping materials that might be more likely to break.
When re-using a box make sure previous labels and markings are covered before mailing.
Mark "Perishable" on packages that contain food or other items that can spoil.
Place an extra address label with the delivery and return address inside the package. This ensures the safe return of an item that could not be delivered should the outside label become damaged or fall off.
Always use tape designed for sealing shipping boxes. Do not use string, cellophane and masking tape to seal packages.
Packages can weigh up to 70 lbs. and measure up to 130 inches in combined length and width. Make sure the width is measured around the largest point of the package.

Guidelines for addressing envelopes and packages:
Print complete address clearly.
Use the proper ZIP Code. ZIP Codes can be found at www.usps.com or by calling 800-ASK-USPS.
Print the delivery and return addresses on the same side of the envelope or package.
Always use a return address. It tells the Postal Service where to return mail if it cannot be delivered.

The Postal Service recommends the following mail-by dates to ensure your gift arrives on time:
Dec. 4 - Military mail destined for Iraq or Afghanistan
Dec. 11 - Military mail for other overseas bases
Dec. 16 - Parcel Post, the most economical shipping service
Dec. 20 - First-Class Mail
Dec. 20 - Priority Mail
Dec. 23 - Express Mail

Due to security requirements, packages bearing postage stamps that weigh more than 13 ounces must be presented to a letter carrier or retail associate at the Post Office and cannot be dropped in blue collection boxes.

Holiday hours for Columbus district stations
Port Columbus will be open until 11 p.m. on weekdays.
The following offices will stay open until 7 p.m. weekdays: Northwest Finance, Columbus Main Office Window, Westerville McCorkle, Dublin Main Office and Powell.
The following offices will stay open until 6 p.m. weekdays: Gahanna, Upper Arlington, Lincoln Village, Bexley, Beechwold, Worthington, Reynoldsburg, Hilliard, Pickerington, Grove City Finance, Lancaster and Chillicothe.

Find more holiday tips and information at http://www.usps.com/communications/newsroom/2008/holiday/hpr.htm.

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