{"id":247361,"date":"2023-12-06T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-12-06T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.stamps.com\/?p=247361"},"modified":"2024-05-15T16:00:51","modified_gmt":"2024-05-15T16:00:51","slug":"shipping-for-holiday-success","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stamps.com\/article\/shipping-for-holiday-success\/","title":{"rendered":"Shipping for Holiday Success"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Shipping<\/a><\/figure>\n\n

The holiday season is once again upon us, which means an increase in orders is right around the corner. The busier you become, the easier it is to make mistakes like taking incorrect measurements or leaving old labels on the packaging. These mistakes can lead to costly adjustments and\/or returned packages. With shipping deadlines<\/a> in place and increased shipping volumes for carriers, you don\u2019t have time to waste reshipping orders. That\u2019s why Stamps.com<\/a> and UPS<\/a> are here with some reminders to help you avoid additional fees.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n

Note: These surcharges can be applied year-round, not just during the holiday season.<\/em><\/p>\n\n

Check your packaging before reusing\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n

If your packaging seems unstable or flimsy, it\u2019s okay to retire and recycle it. USPS<\/a> and UPS<\/a> each offer some free shipping supplies on their websites that can be ordered directly to your home or business. You can also order certain USPS shipping supplies directly from your Stamps.com account.<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n

If your packaging is sturdy enough to be reused, look for any old labels and\/or other special markings (hazardous material stickers<\/a>, perishable content warnings, etc…). Remove anything that doesn\u2019t apply to your new shipment to avoid getting any extra fees for incorrect packaging or additional handling your package didn\u2019t actually need. Your orders will get to their destinations without additional delays, and your shipping budget won\u2019t suffer.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n

Use the correct packaging for your orders\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n

During the holiday season, orders range from breakables like coffee mugs to treats like chocolates. One is obviously more fragile than the other, but both items can handle their journey with some extra support. Wrap your items and surround any gaps between your items and the outer packaging with Kraft paper or other recyclable materials.\u00a0We recommend using pressure-sensitive plastic or nylon-reinforced tape that\u2019s at least 2 inches\/5.08 centimeters wide. This way, your package is well-sealed, and there\u2019s less of a chance that someone will open a broken gift on Christmas morning.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n

Keep your holiday shipping merry and bright with a risk-free trial to Stamps.com<\/a><\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n

Confirm your shipment\u2019s dimensions<\/h2>\n\n

We can\u2019t stress this enough: double-check all of your shipment\u2019s dimensions before entering them <\/strong>\u2014 Santa even checks his list twice. Measure the length, width, and height of your package multiple times, and round up the weight of your shipment to the nearest pound when needed, so you can better avoid charge corrections for your shipments. If\/when your shipment isn\u2019t a traditional shape, take a picture of its dimensions, just in case you need them later. We\u2019ve included information about some of the commonly issued additional fees<\/a> below.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n