BALTIMORE, MD — Because customers put a lot of care into selecting just the right gift, the Postal Service wants to help make sure those gifts arrive quickly and safely at their destinations.  To help keep the season merry, USPS is offering some quick tips for holiday shipping.

How to pack a gift like pro:

• Pick a strong and sturdy box, and tape it closed tightly. (No Scotch tape!)
• Cushion contents to protect them during transportation, wrap glass and other fragile items with bubble wrap.
• Place wrapped gift boxes inside a plain larger box and cushion breakable items.
• Remember to place an extra shipping label and description of the contents inside the box, so they can be linked to the sender or recipient in case the box opens or the label comes off or becomes illegible.

Successful shipping tips:

• Print addresses clearly; all CAPS are preferred. Most labels are read by computers now.
• Include complete “to” and “from” information.
• Check www.usps.com  for the correct ZIP Code – never guess.
• Be sure to shake your box: if the contents move, more cushioning material is needed.
• If you insure your package, be sure to retain a receipt or invoice showing proof of value in case a claim must be made: USPS cannot insure for sentimental value.
• For an item you deem irreplaceable, use Registered Mail: it will take longer to arrive since it’s signed for at every stop along its way – but it’s our most secure mailing service.
• Visit www.usps.com  to pay for and print postage or to schedule a pick up.

The Postal Service recommends the following mail-by dates to ensure your gift arrives on time:
Dec. 15 — Standard Post, the most economical shipping service
Dec. 20 — First-Class Mail
Dec. 20 — Priority Mail
Dec. 23 — Priority Mail Express

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

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses, and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

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Please Note: For broadcast quality video and audio, photo stills and other media resources, visit the USPS Newsroom at about.usps.com/news/welcome.htm. A complete list of the holiday shipping deadlines can be found at usps.com/holidaynews.

For reporters interested in speaking with a regional Postal Service public relations professional, please go to about.usps.com/news/media-contacts/usps-local-media-contacts.pdf. Follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/usps), Instagram (instagram.com/uspostalservice), Pinterest (pinterest.com/uspsstamps), LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/usps), subscribe to our channel on YouTube (youtube.com/usps), like us on Facebook (facebook.com/usps) and view our Postal Postsblog (uspsblog.com).

For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and usps.com/postalfacts.