(NAPSA)—It does no good to shoptill you drop if you then pack out of whack. After all the thought and effort put into selecting gifts for loved ones far away, your good intentions could be thwarted if that gift is not properly packaged for the journey. Here are some simple guidelines for safe and ontime delivery of packages this holiday season. Beat the Holiday Rush. For best value, ship as early as possible. Or, shop online and have the retailer ship direct to your loved ones. Hint: Mondays are the busiest shipping days. Pack like a Pro. Use a new corrugated box free of markings or labels. Protect gifts by wrapping items separately, using adequate packaging materials, such as packing “peanuts” and plastic bubble cushioning. Use at least two inches of cushioning on all sides of each item and completely fill the box. Make sure to use the right tape. (Sorry, duct tape or masking tape is not acceptable as gift-wrap or packing tape.) Shipping Fragile Items. Packages containing fragile items may require a double box. You can bring the box unsealed to The UPS Store, which offers a complimentary evaluation of your packing technique and will help correct any errors. Secure Delivery. Give yourself peace of mind by using a shipping company that lets you track shipments. The best insurance is proper packing and a responsible carrier that offers insurance options. Hint: Secure a mailbox with 24-hour access so you don’t have to wait at home for deliveries or risk having valuable shipments left on the doorstep. Shipping Etiquette. Use a single address label that hasclear, complete delivery and return addresses. Placing a duplicate address label inside the box is also recommended in case the outer label becomesillegible. Shipping Options. Some shippers, such as UPS, offer Internet shipping that lets you charge shipping on your credit card and print a shipping label right from your computer. Get your shipment to UPS by handingit to a driver, arranging for a special pickup, or taking it to The UPS Store or any other shipping outlet. If you aren’t fully confident in your packing capabilities, consider seeking expert help from the trained professionals at The UPS Store who have all the proper packing materials for your convenience. For more helpful hints and information, go to www.theups store.com or www.myups.com or call 1-800-Pick-UPS.
