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Packing up

Holiday delivery rush is on

Mirror photo by Gary M. Baranec UPS driver Cody Acord unloads a truckload of packages at the U.S. Post Office in Altoona on Thursday.

With Christmas just around the corner, the holiday rush is on for those who deliver packages.

“Package volumes are up about 5 percent over last year,” said Tad Kelley, spokesman for the Western Pennsylvania District of the United States Postal Service. “Nationally, we will handle 900 million packages between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.”

“UPS is planning to deliver nearly 800 million packages between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve this holiday season and almost double our normal daily deliveries during certain peak operating days,” said Kim Krebs, United Parcel Service spokeswoman. “UPS anticipates our volume will increase approximately 3.6 percent above the 2017 holiday season.”

The period between Dec. 17 and 23 will be the heaviest mail volume days, Kelley said.

“UPS anticipates it will deliver an average of 35 million packages a day during our peak week of Dec. 17, which is about an additional one million packages each day more than last year,” Krebs said.

Consumers should ship as early as possible.

“If you use retail ground, have that to the post office by (today). For your holiday cards and letters, have them to the post office by Dec. 20. For packages, after (today), we recommend priority mail. Have it to the post office by Dec. 20,” Kelley said.

Delivery days and times to some locations will vary, Krebs said.

“To plan ahead, we recommend consumers check the holiday shipping page on UPS.com to calculate time and costs for their specific shipping needs. The most up-to-date transit time details will be available to calculate time and cost at the time of shipping,” Krebs said.

For the last minute shoppers, the last days to ship using UPS to help ensure delivery before Christmas Day are: UPS 2nd Day Air: Dec. 20 with delivery on Dec. 24, and UPS Next Day Air: Dec. 21 with delivery on Dec 24.

Packages should be prepared properly for delivery. Kelley said there are a number of things that customers can do to ensure their holiday mail gets delivered safely and correctly:

– Print addresses clearly and include all address elements, such as apartment numbers and directional information.

– Remove batteries from toys. Wrap and place them next to the toys in the mailing box. If you pack new batteries with the toys, leave them in their original packaging.

– Place a card inside the package that contains the delivery and return address. This ensures the package can be delivered or returned if the mailing label gets damaged or falls off.

– Never guess a ZIP code. No ZIP code is better than a wrong ZIP.

– Include both “to” and “from” information on packages and only on one side.

– Do not reuse mailing boxes — they weaken in the shipping process.

– Select a box that is strong enough to protect the contents. Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express boxes are free at local post offices.

– Leave space for extra cushioning inside. Stuff glass and fragile, hollow items — like vases — with newspaper or packing material to avoid damage. When mailing framed photographs, take the glass out of the frame and wrap it separately.

For people expecting a delivery at home, Krebs said there are several UPS services they can use to make the busy holiday shopping and shipping season more hassle free:

– Have the shipment sent to where they are — not where they aren’t. In other words, if you are at work during the day, have packages delivered to where you work. Customers also can choose to have things sent to a relative or neighbor who is home during the day.

– Consumers can sign up for the free UPS My Choice service, which sends a text message or email the day before a package arrives to the customer know when their package is going to be delivered. UPS My Choice can help registered members decide when and how their packages are delivered and avoid those “sorry we missed you” notices left on doors. If the initial delivery time doesn’t work, there are options to reschedule or reroute the package for a small fee.

– UPS My Choice members also can take advantage of the UPS Access Point network. UPS Access Point locations are convenient places — such as The UPS Store, a neighborhood deli and grocery stores, and other local businesses with evening and weekend hours — that offer easy package drop-off and pickup.

– People also can consider using mailbox services at The UPS Store. These local centers can serve as a “mailroom receiving agent” and offer a real street address, secure 24-hour access (at participating locations) and email or text notification when you have a package waiting. The UPS Store can accept packages from all carriers.

The postal service is offering “Informed Delivery,” where you can digitally preview your mail and manage your packages scheduled to arrive soon.

Informed Delivery allows you to view grayscale images of the exterior, address side of letter-sized mailpieces and track packages in one location. Images are only provided for letter-sized mailpieces that are processed through USPS’ automated equipment, Kelley said.

Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 946-7467.

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