Mailing Christmas Packages?
Nov 29 '00
Since my obsession with E-Bay <see http://www.epinions.com/webs-review-50B2-2E6C93AC-39A1C8EF-prod5 > I have had many packages delivered and more were sent with the US Postal Service than with UPS. I have also used this service to mail packages because they happen to have a convenient location so I feel qualified on both levels to offer an epinion.
On the sending end they are easy to use and you can find out most of the information you need to know without ever leaving home. They have a web site <www.usps.com/ > that will allow you to calculate how much it will cost to mail your package - within my area code for example, a 5 pound medium size package would cost $3.19 for Parcel Post (two Day delivery), $6.50 for Priority Mail (one day delivery), or $24 for Express Mail (overnight delivery to most areas). Their web site will also track/confirm your package for Priority Mail and Parcel Post which could be a real advantage for E-Bay sellers.
For the Christmas Season planning ahead could certainly save you considerable money. The Post Office recommends the following deadlines: Parcel Post - Ship before December 10, Priority Mail - before December 18, and Express Mail - can be shipped the Week of Christmas. Using that same 5 pound box scenario the difference between Express and Parcel Post is $20.81 or perhaps the entire cost of the gift itself.
I found all kinds of helpful information on their web site from packaging tips, to how to buy stamps by phone or on-line, and how to send a card with a North Pole Cancellation. I was also reminded of the fact that the packaging materials, including boxes and padding materials are available to buy at your local post office while Express Mail and Priority Mail boxes, envelopes, and tubes are free. (which I didn't realize) And there's still time to get involved in Operation Dear Abby - the 16 year tradition she started of writing to service men and women stationed around the world.
On the receiving end I must say that my mailman is a wonder. He is very accommodating, friendly and efficient. He makes two drive throughs per day - the first time he delivers his packages and the second time he delivers the rest of the mail (bills usually). All of my boxes arrived well packaged and in fairly good condition. The only breakage we have ever experienced was with an insured UPS delivery (no lasting problem - the item was replaced). I have found the US Postal Mail service to be dependable, reliable, fast but on the few occasions when my husband has requested Express delivery - (aeronautical charts) he hasn't gotten them overnight. For me, the extra expense isn't warranted unless it is a dire emergency and even then there's no real guarantee you'll get it overnight.
In summary, I recommend mailing packages early and if you want that special card or letter to have a North Pole cancellation plan ahead.
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Epinions.com ID:
fresca
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Member: Fresca
Location: Lexington, Kentucky
Reviews written: 135
Trusted by: 102 members
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