Holiday shipping deadlines set by U.S. Postal Service, FedEx and UPS

If you're planning to ship holiday gifts to friends and family, you need to be aware of deadlnes set by the U.S. Postal Service, FedEx and United Parcel Service of America or UPS to assure delivery by Christmas.

The earliest deadline is Nov. 12 for packages shipped Parcel Post by U.S. Postal Service to military service members through APO/FPO addresses and ZIP codes. The latest is Dec. 25 -- that's right, Christmas -- for FedEx SameDay delivery of packages shipped within the United States.

FedEx and UPS offer automatic tracking, insurance and time definite delivery dates. The U.S. Postal Service will add those services for additional charges.

All three shippers use a dimensional weight system on larger packages, so size matters. A large item may weigh only 5 pounds, but require a box size of 21 inches by 21 inches by 21 inches. It would be billed at a 47-pound rate with UPS and FedEx or a minimum of 20 pounds with the U.S. Postal Service.

When it comes to securing the contents of packages, Mailboxes of Iowa City recommends that you tape the opening of the box and reinforce all seams with 2-inch-wide packaging tape (clear or brown), reinforced packing tape or paper tape.  Do not use cord, string, twine, duct tape, masking tape, cellophane tape or brown paper wrap.

Two inches of cushioning around all sides of the item is required for all insured items. Styrofoam peanuts and bubble wrap are excellent packing materials. 

Contrary to popular belief, newspaper and air popped popcorn are not good packaging materials. Many items may need substantially more cushioning depending on how fragile they are or their weight.

If you are traveling for the holidays, Mailboxes of Iowa City can ship your gifts and your luggage to your destination.  Luggage can be shipped without a box, but will incur an $8 surcharge.

FedEx expects to move more than 17 million shipments on Dec. 12, the projected busiest day in company history. The U.S. Postal Service expects Dec. 19 will be its busiest mailing day this year and projects Dec. 21 will be its busiest delivery day.

UPS has not provided a projected "busiest day" in the upcoming holiday shipping season.