by Cheri Marchand Schilling
It's that time of the year again.
The holiday pageantry of Shop till We Drop from the big after Thanksgiving Day sales.
The only day of the year we willingly set the alarm for 4am to get the early bird specials.
It isn't until we have our achin dogs elevated and our tushies sunk snuggly into the cushions of a sofa or easy chair that we remember what we just bought has to be shipped! Thoughts shift to, when is the last day I can ship! I still have things to buy! Our US Postal Service is still the cheapest means of sending packages and mail. True, an email may be easier, but it canít replace that card with the gift certificates, money or annual family photograph of the kids tucked inside to grandpa and grandma who don't own a computer!
Every Holiday season it is the same scenario, someone gets upset because they haven't properly prepared their package for shipping and insist it will do just fine. I have lost count of how many times I've heard a patron being told the package cannot have string around it, it will get caught in the sorting machines. Yes Mame, it works for letters, but Scotch tape isn't a secure tape for a package. It's not strong enough. Yes Sir, duck tape is good for many things, but it isn't for shipping packages. To prevent those embarrassing time consuming holiday nightmares our Postmaster for Moreno Valley, Pete Weaver has offered the following suggestions for package preparation:
All shipping companies as well as the US Postal Service require Packaging Tape Only. NO strings can be used; we are in an automated world the packages can get caught on a device during the separation process. It is highly recommended that the contents be wrapped securely to withstand a drop from the waist down (just in case it was to fall). We don't recommend using 'used' cardboard boxes. Cardboard has the tendency to breakdown with age.
New ones are stronger and preferable and can be purchased any where. For the convenience of our patrons The Postal Service has boxes of varying sizes for nominal fees, packaging tape and labels', said Weaver. If the box you choose to use is used please note *if a used box has a hazardous waste alert or labeling it will NOT be accepted*. Finally, please be sure to black out all previous addresses to prevent errant boxes from going sightseeing during the holidays and print your labels clearly so they can be read.
IMPORTANT MAILING DATES TO REMEMBER: The most important packages to mail early are those sent Internationally. For Global Packages - Nov .18th and Global Air - Dec. 5th. It also has to be noted the reason for this is Once a package or letter leaves our hands it is out of our control. It is than in the hands of the postal service of that particular country, said Postmaster Weaver. International packages generally must pass through that countries customs and can easily be held up there. So, leave plenty of time for it to arrive. *Please note there is no mail service to Iraq.*
For APO/FPO (military service mail) and domestic (within the 50 states), it is recommended that Parcel Post be mailed no later than Nov. 12th to assure its arrival in time for the holidays. Priority Mail by Dec. 10th. Ideally cards and letters should be mailed by Dec. 5th and Express Mail - Dec. 19th. For those who procrastinate: Any first class mail mailed later than Dec. 17th may not reach its destination in time for Christmas. Express Mail can be mail as late as Dec. 22 to be guaranteed arrival anywhere in the country in time for Christmas (some smaller towns are guaranteed in 2 days)* For those who really procrastinate when it comes to packages, the kings and queens of this title, the Post Office understands, but it will be considerably more costly. The option for express mail is available for packages up to 70lbs, BUT, they must be sent no later than Dec.21st to ensure their arrival in time
Extended Hours have been added for the Holiday Rush:
Weekdays: Dec.12-21 8am-6:30pm. Weekend (Saturday)
Dec 10 & Dec 17 8am-5pm.
Express Mail (Delivery Only for the city of Moreno Valley)
Christmas Day
