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FedEx early for Christmas

[ December 10, 2013   //   ]

Express delivery company fedEx is reminding customers that its final FedEx collection date before Christmas will be 23 December, while the final delivery date will be 24 December.

However, to ensure recipients are definitely around to receive goods, FedEx recommends sending any parcels as early as possible to avoid disappointment come Christmas Day.

And while the last collecting day is 23 December, FedEx advises customers to consider the availability of their recipient before Christmas and whether they will actually be available to receive their package on Christmas Eve. Many firms are planning to close for the festive season on Friday 20 December.

To help ensure packages arrive in mint condition, FedEx has also put together some shipping tips to advise on proper packaging and shipment.

 

Tip 1: Prep your item
Start by looking at your gift – is it sturdy, fragile, box-like or have small moving pieces? Use bubble wrap to “square off” any odd angles to make them less fragile during shipment. If your item is shallow or hollow inside, like a vase or bowl, fill that space to protect it – packing peanuts, bubble wrap or firmly crumpled paper all work!

 

Tip 2: Choose the best box
Use a new, sturdy box that’s a few inches larger than your gift on all sides to allow for plenty of cushioning. If reusing a box, make sure it’s still strong enough to stand up to shipping (no torn flaps, no holes or corner dents, no water-damage, etc.). And be sure to remove all old shipping labels.

 

Tip 3: Cushioning is key
Protect your gifts by using at least 1 inch layers (preferably 2 inches) of cushioning around the item – top, bottom and all four sides.

 

Tip 4: Fragile Gift? Double It
When you’ve got a super-breakable item to ship, use two boxes. Cushion your item with at least three inches of packing peanuts or other cushioning material, and seal it in a box. Place that box within a second, slightly larger box, with another layer of cushioning. All that added padding is added protection for your fragile item.

 

Tip 5: Pack In the Address
Sometimes winter weather can streak or remove shipping labels and paperwork can get lost from pouches. Just in case, always put an extra shipping label, business card, or letterhead with the shipper and recipient’s address information inside your box before sealing things up.

 

Tip 6: Seal It Tight. Keeping winter rain, sleet and snow out of your box is easy. Just seal all the flaps and seams using proper packing tape. No duct tape or masking tape, please! Bonus Pro Tip: Just remember to make the shape of an “H” when taping seams.

 

Tip 7: Keep Your Wrappings Inside the Box Please don’t wrap your shipping box in anything. We love that you wrap your gifts beautifully, but these items can get caught in FedEx sorting machines, so it’s best to keep the wrappings inside the box.

 

·Tip 8:  Label It Right One of the best ways to ensure your package gets to its destination on time is with proper labeling. When using a FedEx shipping label, airbill, or airway bill, fill it out completely and accurately. When using a FedEx shipping label, run your hand firmly over it to make sure it’s secure on the box. When using pouch, make sure the peel-off strip has been removed and the flap is firmly sealed. Place labels or pouches on the largest surface of the box, avoiding corners, edges, and seams.

 

 

 

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