Holiday Package Shipping - Tips and Deadlines Published Nov. 8, 2013 By Senior Airman Kristoffer Kaubisch Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Are you wondering how early your packages need to be shipped to make it to their destination in time for the holidays? Some Airmen are unable to see their friends and family during the holiday season, so instead, they send their love in packages. When shipping letters or packages via United States Postal Service, whether it is for the holidays or any other time, there are rules and restrictions for what can and cannot be mailed. FedEx and United Parcel Service have different restrictions and shippers should refer to them directly. USPS is recommended for APO addresses since FedEx and UPS cannot deliver to APOs. These items are not inclusive, but in most cases, the following items cannot be shipped for the USPS. · Alcohol · Perfume · Prescription Drugs · Firearms · Cigarettes & Smokeless Tobacco If in doubt as to what can or cannot be sent through the mail, contact your local post office. When preparing packages, follow these guidelines from the U.S. Postal Service: · Use a sturdy box and allow space for cushioning inside the carton. · Obtain Express Mail and Priority Mail boxes, envelopes, and tubes for free from your post office or shipping store. · Cover up or black out any old labels and markings. · Cushion with shredded or rolled newspaper or bubble wrap. Plain air-popped popcorn also works and is environmentally friendly. Close and gently shake the box. Add more cushioning if you hear items moving around. · 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. · Remove batteries from toys. Wrap and place them next to the toys in the mailing box. · Use tape designed for shipping. Reinforce seams with 2-inch wide tape. Do not use wrapping paper or string as it can get caught in mail processing equipment. · The weight of your package cannot exceed 70 pounds. If you're planning to use Express Mail or Priority Mail services for faster delivery, length plus girth (distance around the thickest part of the package) cannot exceed 108 inches. When you use Parcel Post, the total cannot be more than 130 inches. · Print addresses clearly. · Include all address information, including apartment numbers, suite numbers, and directional information. · Include both "to" and "from" information on packages--and only on one side. · Make sure you use the correct ZIP code. Use ZIP Code + 4 when possible. · Packages weighing more than 13 ounces should be delivered to your local Post Office for mailing. Do not drop them into a blue collection box, lobby drop or other unattended location. · Do not mail hazardous materials. Here are a few tips when sending packages to ensure they get to where they are going. · Double check addresses and write legibly. · Shake boxes to make sure they're well packed. · Priority mail is fast for last minute gifts. · Express mail is even faster. Deadlines using the United States Post Office for Christmas arrival. · Friday, Dec. 20 is the last day to ship first-class mail · Saturday, Dec. 21 is the last day for Priority Mail · Monday, Dec. 23 is the last day for most Express mail · Saturday, Dec. 14 is the last day for Standard Post If shipping to APOs, be aware shipping deadlines for Priority and Parcel Post for holiday packages may be different. All United States Post Offices will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve beginning noon, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve starting noon and New Year's Day. For more specific guidelines and more information on the holiday mailing deadlines, visit www.USPS.com.