Tips on Shipping for the Holiday Season

Published 2024-11-12

Peak season stretches carrier networks. Use this educational checklist when you plan gifts or inventory moves. We do not ship packages for readers.

Plan earlier than the marketing calendar

Published “deliver by Christmas” dates assume ideal conditions. Weather, volume spikes, and address errors add days. Aim to finish labeling several days before the carrier’s advertised last recommended ship date for your service level.

Choose the right service level

Ground is economical but slowest. Express products cost more and still need correct addresses and someone available to receive signature shipments. Compare options in our shipping guides.

Pack for rough handling

Holiday parcels stack higher. Double-box fragile items, cushion voids, and use paper that will not shift. See packing tips.

Address quality

Include apartment numbers, correct ZIP+4 when known, and a phone number for carrier questions. For international gifts, complete customs forms accurately—undervaluation can delay clearance.

Tracking discipline

Save confirmation emails and enable alerts. If a scan stalls, wait for the carrier’s published idle period before coding a claim. Learn status language in how tracking works.

Workplace and CMRA deliveries

If recipients use a private mailbox or virtual mailbox, confirm that location accepts the carrier and size you are sending.

Informational article — not a shipping service offer.

International gifts

Customs forms need honest values and detailed descriptions. Soft toys, chocolates, and cosmetics can trigger extra checks depending on destination rules. Factor brokerage delays into “must arrive by” promises to family abroad.

Returns after the holidays

Keep labels and boxes if a recipient might return an item. Merchant return windows shrink in January traffic. Photograph condition on arrival when shipping high-value goods to relatives.

Authoritative sources

Verify current rules and product details on official sites: