December 19th, 2016 by John Peters
This is your get it there before Christmas tip. As we near, we have a number of different options for you still. Depending on where it is headed, the prices will vary though. It is already too late to ship a ground option to the Northeast. That means that you need to do a 3 day air option to have a money back guaranteed before Christmas arrival. Another option is to chance it with priority mail. It is likely to be there, but we don’t guarantee anything through the post office, as they don’t either. It is always best to get it in here as soon as possible so we can have as many options available to get it there when you want it to arrive, as inexpensively as it can. We can even get it out as late as Friday with a Priority Overnight Saturday Delivery option with FedEx. So if it needs to happen, we can make it work. Just drop by, and we will be more than happy to help you figure out the best way to get the job you want done.
Posted in Seasonal, Shipping
December 16th, 2016 by John Peters
Posted in Uncategorized
December 15th, 2016 by John Peters
Want to send tamales to your son in Tacoma? Have some fresh ranch beef to get to Baltimore? Cookies to Kalamazoo? Let us help you make sure that they are packed to stay safe and fresh and get there in a timely fashion. Shipping food can get a bit overwhelming, so let us help you with this process at Pak Mail so everyone, near and far, can have a yummy Christmas!
Posted in Packing, Seasonal, Shipping
December 14th, 2016 by John Peters
Are you a last minute shopper? Are you a last minute shipper? We understand dragging your feet so we at Pak Mail want to give you some inspiration to get your packages out on time! We can get your items there on the 24th by shipping as late as the 23rd!!! But be prepared to pay big bucks! Instead, why don’t you get in here early and get them off so you don’t have to pay a steep price. Check out our helpful calendar so we can get your items to where they need to go in time.
Posted in Seasonal, Shipping
December 13th, 2016 by John Peters
Time to give FedEx a chance to make some suggestions for how to package your holiday treats!
“Box it right – Appropriate for the size and weight of your item(s). Use a double-walled box for heavier items. Free from holes, tears, or corner dents. Remove old address labels.
Pack it tight – Wrap and tape the item’s sharp edges or protrusions. Bundle printed material together. Use plenty of shock-absorbing packing material.
Seal all around – Tape all the flaps and seams on your package on both the top and bottom using the H taping method. Acceptable tapes include: Pressure-sensitive plastic tape. Water-activated paper tape (minimum 60-lb. grade). Water-activated reinforced tape, at least 2″ wide.
Label in sight – Apply it to the largest surface, running your hand over the label to secure it. For the FedEx pouch, follow the tips and illustrations to ensure proper closure. Avoid placing labels near corners, edges, or seams. Use tie-on tags on transit cases (including tradeshow display cases), golf bags, skis, and luggage.”
These are great suggestions. We at Pak Mail follow all of these of course. Feel free to bring your package to us, and don’t worry about a thing!
Posted in Packing, Seasonal, Shipping
December 10th, 2016 by John Peters
Today’s tip is the last one from UPS on using proper labeling.
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“Always include the recipient´s postal code with the complete street address. For international shipments, include a contact name, telephone number, and postal code.
You must make every effort to obtain a street address. If a shipper should use a P.O. Box address, the recipient´s telephone number must be included on the label. Your package that is addressed to a P.O. Box may be delayed, will not be covered by any UPS Service Guarantee, and will require an address correction charge. Army Post Office (APO) and Fleet Post Office (FPO) addresses are not accepted.
Please include the apartment or unit number, if applicable.
Place the shipping label on the top of the package. To avoid confusion, place only one address label on the package. If you are using a packing slip, place it on the same surface of the package as the address label.
Do not place the label over a seam or closure or on top of sealing tape.
Remove or cross out old labels or markings on a used box.
Always include your complete return address, including full street address and postal code. For international shipments, include a contact name, telephone number, and postal code.
Place a duplicate label or other form of identification inside your package.
If you are using a mailing tube, place the label horizontally, with each end of the label pointing toward the ends of the tube, so the bar code can be scanned.
UPS does not provide special handling for packages with “Fragile”, package orientation (e.g., “UP” arrows or “This End Up” markings), or any other similar such markings.”
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The easiest thing is to bring your package by Pak Mail and we will take care of all the details for you. Even if it is just a dropoff, we will be happy to place the label on the appropriate location for you. Just show up with all of your address information, including phone number, and we will figure out the best way to ship it, whether that be UPS, FedEx, USPS, DHL, freight, or some other way!
Posted in Packing, Seasonal, Shipping
December 9th, 2016 by John Peters
We are giving you another shipping tip from UPS, this time on closing your box properly.
“Proper closure of your container is just as important as proper cushioning for the safety and security of your shipment. To close a box securely, do not use masking tape, cellophane tape, duct tape, string, or paper over-wrap. Instead, use a strong tape — two inches (5.08 cm) or more in width — such as these types:
Pressure-sensitive plastic
Generally the easiest, most convenient tape to use
Versatile because it adheres without water and sticks to a variety of surfaces and shapes
Apply three strips to both the top and bottom flaps of the box. For regular slotted containers (RSC), where the flaps meet in the center, apply three strips of tape to both the top and bottom of the box, so the middle and two edge seams are sealed. For corrugated containers where the flaps overlap (FOL), apply three strips of tape to both the top and bottom of the box, so the three edge seams are sealed.
Nylon reinforced filament tape
Use 60 lb (27 kg) grade tape at least three inches (7.62 cm) wide
Apply three strips to both the top and bottom flaps of the box. For regular slotted containers (RSC), where the flaps meet in the center, apply three strips of tape to both the top and bottom of the box, so the middle and two edge seams are sealed. For corrugated containers where the flaps overlap (FOL), apply three strips of tape to both the top and bottom of the box, so the three edge seams are sealed.”
In sum, do NOT use Duct Tape (we see a lot of that) or wrap your box with brown paper. The paper might have been good in the past, but now it can easily get hooked on machines, tear, and the label becomes separated from the package. We can put a poly mailer tear-proof bag around most boxes for a more secure experience if it does not need a corrugated box. Just bring it by Pak Mail, and we can take care of every aspect for you.
Crossed duct tape stripes isolated on white background
Posted in Packing, Seasonal, Shipping
December 8th, 2016 by John Peters
As it cools off, the shipping is heating up! So here we go with another tip courtesy of UPS, and it is all about proper packaging.
“It is important to cushion the contents of your package properly. Please be sure that you wrap each item separately. Fragile articles need separation from each other, and from the corners, sides, top, and bottom of the box. Each item should be surrounded by at least two inches (5.08 cm) of cushioning and be placed at least two inches (5.08 cm) away from the walls of the box. This prevents product-against-product damage and protects contents from shock and vibration, which can pass from the outside of the box to the contents. Please use proper cushioning material, combined with a strong outer container, to protect your shipment fully. Make sure you use enough cushioning material to ensure that the contents do not move when you shake the container. Improper cushioning material includes clothing, blankets, towels, newspaper/newsprint, and pillows. Instead, please use the materials listed below to cushion and protect your shipment:
Air-encapsulated plastic (small and large cell bubble sheeting)
- Designed to protect and cushion lightweight items
- Used in multiple wraps and layers to ensure that the item is completely protected, especially on corners and edges
Inflatable packaging (air bags)
- Used primarily as void-fill materials for lightweight items
- Not recommended for items with sharp corners or edges
- Extreme hot or cold temperatures may affect the ability of air bags to provide adequate product protection.
Expanded polystyrene “peanuts” (loose fill)
- Used primarily as void-fill material for lightweight items
- Overfill the box with loose fill, gently close the flaps, and seal securely
- Do not use with flat or narrow products that may move to the edge or bottom of the carton in transit
- Due to the shifting and settling properties of peanuts, it is recommended that a minimum of two inches (5.08 cm) of cushioning be used around the contents
- It is recommended that flat pieces of corrugated fiberboard be used between contents and peanuts to help prevent migration through the peanuts
- Peanuts cause static electricity and may damage electronic items. Anti-static peanuts should be used for electronic items. Use plastic bags, bubble sheeting, or other items to wrap the item so peanuts will not work themselves into areas that may cause harm to your merchandise.
Engineered foam enclosures
- Materials may include expanded polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, or copolymers
- Enclosures should be pre-engineered for specific products
Foam-in-place/Foam-in-bag
- A foam, sprayed into the box or mixed in packets, that expands and forms a protective mold around contents
- Must be properly used, with even foam distribution around the contents
- Because this material is offered in varying densities, it is important to select the most appropriate foam to meet the requirements of the product
Corrugated liners and inserts
- May be added to the package to increase strength and improve package performance
Crumpled kraft paper
- Used primarily as a void-fill material for light-to-medium weight, non-fragile items and items that are suitable for such packing materials
- Must be tightly crumpled
- Place at least two inches (5.08 cm) of paper between contents and outer box
Note: Fragile objects such as electronics, glass, ceramics, and artwork, require special packaging for safe shipment. Packages containing these and similar items may require added cushioning or a double (over) box.”
If this sounds daunting to you, just bring it by Pak Mail, and we will make all of the right decisions on packaging and get it sent out for you properly and for the most reasonable price possible. We are here to keep your holidays stress free!
Posted in Packing, Seasonal, Shipping
December 6th, 2016 by John Peters
This season, we at Pak Mail want to help you have the best shipping experience possible. We will be getting very busy, very soon, but we are going to try to keep up with giving you solid advice on shipping out your presents to loved ones.
First tip comes courtesy of the UPS holiday shipping guidelines – use a corrugated box. “Whenever possible, use a new box. The more times a box is used, the more it loses its original protective qualities, so a previously used box may not adequately protect your shipment. If you must reuse a box, make sure it is rigid and in excellent condition with no punctures, tears, rips, or corner damage, and that all flaps are intact. Remove any labels and all other shipment markings from the box. Choose a box strength that is suitable for the contents you are shipping.”
At Pak Mail, we have over 100 different box sizes, so we can definitely find one suitable for your needs. Or we can make one custom for you! If you are reusing one of your own, we can also help to cover up the labels. Don’t rip them off as you will likely take some of the box with it! Also, make sure the box is sturdy enough. All boxes come in different strength and should have a seal that has a weight limit on it. Those weights are for freight scenarios, so be sure that you are a good 30% lighter than that limit for shipping in a parcel environment. For instance, the USPS flat rate boxes should really not have anywhere near 30 pounds in them since they are very weak.
If you have any questions, we would be happy to help you with these! Happy shipping!
Posted in Packing, Seasonal, Shipping