SAN FRANCISCO – Just in time for the peak holiday season, the U.S. Postal Service is offering helpful pointers for customers to relieve holiday shipping hassles and get those gifts under the tree in time for St. Nick’s arrival.

“The holidays are less than three weeks away and understandably customers are beginning to feel the pinch,” said Krista Finazzo, consumer advocate for the Postal Service. “Whether sending a large toy or mailing a greeting card to loved ones overseas, customers can feel at ease with the Postal Service knowing there are dozens of affordable products and services designed to help make holiday mailing and shipping simpler than ever before.”

Given the busy season ahead, Finazzo shares six simple tips to help customers avoid those holiday hassles:

• Receive discounted shipping costs. Skip the trip to the Post Office by using Click-N-Ship on www.usps.com/holiday and receive up to a 16 percent discount off your shipping costs. Customers can print their own mailing labels with postage from the convenience of home or office. And by requesting Free Package Pickup online, customers can have the Postal Service pick up packages from homes and offices across the country. The service is free regardless of the number of packages being requested at www.usps.com/pickup/ .
• Confirm addresses. Print addresses clearly in all CAPITAL LETTERS and be sure to include all address elements – apartment numbers, suite numbers and directional information for streets. For example: 123 S MAIN ST. or 12456 ELM ST. N. Include both “to” and “from” information on packages – and only on one side. Never guess a ZIP Code. Visit www.usps.com to find all ZIP Codes.
• Use a sturdy box. Select a box that is strong enough to protect the contents. Leave space for cushioning inside. Do not reuse mailing boxes –  they weaken in the shipping process. Customers can purchase ReadyPost boxes at a local Post Office or at the Postal Store on www.usps.com . Express Mail and Priority Mail boxes and envelopes are free. And if you’re not sure – customers can use our convenient Flat Rate Boxes that come in a variety of sizes and once again are always free. Remember – “If it fits, it ships,” for a low flat rate.
• Pack delicately. Cushion contents with shredded or rolled newspaper, bubble wrap or foam peanuts. Plain air-popped popcorn is also good for cushioning – it’s inexpensive and environmentally friendly. Pack contents tightly to avoid shifting during transit. Always use tape designed for shipping, such as pressure-sensitive tape, nylon-reinforced craft paper tape or glass-reinforced pressure-sensitive tape. Do not use wrapping paper, string, masking tape, duct tape or cellophane tape.
• Remove batteries and fragile items. Be sure to remove batteries from toys. Wrap and place them next to the toys in the mailing box. Customers should include the new batteries in the manufacturer’s packaging. And 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.

And last up, but certainly not least are the all-important mailing and shipping deadlines. Be sure to take note of the following mail-by dates to have your package arrive in time for the holidays.

Dec. 10 – Priority Mail Military
Dec. 11 – Express Mail International
Dec. 14 – Parcel Post
Dec. 17 – Global Express Guaranteed
Dec. 20 – First-Class Mail
Dec. 21 – Priority Mail
Dec. 22 – Express Mail

Customers can visit the Postal Service Holiday Blog for additional holiday mailing and shipping tips, and get the best advice from resident holiday experts for sending holiday cards, letters and packages this holiday season.

New insights are regularly posted to help customers sail through this busy and joyous season.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses, and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.