Are You Labeling Your Packages Correctly?

Steps You Can Take to Prevent Damage and Loss, and to Expedite the Delivery of Your Package

 Are You Labeling Correctly?

In order to expedite the delivery of your package, it is extremely important to label and address with care. A few extra moments ensuring the address is correctly presented will spare you the inconvenience of a misdelivered or slow-to-arrive package.

 Following are some tips to remember when labeling and addressing a package. 

  • Placement of Label – Always place the delivery and return addresses on the same side of the package, with the return address at the upper left corner. Ideally the labels should be parallel to the longest edge.
  • Print or Type Clearly – The address should be legible from an arm’s length away. Do not use commas, periods, or any other punctuation. Note on the front of the package if the contents are fragile, liquid, or perishable.
  • Accuracy of Address – Be sure to use complete addresses and check the accuracy of the delivery address. Include ZIP code + 4 when possible. You can verify an address, including ZIP code + 4, at www.usps.com. Use official USPS abbreviations for addresses.
  • Both UPS and FedEx charge a fee of $12 for address corrections per package – All the more reason to be certain the address is correct.

Wrong way:
Mrs. Linda E. Robins
35 East Broker Street
Jax., Fla. 32223

CORRECT WAY:
MRS LINDA E ROBINS
35 E BROKER ST
JACKSONVILLE FL 32223-7946

Are You Packaging Correctly?

Unfortunately, damage can sometimes occur to packages. But bear in mind, there are steps you can take to minimize these instances, and ensure the safe delivery of your parcels. 

Following are important reminders to consider when preparing a package.

  • Always use a strong, undamaged box. Be certain the box can hold the weight of the contents.
  • Make sure the box is free from any extraneous labels, markings, or previous shipping instructions.
  • Use sufficient cushioning and wrap items separately. UPS suggests using at least two inches of cushioning to separate items from each other and the sides of the box.
  • Only use tape that is designed for shipping.
  • Place an extra, completed address label inside the package in case the box is damaged en route.

UPS gives detailed instructions on how to correctly label and prepare a package on its website, www.ups.com. It also explains how to prevent claims, and why a claim might be denied. It is imperative that a package is properly prepared prior to shipment in order to avoid a claim denial.

A word about same-day deliveries:

When using a courier for same-day delivery, remember to label those packages as you would if you were mailing them. In the case of an urgent delivery, correct address, label, and packaging is even more critical. Often, a customer will simply hand over a parcel without any delivery information printed on it. This could potentially delay your delivery.

Software Support

Some individuals and businesses may benefit from CASS software. The Coding Accuracy Support System (CASS) is a process by which the USPS ensures that all mailers, service bureaus, software vendors, etc. are updated and accurate in their address databases. Businesses can use CASS software to automatically correct mistakes in addresses, and even fill in missing address information. The software also provides a confirmation as to whether an address is deliverable, and can be updated to correct addresses that have been renamed, as well as add new addresses.

For more information, UPS, FedEx, and USPS all have a tremendous amount of information on their websites. They are good sources for questions regarding how to correctly prepare and address a package. Blue Streak Couriers has customer service representatives standing by to assist you with all of your delivery needs, including same-day and rush deliveries. By making certain that a package is accurately labeled and addressed, you are undoubtedly saving yourself time and money.

Sources:
www.usps.com
www.ups.com
www.fedex.com

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