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Don't you just hate when the package you're expecting arrives later than you were told it would? Have you ever wondered what happens to your mail as it goes out or comes in?
Imagine if an expensive Christmas gift was lost in the mail and you didn't have time to buy something else for your loved one. Or, think about how you'd react if you realized a big check you sent to your landlord was flagged for fraud by someone else trying to cash it!
These are just a few of the mailing mishaps that happen all year round.
As efficient as the mail service is most of the time, it doesn't hurt to do some smart mailing tactics on your part to prevent such things from happening. The more you take care when you need to ship documents with sensitive information or special packages, the more you can trust that your mail gets where it needs to go.
Here are 7 things you should consider doing the next time you need to send mail.
1. Pay for First Class Shipping
First Class Shipping is basically like first class flying for objects rather than people. Instead of fancy drinks and cozy seats, though, your mail gets priority shipping and a bit of extra attention when being handled.
First Class Shipping ensures that your mail gets to its final destination in at least 3 days, often times much sooner. It can ship in as soon as 24 hours depending on the destination and the time of day you send it out.
2. Get Your Mail Certified
Although First Class Shipping is a good investment, it's even better to pair this with Certified Mailing. This is especially true for important documents - like checks, birth certificates or legal documents, and time-sensitive notices.
Certified Mail requires that the recipient signs a form saying they've gotten the package safely. Their signature is pretty much your insurance.
It's what you can use as proof of notice or sending a check on time in case the recipient tries to act like they haven't gotten what they need from you. That's a different problem of its own, but at least you know your word is protected against theirs if you have the proof of Certified Mail Labels and receipts.
3. Invest in Mailing Insurance
Speaking of insurance, have you ever received a broken or damaged item in the mail? This is pretty easy to take care of with an online shopping mishap, but it's not like you just have an inventory of personal items laying around when you send out something.
The next time you mail a birthday gift to a loved one or a sentimental item to a relative, make sure you can get reimbursed for it in case something happens. Mailing insurance may not replace your grandma's ring or get mom's gift to her on time, but it will compensate you for your troubles. It lessens the intensity of a problem in the off chance that something does happen to your mail.
4. Go with Global Express Guaranteed Insurance
If you're shipping an item outside of the United States, you need to get Global Express Guaranteed Insurance. This will not only get your package to where it's going faster, but it will also provide further insurance coverage than standard insurance can provide.
Depending on the country you're sending something to, you may also want to invest in insurance in that area. This is especially smart for businesses who are operating in certain places on a regular basis or for families who typically send things back and forth across international borders.
5. Consider Using a Courier Service
Keep in mind that the national mail service is not your only mailing option. Whether you're sending something domestically or internationally, it's worth looking into professional courier services.
Do some digging beyond just UPS and FedEx. See if there's a company that specializes in the mailing services you need - like the transportation of furniture, jewelry, passports, or other important goods/documents.
6. Be Mindful When Packaging
No matter what kind of insurance you purchase or who you send something out with, it's not going to travel safely if you don't package it well. Make the effort to invest in packaging goods like peanuts, bubble wrap, and brown paper.
This makes a world of a difference. Such items protect your goods in case the box/envelope they're in does get dropped or otherwise mishandled. It's the extra bit of the peace of mind you need when sending something out.
7. Clearly Label the Package
Last but not least, make sure you always label a package as clearly as possible. The last thing you want is to go through all the trouble to mail something safely only for it to arrive at the wrong address!
More so, you want to trust that people will handle the package as you expect it to be taken care of. Something as simple as a "this side up" label or a "fragile" sticker can do so much to protect your items. You may not think people notice these things, but they do.
If you're sending a perishable good or something that's potentially flammable, you want to label such things as well. The more detailed you are with your packaging and handling needs, the better the journey of your goods will be.
Safely Ship Documents, Packages, Containers, and More!
Whether you want to ship documents in small letter envelopes or put an entire shipping container on a boat/plane, you need to use the tips mentioned above. This isn't to say that every single piece of advice applies to all the future packages you're going to send.
However, it's good to do more than just label a package and stick it in the mailbox the next time you need to send something of high importance. If you're interested in how you can lower your environmental impact while mailing and handling things day-to-day, check out these eco-friendly insights!