Know the 2017 UPS Holiday Shipping Schedule for a Stress-Free Season

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebrations, and gift-giving. However, it can also be a stressful time, especially for those who need to ship their gifts, packages, and items to loved ones who live far away. Fortunately, UPS has released its 2017 holiday shipping schedule to help you plan ahead and avoid the last-minute rush. In this article, we will walk you through the important dates, shipping options, tips, and common mistakes to ensure that your holiday shipping with UPS is smooth and stress-free.

Important dates to keep in mind when shipping with UPS during the holiday season

The first thing you need to know is the cutoff dates for each shipping option to ensure that your package arrives on time. For domestic deliveries within the US, the following dates apply:

• December 18: UPS 3 Day Select
• December 20: UPS 2nd Day Air
• December 21: UPS Next Day Air
• December 22: UPS On-Call Pick-Up service

For international deliveries, you will need to check the specific country and service for the cutoff dates. Keep in mind that these dates are subject to change, so it’s best to check the UPS website regularly to stay updated.

In addition to the cutoff dates, it’s important to properly package your items to ensure they arrive safely. UPS recommends using a sturdy box and cushioning materials such as bubble wrap or packing peanuts. It’s also important to label your package clearly with the recipient’s address and your return address.

Finally, if you’re shipping valuable or fragile items, consider purchasing additional insurance or using UPS’s special handling services to ensure they are handled with extra care during transit.

How to plan ahead and stay organized for holiday shipping using the UPS schedule

One of the best ways to avoid the holiday shipping rush and ensure that your packages arrive on time is to plan ahead. Use the UPS holiday schedule to determine which shipping option to choose based on the delivery date and cost. Don’t forget to account for any extra time needed for packaging and labeling your items.

You can also use UPS My Choice to set up delivery alerts, schedule delivery times, and redirect packages to UPS Access Point locations for pickup. This will help you stay organized and avoid missed deliveries.

Another helpful tip is to consider using UPS’s packaging services. This can save you time and ensure that your items are properly packaged for safe delivery. Additionally, if you’re shipping fragile or valuable items, you may want to consider purchasing additional insurance to protect your package in case of damage or loss.

Finally, it’s important to keep in mind that shipping times may be longer during the holiday season due to increased demand. Be sure to check the UPS website for any updates or delays, and consider shipping your packages earlier than usual to avoid any potential issues.

Understanding the different UPS shipping options available during the holidays

UPS offers a variety of shipping options to suit your needs and budget. The most common options include:

• UPS Next Day Air: Guaranteed delivery within one business day.
• UPS 2nd Day Air: Guaranteed delivery within two business days.
• UPS 3 Day Select: Guaranteed delivery within three business days.
• UPS Ground: Delivery times vary depending on the distance and destination.

Keep in mind that UPS may also offer additional options such as signature required, adult signature required, and hazardous materials shipping.

During the holiday season, it’s important to note that UPS may experience delays due to increased shipping volume. To ensure your package arrives on time, it’s recommended to ship as early as possible and choose a faster shipping option if necessary. Additionally, UPS may offer special holiday shipping promotions or discounts, so be sure to check their website or contact customer service for more information.

Tips for saving money on holiday shipping with UPS

Shipping during the holidays can be expensive, especially if you have multiple packages to send. However, there are several ways to save money on shipping with UPS:

• Compare rates and choose the most cost-effective option based on your needs.
• Ship early to avoid rush fees or expedited shipping costs.
• Use UPS My Choice to waive delivery fees and receive discounts on shipping labels.
• Consider using UPS Access Point locations for pickup as they may offer lower rates.
• Use reusable packaging materials to avoid extra fees for oversized or unusual packages.

How to track your holiday shipments with ease using UPS

Once you’ve shipped your packages with UPS, you can use the tracking feature to keep an eye on their progress. Simply enter the tracking number on the UPS website or mobile app to see the status, estimated delivery date, and any updates or delays. You can also set up delivery alerts and notifications to stay informed.

Another useful feature of UPS tracking is the ability to track multiple packages at once. If you have several packages being shipped to different locations, you can enter all of the tracking numbers at once and see the status of each package on one screen. This can save you time and make it easier to keep track of all your shipments.

Additionally, UPS offers a variety of shipping options to fit your needs. From standard ground shipping to expedited air shipping, you can choose the option that works best for your timeline and budget. And with UPS My Choice, you can even reroute packages to a different address or reschedule delivery if needed.

Common mistakes to avoid when shipping with UPS during the holidays

Even when you plan ahead, mistakes can still happen. Avoid these common mistakes when shipping with UPS during the holidays:

• Incorrect or incomplete address: Double-check the address and include all necessary information such as apartment numbers, suite numbers, and zip codes.
• Insufficient packaging: Make sure your items are properly packaged and protected to prevent damage or loss during transit.
• Shipping prohibited items: Check the list of prohibited items on the UPS website and avoid shipping dangerous or illegal items.
• Not shipping on time: Don’t wait until the last minute to ship your packages as cut-off dates may vary depending on the service, destination, and time zone.

Another common mistake to avoid when shipping with UPS during the holidays is not properly labeling your packages. Make sure to clearly label your packages with the recipient’s name, address, and phone number. This will help ensure that your package is delivered to the correct person and location.

Additionally, it’s important to consider the weather when shipping during the holidays. Extreme temperatures or weather conditions can affect the delivery of your package. If you’re shipping perishable items or items that are sensitive to temperature, make sure to use appropriate packaging and consider using expedited shipping options to minimize the time in transit.

How to properly package your holiday items for safe and secure delivery with UPS

Packaging your items properly is crucial for safe and secure delivery. Here are some tips for packaging your holiday items:

• Use sturdy boxes and packaging materials such as bubble wrap, foam, or peanuts.
• Wrap fragile items individually and cushion them with enough padding to prevent movement or shifting in the box.
• Seal the box tightly with tape and label it clearly with the recipient’s address and your return address.
• Choose the appropriate delivery option based on the weight and size of your package to avoid additional fees.

It’s also important to consider the weather conditions when packaging your holiday items. If you’re shipping perishable items such as food or plants, make sure to use insulated packaging and include ice packs to keep them fresh during transit. Additionally, if you’re shipping items to a location with extreme temperatures, consider using temperature-controlled packaging to ensure that your items arrive in good condition.

Benefits of using a UPS account for holiday shipping

If you regularly ship items with UPS, it’s worth considering opening a UPS account. Some benefits of using a UPS account include:

• Access to discounted rates and free shipping supplies.
• Easy online shipping and tracking.
• Reduced paperwork and invoicing.
• Priority customer support and alerts.

How to handle delays and other issues during the busy holiday season with UPS

Despite all the planning and preparation, delays and issues can still occur during the busy holiday season. If you experience any issues with your shipment, contact UPS customer service immediately to report the problem. They may be able to offer solutions such as rescheduling the delivery, redirecting the package, or refunding the shipping fees.

Remember, the key to a stress-free holiday shipping season is to plan ahead, stay organized, and use the resources available to you. With the UPS 2017 holiday shipping schedule and these tips, you can rest assured that your packages will arrive safely and on time.

It’s also important to keep in mind that weather conditions can affect shipping times during the holiday season. If you live in an area that experiences harsh winter weather, it’s a good idea to add a few extra days to your estimated delivery time to account for potential delays. Additionally, consider using UPS’s weather delay service, which allows you to hold your package at a UPS location until it’s safe to deliver.