How to Ship Parcels Overnight

When it absolutely, positively ... you know the drill.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cardboard Boxes
• Address Labels
• Marking Pens
• Packaging Tape
• Packing Peanuts
• Cardboard boxes

1. Weigh the benefits of each service you have access to.

2. Consider the Postal Service's Express Mail, which offers guaranteed delivery to most addresses every day, even weekends and holidays. The rate is the same for everything up to 2 lbs. (Limit 70 lbs.)

3. Drop your package at the post office by 5 p.m. for delivery by 3 p.m. the next day.

4. Look at UPS Next Day Air Saver for a delivery within the United States. This service guarantees delivery by 3 or 4 p.m., depending on destination. UPS insures every package for $100, and additional coverage is available up to $50,000. (Limit 150 lbs.)

5. Check out FedEx Standard Overnight for 4:30 p.m. next-day delivery in the United States, Monday through Friday. (Limit 150 lbs.) Note that this service is not available to or from Hawaii.

6. Print the complete address on the box in large letters. Make sure the label doesn't run over a seam or closure.

7. Put an address label inside the box as well, in case the original label is lost or damaged.

8. Provide the post office box number or apartment number if applicable. Remember that UPS and FedEx will not deliver to a post office box.

9. Put a return address on the top left-hand corner of the box. Include your name, phone number and complete return address, including the ZIP code.

Tips & Warnings

• All three delivery services will pick up packages at your home or office for an additional fee.
• Request additional insurance if needed.
• Sign a waiver if you want the package to be left at the destination, even if the recipient is not there to sign for it.
• Keep your receipt so that you can track delivery or claim a loss.
• The Postal Service delivers its Express Mail on Christmas Day.
• The Postal Service does not offer next-day delivery to many rural route addresses, nor to some cities and towns located outside its major hubs.