SENDERS ADVISE: WRAP PACKAGES WITH CARE

When it come to sending gifts to far-a-way family and friends this holiday season, senders would be well advised to make certain their parcels are sealed with more than a kiss.

"This is the season for shipping," said Robin Hendrickson, of The Mail Box, 1005 N. Kingshighway. "We're beginning to see daily increases of packages."

"Our busy season started this week," echoed Dee Simpson of Mail Boxes, Etc., 209 S. Broadview. "Between now and Christmas we'll be crowded."

With the Christmas holiday closing in only 15 more shopping days left after today gift and package-sending is expected to be up more than 50 percent over normal during the next week to 10 days.

"We recommend shipping by Dec. 18 to ensure delivery before Christmas to either coast," said Simpson. "During the winter we also tell people to allow extra shipping time because of holiday weather, and the heavy increase in packages."

If shipping by regular mail, even more time should be allowed for delivery.

The Mail Box and Mail Boxes, Etc., each use Federal Express and/or United Parcel Service (UPS) for quicker delivery.

"An item shipped UPS is trackable while in transit," said John W. Lee, Impact Marketing Service, Kansas City. "Second day delivery is another option for quicker delivery."

Parcel Post by U.S. mail is already being ruled out.

"It's getting a little late for parcel post," said Dan Knoth, superintendent of the U.S. Post Office at Cape Girardeau. "Parcel post can take from a week to 10 days.

"However we're still sending packages by `priority' or `express mail,'" he said. "Priority mail usually takes about two days and express mail is overnight."

As might be expected, the number of letters handled at the Cape Girardeau Mail Processing Center is also on the increase. The main reason is Christmas cards.

"Outgoing and incoming mail is starting to pick up," said Knoth. "We're seeing a lot of cards now, and it will increase dramatically within the next few days."

There are some rules and suggestions for packing the items to be shipped.

"If an item is breakable, we urged that people double-box it," said Hendrickson. "UPS and Federal Express both require that breakable items be surrounded by two to four inches of packaging around the item."

"If an item is insured and is damaged during shipping, the customer may not collect for the damages if there is less than two inches of packaging around the item," said Lee, who urges minimizing the use of newspaper for packaging.

"Newspapers do not really make a good protective packaging," he said. "We also recommend the use of a 200-pound test box for any breakable item. These boxes are identified on the bottom of the box."

Carriers recommend "bubble wrap" or "loose peanuts" for packaging.

"Don't use old boxes that have been used two or three times," said Simpson. "Used boxes just don't provide the protection necessary to protect breakable gifts during transit."

One of the most important things is to use only one address and label on the carton.

"Mark out, or remove, any other labels to avoid confusion," said Simpson.