The White Falcon - 21.10.1988, Blaðsíða 4

Christmas mailing
Packages need
extra care
by J02 Scott Johnson
Even though Halloween is a few weeks away and
Thanksgiving is over a month away, it's not too
early to start thinking about Christmas, especially
when it comes to mailing packages.
"Mail early and avoid the Christmas rush,"
Assistant Postal Officer, Petty Officer 2nd Class
(SW) Bradley 0. Morrison said. "By mailing early,
people can ensure that their packages will arrive
for Christmas and also avoid long lines at the post
office. "
To ensure parcel and letter mail will arrive for
Christmas, these items should be mailed by the
following dates:
□ Space Available Mail (SAM) - Dec. 2
□ Parcel Air Lift (PAL) - Dec. 7.
□ Priority and letter mail - Dec. 11.
Besides mailing early, another way to ensure
packages will arrive intact for Christmas is by
properly wrapping the package and cushioning the
contents.
Wrapping a package is not*necessary unless the
box has a lot of written material on it, such as an
old address or any advertising. If wrapping a box,
use strong, plain brown paper. Grocery bags are
acceptable.
The parcel should be sealed with strong filament
or reinforced paper tapes. Masking and cellophane
tapes are not acceptable.
A sturdy cardboard box is essential when mailing
packages. The box should be large enough to
accommodate the gifts and provide space for
cushioning material, such as bubble wrap,
crumpled newspaper or popcorn.
All packages have size and weight limitations
depending on which method of mail is used.
Priority mail and SAM requirements are 70 pounds
and 108 inches length and girth. PAL requirements
are 30 pounds and 60 inches length and girth. Any-
thing over 70 pounds cannot be mailed.
Another important part of proper mailing is the
correct method of addressing a package.
The addressees address must go in the lower
right portion of the package and the mailer is
required to provide a complete return address in
the upper left corner.
Smudge and waterproof ink must be used for
addressing packages. Address only one side of the
package and include the proper zip code. Zip codes
can be found in the Zip code directory available in
the post office lobby.
Mail Early
It Is recommended to enclose a slip of paper
inside the package with the "to" and "from"
addresses. This is to help identify a package in the
unlikely event both addresses on the front are
unreadable and the package is sent to the D^^^
Parcel Branch. ^^B
Once the wrapping is done, the next step is^^
mail the package off as early as possible.
At the post office, there are many different
methods of mailing a package.
“I recommend purchasing insurance on a parcel
to cover the package in case of loss or damage,"
Morrison said. "Insurance can be purchased on a
package with a value up to $500. Anything more
valuable than that should be registered."
Registered mail is the most secure service the
post office offers and covers items up to $25,000
or more, if necessary. Registered packages can
only be sealed with reinforced paper tape that will
hold a postal endorsement.
Many people send cards with money instead of
packages at Christmas. It is recommended to send
a money order instead of cash. Money orders are
insured and can be bought up to $700. There is a 25
cent fee per money order.
Christmas commemorative stamps are on order
now and will be available Oct. 20. There are two
different styles this year. One is "Contemporary
Greetings" which depicts a rural village scene and
the other is “Traditional Issue" which pictures
Madonna and child.
Remember to properly wrap, cushion
address packages to guarantee their safe arri^^B
for Christmas. Also, mail early to ensure tho^^
properly wrapped packages get there on time. Any
questions concerning mail can be answered by
calling the post office at 2203.
4
The White Falcon