At FlagShip, we understand how important it is for your holiday packages to arrive on time. That’s why we’ve put together these essential tips to help you avoid delays and ensure smooth, timely delivery during the busiest shipping season of the year.
Prepare Accurate Shipping Documentation for Your Holiday Packages
One of the most common reasons holiday packages face delays, especially for international shipments, is incomplete or inaccurate shipping documentation. To avoid this, ensure that your documents are properly filled out. Here’s what you need to include:
Document
Purpose
Tips
Commercial Invoice
Required for all international shipments, this document lists the contents and value of your holiday packages.
Include at least three copies with every international shipment to avoid delays at customs.
CUSMA Certification
Certifies that your goods meet duty-free shipping requirements under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
Make sure your supplier provides this certification to avoid unnecessary duties.
Brokerage Setup
Ensures smooth processing of your holiday packages through customs.
Arrange for a customs broker ahead of time to prevent border delays.
Incorrect documentation can result in delays, extra costs, or even the return of your shipment. If you’re unsure about your shipping documents, FlagShip’s customer service team is always here to help.
Know the Couriers’ Prohibited Items for Holiday Shipments
Every courier service has a list of prohibited items, which can vary. Before shipping your holiday packages, make sure the contents are allowed by the courier you’ve selected. Common prohibited items include hazardous materials, liquids, perishable goods, and certain electronics.
Here’s a quick overview of prohibited items for major couriers:
Courier
Prohibited Items
Purolator
Flammable liquids, explosives, live animals
FedEx
Perishable food, alcohol, firearms
UPS
Cash, tobacco, dangerous goods
DHL
Antiques, jewelry, endangered species
Canpar
Hazardous materials, personal documents
If you’re uncertain whether your package contains prohibited items, contact our customer service team. We’ll guide you through the regulations to ensure your holiday packages aren’t delayed or rejected.
Securely Package Your Holiday Gifts
Proper packaging is crucial, especially during the holiday rush when packages go through multiple sorting facilities. To make sure your holiday packages arrive intact, follow these packaging tips:
Use sturdy boxes: Avoid reusing old boxes that may collapse during transit. Invest in new, durable boxes to protect your holiday gifts.
Protect fragile items: Use bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or foam to cushion fragile items and prevent them from shifting inside the box.
Avoid decorative wrapping: While gift wrapping adds a festive touch, it can get caught in sorting machines and tear. Keep your gift-wrapping inside the box to avoid mishaps.
Seal packages securely: Use strong packing tape to seal all seams of the box. Double-check that no openings are left exposed.
Choose the Right Shipping Service for Your Holiday Packages
Choosing the right shipping service is crucial to ensure your holiday packages arrive on time. During the holiday season, it’s even more important to select the right option for your timeline. Here are some popular shipping options:
Service
Delivery Speed
Best for
Ground Shipping
2-7 business days
Budget-conscious shipping for non-urgent holiday deliveries
Express Shipping
1-2 business days
Fast deliveries for urgent holiday shipments
Overnight Shipping
Next-day delivery
When timing is critical
Choosing the right shipping option can make the difference between on-time delivery and disappointment. FlagShip’s online shipping system allows you to compare rates and delivery times from top couriers like Purolator, UPS, FedEx, and DHL. This way, you can select the best service for your holiday packages.
Get Support for Your Holiday Shipments
If you run into any issues with your holiday shipments or have questions about delivery status, FlagShip’s customer service team is here to help. We provide full support to ensure your holiday packages reach their destination. Our team can assist you with:
Tracking your package in real-time
Helping with customs documentation and clearance
Answering questions about your shipment’s status
Simply give us a call at 1-866-320-8383 or email us at support@flagshipcompany.com for assistance.
