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How to Properly Reuse Boxes for Shipping
Many people think that you’re not allowed to reuse shipping boxes, but this is just a common misconception. Reusing old shipping boxes helps you save time and money, and it is also good for the environment. However, you need to reuse boxes properly if you want your package to get to its destination. Here are a few tips on reusing boxes for shipping that you might find helpful.
5 Common Shipping Label Fails to Avoid
More and more people prefer to print their shipping labels online because it saves them time, money and effort. When printing shipping labels yourself, keep in mind that to err is human and double-check everything to prevent these common shipping label fails that can cost you money or result in your package not arriving to its destination.
5 Tips for Avoiding Shipping Surcharges
Shipping cost can get quite high because of the many surcharges applied by postal and courier companies. Some of these surcharges are unavoidable, but it doesn’t mean that there is no way to reduce your shipping costs. Let us offer you a few tips for avoiding shipping surcharges and saving money on postal services.
Main Types of Shipping Surcharges
There are many factors that affect the shipping cost, ranging from package size and weight to the type of transport used to deliver packages to their destination. To make things even more complicated, carries apply various surcharges to shipments, further increasing the shipping cost. What are the main types of shipping surcharges and is there any way to avoid them?
What Are Peak Season Surcharges (PSS)?
There are many factors that affect shipping costs such as package weight and dimensions, distance, type of shipping service, and demand for shipping services. Demand is uneven throughout the year: there are months when shipping carriers find themselves busier than usual. Since their operational costs are higher during these busy months, carriers tend to apply the so-called peak season surcharges.
How to Measure a Shipping Box and Determine Package Dimensions
Most shipping companies charge by dimensional weight, which is calculated based on, you guessed it, the dimensions of a package. Determining package dimensions is no rocket science, but it is still worth knowing how to measure a shipping box the right way in order to get the best shipping rates.
What Is the Difference Between a Customs Declaration and a Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods
Any international shipment needs proper paperwork to get delivered to its destination without delays. Some of the documents that your shipment may need include a customs declaration and a shipper’s declaration for dangerous goods. They sometimes get confused with each other but there is a difference between these two types of postal declarations.
How to Mark and Label a Package with Dangerous Goods
A package that contains dangerous goods must have proper markings and labels to prevent safety hazards. If you don’t mark and label your dangerous good shipment, it may result in delays in transit and even fines. Let us give you a few tips on marking and labeling dangerous goods shipments.
4 Tips for Safely Packing and Shipping Li-ion Batteries
Li-ion batteries are so ubiquitous these days that we rarely think they can pose any danger. Shipping services and airlines, however, classify them as dangerous goods because batteries are sensitive to environmental factors and can explode while in transit. This is why it is important to properly pack Li-ion batteries before shipping.
5 Tips for Attaching a Shipping Label to a Package
Attaching a shipping label may seem like the easiest thing about printing your shipping labels yourself, but it is still important that you do it properly if you want your package to reach its destination without any delays. Here are a few tips on attaching a shipping label to a package the right way to ensure it doesn’t get torn or become illegible while in transit.
How to Calculate the Declared Value of Your Package
“Declared value” is a required field in any international shipping label form. It serves two main purposes: determining the amount of insurance coverage and shipping cost, and ensuring hassle-free customs clearance. Let’s figure out how to calculate the declared value of your package in order to avoid any problems with the customs or while claiming insurance.
4 Tips for Shipping Liquids Overseas
Liquids are a tricky thing to ship, especially when it comes to international shipping. There are more rules and regulations to follow when you ship liquids compared, for example, to shipping books. Here are a few tips for shipping liquids overseas that might come in handy.
5 Common International Shipping Mistakes You Might Be Making
International shipping may not be rocket science, but it does have a few intricacies to be aware of. Even a simple, seemingly insignificant mistake you make when shipping a package may result in the shipment being held by customs or getting lost in transit. Here are 5 common international shipping mistakes to avoid.
Shipping Zones 101: A Brief Guide to International Shipping Zones
The cost of international shipping depends on many factors, one of which is the distance to the destination country. To make their rates more transparent, postal and courier services divide all countries into several shipping zones and assign different rates to different zones. Let us offer you a brief guide to international shipping zones that will help you plan your shipping costs.
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out a Customs Declaration
Every international shipment needs a customs declaration, which is typically filled out by the sender. Any mistakes in the declaration may result in a fine, the shipment being returned to the sender, or even a fraud investigation, so it is important to always provide correct information for customs. What are the most common mistakes one might make when filling out a customs form for international shipping?
How to File a Shipping Insurance Claim
If your package gets damaged, lost or stolen in transit and it was covered by shipping insurance, you can file an insurance claim with your carrier to get reimbursed. Today, let’s figure out how to file an insurance claim with major carriers: the United States Postal Service, UPS, and FedEx.
5 Common Questions About Shipping Insurance, Answered
Although shipping carriers strive to be as reliable and efficient as possible, no one is perfect. Sometimes packages get lost or damaged in transit, especially when they are shipped long distances and go through multiple sorting centers. Of course, people whose packages have been damaged or lost would want to get reimbursed, and that’s why shipping insurance exists. Today, PostageMaker will answer 5 common questions about shipping insurance.
How to Void a Shipping Label
Printing shipping labels online can save time and money, so a lot of people prefer printing USPS, FedEx and UPS shipping labels at home to going to a post office. However, sometimes shipping labels end up not being used after they have been printed. Is their any way to void a shipping label and get your money back?
Shipping Labels 101: Answers to 6 Common Questions
A shipping label is one of the key factors in getting a package to its required destination. It contains identifying information about the package, as well as serves as proof of postage and (for international packages) as a customs declaration. If you don’t ship often, you might have some questions about shipping labels. Well, we’re here to answer them!
A Brief Guide to Shipping Fragile Items
Fragile items, such as various gadgets, pottery, glassware, musical instruments etc., are prone to getting damaged in transit because, alas, they are not always handled with care, and even when they are, accidents happen. Luckily, there are ways to protect fragile items and minimize the risk of shipping damages. Here’s a brief guide to shipping fragile items that might come in handy.