Purolator offers tips for hassle-free holiday shipping

TORONTO, Nov. 28, 2013 /CNW/ - Whether shipping the hottest gadget in town or replenishing inventory to stock up on the latest, trendy outfit, everyone needs a reliable shipping company to get it there just in time for the holidays. Be it shipping packages across Canada or around the world, shippers should take note of some pointers that could help ensure packages get to the recipient safely and on time this holiday season.

"We know how stressful the period leading to the festive holidays can be, with businesses out in full force getting their goods into the stores and to their customers during the busiest time of the year," said Jim MacIntosh, Purolator Inc.'s Vice President of Operations. "Where possible, we encourage our customers to start sending their shipments early to avoid the holiday rush. And we offer packaging and shipping tips to help make holiday shipping fast and easy for our customers."

Position, position, position: Place gifts in the centre of the box, making sure all items fit well and are neither protruding nor compressed within the box.

Keep it under wraps: Wrap all items individually using approved packing materials such as bubble wrap, foam peanuts or air pillows. These materials should be at least three inches thick. For items with sharp edges, or fragile items like tablets, add cardboard inserts to protect the edges. Do not use newspapers, twine or tissue paper for cushioning as they do not offer any protection.

Appearances count: Avoid using previously used boxes, as they lose strength over time and are unlikely to provide adequate protection throughout the distribution process. New and durable shipping boxes can be purchased at your local Purolator Shipping Centre.

Tale of the tape: Do not use glue, masking tape, cellophane tape or opaque tape to seal your boxes. These materials lack strength to hold the package together. Instead, use three-inch-wide plastic, pressure-sensitive tape to close all shipping boxes, making sure all edge seams are taped.

It pays to check the details: Be sure to stick the shipping label on the largest, flattest surface of the shipping box. Then double-check the accuracy of the sender and receiver information on the shipping label. When necessary, affix a label to indicate that a glass, liquid or heavy-weight object is enclosed. Lastly, retain a copy of your Purolator Package Identification Number (PIN) for easy tracking of your holiday package.

Hassle-free shipping: Ship your gifts online at purolator.com, or call 1-888-SHIP-123 to schedule a pickup. Alternatively, drop off your shipments at any Purolator Shipping Centre, Shipping Agent or STAPLES location. To find the location closest to you, use the locator tool on purolator.com.

Save the date: Be sure to send your holiday gifts by the following dates:

About Purolator
Ranked one of the top 25 brands among Canadian consumers since 2011, Purolator is Canada's leading integrated freight and parcel solutions provider. Celebrating over 50 years of delivering Canada on time, Purolator continues to expand its reach and renowned service levels and reliability to more people, more businesses and more places across the country and around the world. Purolator is proud of its Canadian heritage and is focused on sustainably positioning itself for future growth and success. Purolator is also committed to contributing to the well-being of the communities it serves and where more than 12,000 of its teammates live, work and play.

SOURCE: Purolator Inc.