Tips for Shipping Your Christmas Gifts

Dec. 14, 2007— -- The United States Postal Service will handle 20 billion cards, letters and packages this holiday season. Not all of them will get there on time.

By taking a few simple steps, you can ensure that your gift or card makes it to your friends and family.

A large part of the post office's system is automated. Deputy Postmaster General Pat Donahoe told ABC News that 85 percent of all hand-written cards have their addresses read automatically by computers. The system then sprays on an 11-digit barcode which gives the Postal Service the ability to put mail in order for delivery.

"So nobody sorts the mail except machines which sort 36,000 pieces an hour," Donahoe said.

When the computer can't read the handwriting, a picture is taken and sent to one of eight data centers across the country. Humans there read it and type the information back into the system and a barcode is added.

So what can you do to ensure smooth sailing for your mail?

First, try to print the complete address clearly. A complete address includes street number and name, secondary address -- such as apartment or suite number -- city, state and 5-digit zip code. For example: 123 S. Main St., Apt 4, Washington, DC 20001. To find the proper zip code, visit usps.com or call 1-800-ASK-USPS.

To help smooth the process, the Postal Service offers free Priority Mail and Express Mail boxes and envelopes. These supplies can be ordered at usps.com or picked up at a local Post Office and can be shipped anywhere in the world.

Another option are Flat-Rate Boxes and envelopes which don't require calculating postage or weighing. Customers pay a flat rate of $8.95 no matter the weight of the package or its destination. When a package is ready to be shipped, log on to usps.com/pickup to schedule a free package pickup from home or office.

It's important to remember that packages weighing more than 13 ounces bearing postage stamps must be presented to a letter carrier or retail associate at the Post Office and can't be dropped in blue collection boxes.

And finally, don't forget to mail packages using Priority Mail by Dec. 20 and Express Mail starting Dec. 22 to ensure delivery by Christmas.

Here are some other suggestions from the United States Postal Service to make sure that your cards and gifts make it to their destination.

Tips for Addressing Envelopes and Packages

Print the delivery and return addresses on the same side of the envelope or package.

Always use a return address. It tells the Postal Service where to return mail if it can't be delivered.

Packages can weigh up to 70 pounds and measure up to 130 inches in combined length and width. Make sure the width is measured around the largest point of the package.

Packaging Tips

Make sure packages are able to withstand processing without the contents or packaging breaking.

Cushion items with bubble wrap, newspaper, or "foam peanuts" so they do not shift during transit.

Wrap each item separately when packing more than one item in the same box.

Remove batteries from electronic devices and wrap separately.

Close and shake the box to see if there is enough cushioning. If items are shifting, add more cushioning.

Mark packages "Fragile" in large print on the outside of the box when shipping materials that might break.

When re-using a box, make sure previous labels and markings are covered before mailing. Mark "Perishable" on packages that contain food or other items that can spoil.

Place an extra address label with the delivery and return address inside the package. This ensures the safe return of an item that could not be delivered should the outside label become damaged or fall off.

Always use tape designed for sealing shipping boxes. Do not use string, cellophane or masking tape to seal packages.