Holiday Shipping
During the 2015 holiday season, the U.S. Postal Service expects to deliver approximately 15.5 billion cards and packages. While it may seem like shipping is the hard part, consider the suggestions to make the process hassle-free.
Shipping early is key to making sure packages arrive at their destination by Christmas. Not only is it more cost effective, but shipping early prevents dampened spirits when that special gift is not tucked under the tree due to an unexpected weather-related event. Here is a list of the post office locations and other mail service providers in and around the Castle Pines area:
City of Castle Pines, (Castle Pines Postal Center), 80108 – 7280 Lagae Road, Suite G
Lone Tree (Lone Tree Postal), 80124 – 9064 Forrstrom Drive, #B1
Highlands Ranch, 80130 – 9609 South University Boulevard
Castle Rock, 80104 – 300 East Miller Court
Louviers, 80131 – 7895 Louviers Boulevard
Sedalia, 80135 – 4195 Douglas Avenue
Parker, 80134 – 18695 Pony Express Drive
Parker (Threaded Ink Media), 80134 – 16522 Keystone Boulevard, #A2
Franktown, 80116 – 7519 East State Highway 86
Remember that choosing the right gift is important. While a telescope might seem like the perfect gift, it can be challenging to package and ship. Think about what is easy to mail and survive a (possibly) rough ride to its destination. Check any restrictions. Batteries and liquid items, for example, are prohibited. Be sure to check out www.usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm for domestic and international restrictions. Also, consider tracking and insurance. No one wants to spend more money than they have to, but there is always the possibility that a package will get lost or damaged in transit. Be sure to keep any tracking and insurance information until after the package safely arrives.
The following mail-by dates are guidelines to make sure packages arrive by Christmas through the U.S. Post Office. (For more information on APO/FPO/DPO and other international mail, visit www.usps.com):
December 3: Parcel Airlift Military Mail
December 10: First Class and Priority Military Mail
December 15: Domestic Standard Post
December 17: Priority Mail Express Military Mail
December 19: First Class Mail
December 21: Priority Mail
December 23: Priority Mail Express
The Castle Pines UPS Store, located at 558 Castle Pines Parkway, is another shipping option and it offers packaging services (for an additional fee). Visit www.ups.com for additional information and for delivery by December 24, keep the following dates in mind:
December 18: Using UPS 3-Day Select
December 21: Using UPS 2-Day Air
December 23: Using UPS Next-Day Air
Before even considering eggnog with friends, take a few moments to think about shipping. The process is not the most glamorous or fun part of the holidays, but it can be a bit easier with some thoughtful planning.
