With just 12 days until Christmas, businesses that ship packages are as busy as Santa's elves, and for some, that means increased profits.
FedEx Corp. officials said on Dec. 7 the company's second-quarter earnings will easily beat its previous forecast, citing strong growth in international demand for its air services, especially in Asia and Latin America.
In addition, the company is positioned to benefit from even a modest economic recovery; as shipping increases, its underutilized aircraft begin carrying larger cargoes, the analysts say. This is the second quarter in a row FedEx has preannounced expectation-topping earnings.
Whether a package arrives before the dawn of Christmas Day depends on its final destination, say shipping officials. Packages shipped anywhere in the 50 states can still be guaranteed delivery by Christmas, they say.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Postal Service simplified its international packaging and products, offering four options that can be used for domestic and international shipping: Global Express Guaranteed is the Postal Service's premium international shipping option, with delivery in one to three business days to more than 190 countries; Express Mail International is guaranteed to select destinations within three to five business days; Priority Mail International offers reliable and economical airmail service for letters and merchandise weighing up to 70 pounds; and First Class International replaces Airmail Letter Post and Economy Letter Post for convenience and efficiency.
However, the dates have already passed for using First-Class Mail International and Priority Mail International, says Bruce Warren, postmaster at the Schererville U.S. Post Office branch. Packages sent using these options had to be shipped by Dec. 4 to Africa and Central and South America. Dec. 11 was the last date for first-class shipping to Asia and the Pacific Rim, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe and the Middle East.
Most packages to international destinations can still be shipped using Global Express Guaranteed and Express Mail International for delivery by Christmas, he says. Depending on the destination, packages using those services must be mailed by Dec. 17 through Dec. 20.
In addition, the flat-rate boxes introduced by the U.S. Postal Service have been a big hit, Warren says.
"Our customers are really appreciating these flat-rate boxes, and the commercials on TV with 'If it fits, it ships' are having a huge impact," he says.
Whatever you're shipping, Warren recommends coming to the post office earlier in the day rather than waiting until after work. "The packages get out quicker to our distribution center and on their way," he says.
Another popular shipping service, UPS, is not guaranteeing packages to arrive in international destinations by Christmas. However, "they are guaranteed to get there," says Nicole Frank, manager of the UPS Store in Porte de'Leau Shopping Center in Highland.
Domestic shipping takes the longest -- four to five days -- to places such as California, Frank says. Costs are based on the weight, dimensions and destination of the package, she says.
UPS will ship the packages its customers bring in prepared or can provide full services including protecting the items with one-inch bubble wrap and packing peanuts.
"We also sell the bubble wrap, peanuts and boxes," Frank says.
"People can bring in wrapped presents. We just need to know what's in the package."
All courier services prohibit the shipping of hazard materials, and some items considered hazardous may surprise consumers, Warren of the U.S. Postal Service says.
"We can't ship perfume, for example, because it's flammable," he says. "There are also guidelines for fragile items and how they need to be packaged."
