Shipping a package to another country can be a daunting task for a do-it-yourself-er. Packing and shipping store personnel like those at Pak Mail are experienced in UPS, FedEx, and DHL international shipping. They know where to find country-specific export and import rules and regulations, some of which are more stringent than others.

Shipping clothing to Mexico? New clothing items cannot be made in China; used clothing must belong to the recipient and requires proof of recent travel to the shipped-from country. Used computers can be shipped to Mexico, but only for repairs. Mexico has a “zero” duties and tax gift allowance, while Canada and many European countries allow $60 US-equivalent for gifts. Advertising literature, brochures, catalogs, and other bound documents shipped to India and other countries are subject to import duties; they cannot ship as samples or non-dutiable documents.

Dutiable shipments must be accompanied by a commercial invoice containing a description of the package contents, Schedule B export code, and value. Any declared value coverage must match the commercial invoice value. An Electronic Export Information (EEI) filing may be required for a shipment valued over $2,500.

Find a knowledgeable packing and shipping store to ship your international packages. You’ll save yourself a lot of headaches.

Packing items for UPS, FedEx, DHL and freight carriers is different from packing for moving companies. Moving companies typically pick up household items at one location and drive them to the destination without any unloading or reloading along the way. The recommended packing for moving fragile items is well documented by various moving companies like United Van Lines and Two Men And A Truck. This method incorporates sturdy corrugated boxes, packing tape, and lots of packing paper. Items are individually wrapped in the paper and cushioned in the box with additional wadded up paper. 

Domestic standards for packing fragile items for shipping are set by the carriers – UPS and FedEx. The shipped boxes are loaded and unloaded multiple times and ride on conveyor belts at the carrier facilities. The packaging standards include a minimum of two inches of cushioning – bubble wrap and packing peanuts or Styrofoam, not paper – around all of the fragile item’s dimensions. For example, a fragile glass bowl measuring 8”x 8”x8” would require, at a minimum, a 12”x12”x12” box. If the item is valued under $200 and is easily replaced, that box with appropriate cushioning is sufficient. If the item carries a higher value or is one of a kind and not replaceable and/or sentimental, it would be double-boxed in a 12”x12”x12” inner box and a 16”x16”x16” outer box, each with two inches of appropriate cushioning.

In the event of a damage claim with a shipping carrier, the outer box is examined for visible damage. If there is no damage to the outside of the box, the carrier representatives will examine the inner package to ensure standards have been met. Any questions? Visit the professionals at your local packing and shipping store.

Wikipedia has an interesting history about Valentine’s Day. It might spark some unique Valentine ideas for your sweetheart. What’s your favorite? A store-bought greeting card? Homemade Valentine? Chocolate? Handcrafted item? Jewelry?

What if your sweetheart romance is long distance? If your budget is tight, think small and light weight so the item can be packed in a bubble mailer or small box. And ship early – at least five to six days ahead to most US locations. Stores like Pak Mail offer packing and shipping services for items big or small, fluffy or fragile. Professional shipping staff can help you choose the most cost-effective method to ensure your Valentine arrives safely and on time.

Quick tips for Valentine shipping:

• Keep all receipts for gifts purchased.
• Come prepared. Information includes:
  • Ship-to name, address, & phone number;
  • Contents of the package being shipped;
  • Which items are fragile;
  • Value of the item(s) being shipped; and
  • When you would like the package to arrive.
• Ship a week ahead of Valentine’s Day.
• Perfume, wine, and liquor cannot be shipped.
• International & APO shipments require an itemized contents list for customs.

Shipping guarantees can be interrupted by inclement weather, so ship as early as possible to allow for possible delays.

Happy Valentine’s Day from Pak Mail!

The holiday season is once again upon us. Pak Mail offers packing and shipping services. You do the shopping and gift wrapping… we’ll do the rest! We’ll choose the most cost-effective method to ensure your holiday treasures arrive safely and on time.

Quick tips for Christmas present shipping:

• Keep all receipts for gifts purchased.
• Come prepared. Information includes:
  • Ship-to name, address, & phone number;
  • Contents of the package being shipped;
  • Which items are fragile;
  • Value of the item(s) being shipped; and
  • When you would like the package to arrive.
• Ship early in the season.
• Perfume, wine, and liquor cannot be shipped.
• International & APO shipments require an itemized contents list for customs.
• Shipping guarantees can be interrupted by inclement weather, so ship as early as possible to allow for possible delays.
• There are no deliveries on Christmas Day.

We’ll help make the process simple and easy!

Let the games begin! Thanksgiving is this week along with Black Friday and lots of shoppers. Our shipping store is decorated and extended holiday hours are posted. Our winter holiday ducks are in a row!

We have holiday tips for packing and shipping gifts from Colorado Springs. We stock a variety of boxes and packing materials for the “do-it-yourselfer.” Or we can free up your time for some holiday baking and safely pack your gifts for you. The gifts will be on their way to loved ones and you can check something off your list.

Do you want Santa to put your long-distance gifts under the tree on December 24? Here is a simple guide for 2013 Holiday Shipping Deadlines for UPS, FedEx, and DHL:

Mexico / Canada (DHL, UPS, FedEx)
Remember to allow for customs clearance.
Monday, December 16, or earlier

Domestic US (UPS, FedEx)
Ship earlier in the month if possible to allow for bad weather delays.
Tuesday, December 17 – Ground (1- to 6-day transit time)
Thursday, December 19 – 3-Day Air
Friday, December 20 or Saturday, December 21 – 2-Day Air
Monday, December 23 – Next Day Air