Mailing gifts at Christmas could be stressful if one is not aware of deadlines and or the content restrictions placed on packages.
The U.S. Postal Service’s website reports it will not accept packages containing air bags, ammunition, explosive or gasoline, and the local manager of The UPS Store, Gwen Griffin, said there are also restrictions when it comes to using UPS shipping service.
UPS will not mail any packages containing firearms, ammunition or alcohol and for customers, who plan to mail an item with batteries, a UPS employee must be informed, so the package can be labeled appropriately.
And for speedier service, Griffin said, it is best if customers allow UPS employees to package the items to be mailed.
“You can bring the packages wrapped in Christmas paper, but it is best if we package them for shipping,” she said.
Deadlines for mailing packages to arrive before Christmas (delivered on December 23) with UPS include:
• Dec. 19 — UPS 3 Day Select packages
• Dec. 21 — 2nd Day Air packages.
Dec. 22 — UPS Next Day Air packages and UPS 2nd Day Air packages with Saturday delivery
• Dec. 23 — Next Day Air packages with Saturday delivery
The local UPS Store is located at 3412 Pemberton Square Blvd. No. 2. Operation hours are from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturdays.
For more information, call 601-634-8020 or visit ups.com/maps.
Deadlines for Christmas delivery when using the U.S. Postal Service include:
• Dec. 15 — Ground service standard shipping
• Dec. 20 — First-class mail
• Dec. 21 — Priority Mail Service
• Dec. 23 — Priority Mail Express Service
The Postal Service states on their website that they are also dedicated to ensuring those serving in the nation’s armed forces and diplomatic services receive their packages and cards in time for the holidays.
For complete military mailing deadlines to APO/FPO/DPO (Air/Army Post Office, Fleet Post Office and Diplomatic Post Office) destinations worldwide, as well as tips and guidelines for mailing, visit about.usps.com/news/national-releases/2016/pr16_080.htm.
This website also has specific mailing deadlines for packages that are to be shipped internationally.
Packaging supplies are also offered at Postal Services and some of these materials can be delivered to the sender free of charge by going to usps.com/freeboxes.
As a reminder, the Postal Service website states that all packages weighing more than 13 ounces and bearing only stamps as postage cannot be deposited in collection boxes or given to letter carriers.
These packages must be presented to a Postal Service employee at a retail window counter.
The Vicksburg Post Office is located at 3415 Pemberton Square Blvd. and hours for operation are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.