Take the Stress Out of Shipping this Holiday Season!

12/11/2012 — Matt Nagel

Shipping can be tricky - selecting what service to use, choosing the most cost-effective method, and timing delivery and pick-ups correctly can all add up to a major headache. Now add in the extra pressures of the holiday season and your headache becomes even more severe. Not to worry, PartnerShip is here, as always, to help get you through the tough holiday shipping season with some quick tips and hints.

• This may be an obvious suggestion, but be sure to check carrier closure dates. It's a good idea to look at these sooner rather than later to plan ahead and make sure your shipment arrives when promised for that important customer or even that gift your shipping to friends or family. The carrier websites will usually display their holiday closures. You may have to do a little searching this early, but closer to the holidays the closures are usually front and center on the carrier's home page. Every year PartnerShip puts together a quick reference of our core carrier closures as well. Click here to view the calendar.
• Choose the correct line of service for your packages. Choosing the correct service is imperative to keep costs down and get your shipment to it's destination in a timely manner. If you're shipping a small, non-palletized shipment (usually under 200 lbs) you have a couple of decisions to make. FedEx Express offers solutions for shipments that need to be at their destination quickly, while FedEx Ground and Home Delivery offer the more cost effective alternatives for less time-critical shipping. PartnerShip offers highly discounted solutions for all of these services through our association shipping programs so your business is saving as much as possible. With FedEx having its busiest day ever on 12/10, it's good to have someone in your corner like PartnerShip to help navigate your shipments through this busy time.
• Linking up with a 3rd party is a good idea for small businesses. 3rd party shippers, like PartnerShip, help by taking the stress away from you for small package shipments as well as any big shipments (over 200 lbs.) you may have this holiday season. Less-than-truckload (LTL) freight shipments are a specialty of PartnerShip. We work with only the most reputable carriers to ensure your palletized or big shipment is delivered in the most cost effective way. PartnerShip also takes care of the red tape, paperwork, and pick-ups/dropoffs around LTL freight shipping to ensure you are focused on YOUR business. Add in a service like tradeshow shipping to any conferences or tradeshows your company may exhibit at and you have a true partner for this and future holiday seasons!

If you have any questions about the tips and hints covered here, feel free to contact us at sales@PartnerShip.com. You can also click here to learn more about the full suite of PartnerShip services designed to save you time and money on every shipment, every time!