If you want to send a gift in advance or instead of going home for the holidays, there is not much time to do it without increasing the cost.

The major carriers-the U.S. Postal Service, United Parcel Service and FedEx-have announced deadlines for mailing gifts to ensure that packages arrive on time during the holidays as the coronavirus pandemic continues to cause shipping delays.

Cameron Wells, who owns Postal Stop in West Eugene, said that in general, the sooner the better.

"If it was like last year, the operators would be overloaded," he said.

He said that the shipping industry rose sharply last year and it is unlikely to change this year because carriers have suspended their money-back guarantees despite continued delays.

Wells said that while timing is important, there are many other factors to consider before sending gifts to loved ones.

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The Postal Service, UPS and FedEx all announced shipping deadlines earlier this month, encouraging people to send packages early to ensure they arrive on time.

Post Office: United States except Alaska and Hawaii

The deadlines vary outside the continental United States, including Alaska, Hawaii, International Military Post, and International Mail. These can be found on usps.com/holiday/holiday-shipping-dates.htm

For land shipping deadlines, calculating international shipping time ranges, or viewing other shipping deadlines, please visit ups.com

For more information, please visit fedex.com

Wells recommends sending the package before these deadlines. He said that the sooner the better, he advised people to start immediately after Thanksgiving.

Wells said that sending in advance helps avoid the higher transportation costs of air services, but there are other ways to reduce costs.

For example, technically, people can send packages weighing up to 150 pounds, he said, but once a package weighs 50 pounds, it starts to become more expensive. 

He said that packaging size is also very important. 

Wells said that if an item is not fragile, it is best to pack it in the smallest possible box. 

He said people should also minimize the number of packages they send. 

Wells says it is essential to pack items correctly. 

He said this means not to use thin boxes or old boxes that are beginning to wear out, especially when transporting fragile items. 

He said that Postal Stop has 30 different sizes of mailboxes for people to choose from. Postal Service, UPS and FedEx also provided boxes on site. 

This also means using the correct type of tape-a heavy-duty shipping tape that is wider than gift wrap tape. 

"Scotch tape is not transportation tape," Wells said. 

He said that when sending fragile items, make sure to leave at least a few inches between the item and the side of the box. 

He said that those who have questions or concerns about packing and shipping items can seek help from professionals. Postal Stop does not pack items, but its employees are professional packers. 

Anthony Hammock, who works as an assistant at Postal Stop, added that people should check addresses carefully. 

He said that because the carrier is so busy, it is difficult to intercept the package and re-route the package, while also getting the items to arrive on time. 

Wells said that if people want to deliver to the complex to ensure that the package can be delivered, they need to provide the apartment number. 

If people are worried about the package being stolen after delivery, he also recommends including a signature option. 

He said that this is an additional cost, but it can stop the theft of "porch pirates". 

Wells said people need to know what they can and cannot deliver. 

For example, he said, companies cannot pack alcohol without a license. 

According to Postal Service, UPS and FedEx websites, the transportation of several other items is prohibited or restricted, including:

You can find a complete list of postal services at usps.com/ship/shipping-restrictions.htm and a complete list of UPS at ups.com/vi/en/help-center/shipping-support/prohibited-items.page ? For FedEx, please visit fedex.com/en-us/shipping/international-prohibited-items.html#.

Wells said people can send perishable items, but they should choose the right speed and use dry ice when needed. There are restrictions on the use of dry ice and how much dry ice can be carried on the plane at one time. 

He said that if you ask at the counter, most grocery stores can buy dry ice, and people should be careful when handling it. 

Depending on the carrier, different items and package sizes have different price points. 

Wells recommends using a local shipping store, which will provide different shipping options. 

"Our advantage is that we can transport anyone we want," he said. 

Contact Megan Banta, the city government regulator, at mbanta@registerguard.com. Follow her on Twitter @MeganBanta_1.