The holiday season brings increased shipping volumes, longer delivery times, and higher costs. Whether you’re a business preparing for peak sales or an individual sending gifts, planning ahead is essential to ensure timely delivery and avoid costly delays.

Plan Your Shipping Early
Start shipping early to avoid the holiday rush. Carriers provide recommended deadlines for holiday deliveries. Shipping close to these deadlines increases the risk of delays and surcharges.

Use Reliable Carriers and Services
Select carriers with strong holiday handling reputations and choose shipping options that match your delivery urgency. For important or fragile packages, consider insured and trackable services.

Optimize Packaging
Efficient packaging reduces dimensional weight charges and protects contents. Use lightweight materials and appropriately sized boxes. Consider reusable or eco-friendly packaging to appeal to environmentally conscious recipients.

Take Advantage of Discounts and Cashback
During the holidays, you can save by purchasing discounted shipping gift cards through platforms like Fluz. You can earn cashback with a USPS gift card or get rewards with a FedEx gift card, which help offset shipping costs. Planning purchases through Fluz before the holiday rush can maximize savings.

Communicate with Recipients
Inform customers or gift recipients about expected delivery times, especially if delays are possible. Offering tracking information improves transparency and satisfaction.

Consolidate Shipments When Possible
For businesses, combining multiple orders into fewer shipments can reduce costs and handling complexities during the busy season.

Prepare for Returns
Holiday returns often spike after the season. Have a clear and efficient return shipping process to handle increased volumes without excessive cost.

By planning early, choosing the right carriers, optimizing packaging, and leveraging cashback opportunities, you can navigate the holiday shipping rush smoothly and cost-effectively.