How to Protect Your Packages from Loss and Damage This Holiday Shipping Season

The festive season is here, and of all that this period is known for, massive sales are prominent. But, unfortunately due to the influx of orders over the peak season, this means that more packages are bound to go missing than ever.

Over 260 million packages have gone missing in the US over the last 12 months. 35% of people who had a package stolen said they had a video doorbell or security camera in place and 17% said they caught the thief on camera. Only 1 in 4 victims of package theft installed a home security system after their packages had been taken.

In this article, you will learn the necessary measures to ensure that your packages are secured and delivered safely.

10 Tips to Keep Packages Safe During the Holiday Season

Have you had your package lost in previous holidays and want to prevent experiencing the same this season? In this section, we'll go over ten essential tips on how to protect packages during the holiday shipping season and ensure your holiday packages are delivered safely, even during the peak shipping season.

1. Use shipping insurance

Shipping insurance is one sure way to keep your packages safe during this festive season. It provides essential value and protection against uncertainties like damages, loss, or mishandling during transit. With the right insurance in place, you’re better prepared to insure your shipments and avoid complications during holiday shipping. Easyship’s shipping insurance boasts super fast claims processing, with a turnaround time of 48 hours and covering up to $10,000.

2. Require signature upon delivery

Requiring a signature upon delivery is a tried-and-true method to protect your packages. Whether it's UPS, USPS, or FedEx, most major carriers offer this service during the holiday shipping season. If you won't be available, plan ahead and have someone else sign and accept the delivery on your behalf. This practice reduces package theft and gives peace of mind.

3. Package delivery boxes safely

Using the right packing material is critical when preparing holiday packages. During the peak season, make sure each box is sturdy, filled properly, and sealed tightly to prevent items from being damaged in transit. Reinforced packaging can greatly reduce the risk of fragile items being broken or lost.

4. Upgrade your tracking experience

Real-time tracking is one of the best tools to stay ahead of porch pirates and delivery issues. Upgrading your tracking features helps you confirm addresses, track shipments as they move, and alert customers of delays. Better tracking means more customer loyalty and less stress when ensuring packages arrive safely.

5. Communicate with customers

Frequent communication with your customers builds trust, boosts customer loyalty, and enhances the overall shopping experience. Notify customers with updates on their shipments, estimated delivery times, and delays. During the holiday season, clear communication spreads holiday cheer and makes your services feel more valuable.

6. Utilize address validation software

Misdirected shipments often come down to incorrect or invalid addresses. Use address validation tools to confirm delivery details before packages are sent. These tools help you verify street names, postal codes, and prevent delivery to non-existent addresses, reducing delays and saving on shipping costs.

7. Use discreet shipping methods

Discreet shipping helps protect high-value or gift items by concealing the content of the box. During the holiday shipping season, this method discourages porch pirates by making the package less attractive. It’s a smart way to enhance the security of valuable holiday packages.

8. Opt for additional handling for fragile parcels

Fragile items need extra care, especially during the peak shipping season. Use special packing materials, clear "fragile" labels, and consider selecting additional handling services. These practices make sure parcels arrive safely and show your customers that you go the extra mile.

9. Use a reliable shipping platform

A reliable shipping platform makes all the difference during the busy holiday shipping season. Don’t risk trying new, untested services during the peak season. Instead, visit platforms with a strong track record that offer features like automatic tracking, insurance options, and bulk label generation. Easyship, for example, offers free rate comparison tools and supports over 250 couriers, including UPS, FedEx, and USPS.

10. Use automatic label generation

Labeling errors can delay shipments and even lead to lost packages. With automatic label generation, you can reduce mislabeling, improve sorting, and speed up mail processing. This feature helps ensure that your holiday packages are delivered accurately and on time—even during the busiest shipping season.

How Easyship Helps with Holiday Shipping

By now, you should be ready to tackle holiday shipping after reading this blog on keeping your packages safe. When it comes to shipping holiday packages, you’ll want to consider using signature upon delivery, a reliable shipping platform, or even automatic label generation.

To this end, eCommerce merchants should ensure their package is secure by implementing these practices, especially with a reliable shipping platform that can create a frictionless shipping experience.

Easyship offers discounted shipping rates on 250+ couriers with the help of our free shipping rates calculator. Asides from this, you also get to enjoy benefits such as:

• Automatic label generation for your shipment
• 24/7 care from our team of shipping experts
• An all-in-one dashboard to manage your shipping activity
• Shipping experts that can help you plan your holiday shipping strategy
• A dashboard you can follow up on your delivery status
• Up to $10,000 of shipping insurance for all shipments

You do not have to get yourself worked up when it comes to the safety of your packages. By putting the right strategies in place, you can seamlessly sail through this holiday season.

Easyship guarantees that you have a worthwhile shipping experience. It also helps you get ahead of others by ensuring your packages are secured to have a jolly holiday shipping season.

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Holiday Shipping FAQ: Protecting Packages During Peak Season

How can I protect packages during the holiday shipping season?

To protect packages during the busy holiday shipping season, start by using shipping insurance, strong packing materials, and discreet packaging practices. Always ship early, require a signature upon delivery, and upgrade your tracking tools to monitor packages in transit. These essential tips reduce risks from package theft, porch pirates, and handling damage.

What type of shipping insurance is best for holiday packages?

Look for shipping insurance that covers loss, damage, and theft—especially for fragile items and valuable gifts. With Easyship, you can insure your shipments for up to $10,000, ensuring your holiday packages are secure throughout the shipping season.

Should I ship early during the holidays?

Yes! Planning ahead is key. Peak season delays are common due to volume surges at couriers like UPS, USPS, and FedEx. By shipping early, you improve the chances that your packages arrive on time and in good condition—helping maintain customer loyalty and holiday cheer.

How do I ensure my packages are packed safely for delivery?

Use high-quality packing materials, confirm addresses, and label each box clearly. For fragile items, opt for additional handling services and cushion contents with protective filler. A reliable shipping platform like Easyship ensures packages are properly labeled and ready for transit.

What happens if my package is lost or stolen during the holidays?

If your package is lost or damaged, immediately contact the courier and file a claim if you have insurance. Easyship provides tools to track, insure, and follow up on shipments, giving you peace of mind even during the busiest time of the year.

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If you found this article informative, you may want to check out the following:

• I’m a Lost Package: How Can You Find Me?
• USPS Signature Confirmation Explained
• USPS Holiday Schedule 2021: The Dates You Should Know1.