SAN DIEGO, March 2010 – With many airlines raising fees for checked bags and limiting carry-ons, travelers are looking at alternatives for a more convenient, cost-effective way to get their luggage to its destination. The UPS Store® is helping to ease ravelers’ burdens by shipping their luggage ahead.
In addition, The UPS Store has certified packing experts who specialize in packing odd, oversized items, such as skis, golf clubs and fishing poles - items travelers would prefer to have waiting at their destination rather than lugging them around an airport.
“Travelers can potentially save time and money by shipping their luggage at The UPS Store, which also lessens the hassle of dealing with luggage at the airport,” said Stuart Mathis, company president.
One of the many frustrations that travelers deal with is lost or misplaced luggage. The UPS Store offers a variety of shipping options that allow travelers to track their luggage to its final destination, such as UPS Next Day Air®, UPS 2nd Day Air®, UPS 3 Day SelectSM, and UPS Ground.
The UPS Store suggests the following tips when shipping luggage:
- If possible, put luggage in a box. Doing this will help protect the luggage as well as provide a suitable surface for the shipping label. It will also help avoid additional handling charges.
- Another option, in some cases, is to forego the suitcase and place items directly in a box. This can minimize the chances of having to pay oversize or overweight charges. Be sure to pack an extra box, packaging tape and a return label and use them on your return trip.
- Put an additional address label inside the luggage or package in case the outside label is damaged or lost.
- By using a shipping option like UPS, you can track your luggage all the way to its destination via cell phones, PDAs or other web-enabled wireless devices.
- Visit the online cost calculator to research the best rate and most economical shipping option. Planning ahead allows you to choose a less expensive shipping option like UPS Ground.
- Because of the duties and taxes associated with international shipments, The UPS Store does not recommend shipping luggage internationally.
- Due to restrictions, The UPS Store cannot ship hazardous materials, including: colognes and perfumes, aerosol sprays, nail polish, and cigarette lighters via air.
“Since airlines started charging checked baggage fees, we have seen an increase in travelers shipping their luggage ahead,” said Mathis. “Travelers can contact any The UPS Store location for more information. We’re here to help make their travels as worry-free as possible.”
The nearest The UPS Store location can be found online or by calling 1-800-PICKUPS(742-5877).
In addition to domestic and international shipping, The UPS Store offers full-service packaging; digital printing and online printing; black-and-white and color copies; document finishing (binding, laminating, etc.); printing services (business cards, letterhead, rubber stamps, etc.); notary; custom crating and shipping for large items (furniture, artwork, motorcycles, etc.); mailbox and postal services; office and packaging supplies; and more.
About The UPS Store
With approximately 4,800 locations, The UPS Store® and Mail Boxes Etc.® network comprises the world’s largest franchise system of retail shipping, postal, document and business service centers throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. In the United States, The UPS Store and Mail Boxes Etc. locations are independently owned and operated by licensed franchisees of Mail Boxes Etc., Inc., a UPS subsidiary. In Canada, locations are independently owned and operated by licensed franchisees of master licensee MBEC Communications, L.P. For additional information, please visit the About The UPS Store section.
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Contact:
Becca Andrews, The UPS Store
(858) 455-8982