Tips to help your holiday packages get delivered on time

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The US Postal Service expects to deliver up to 470 million packages between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve. That's around 50 million more than the same time last year.

As more people shop online, FedEx and UPS also forecast a record number of deliveries. In a recent survey, Consumer Reports asked 1,000 people about their shipping gripes and has tips to help your boxes reach their destinations.

At his packaging store, Don Migliardi hears plenty of worries about holiday shipping from his customers.

"Generally, the biggest complaint we have is the condition of a box when it arrives," Migliardi said.

Packaging that showed up damaged was a problem for half of those in a Consumer Reports' survey.

The most common complaint was high shipping fees. To find the best deal, shopping expert Tod Marks checked out rates for the US Post Office, Federal Express, and UPS.

"We compared the basic price to ship a 3 lb. package like this from our New York headquarters to Plano, Texas. We shipped it three ways - standard overnight, second day, and ground shipment," said Marks.

The US Postal Service was the least expensive every time. For example, its rate for second-day delivery was about $12. The FedEx and UPS rates were more than $60.

Another gripe with consumers was that valuable packages are left outside the door. That happened to more than half of those surveyed. About 40 percent have had a package go missing.

"If you're shipping valuable items, you might want to consider insurance.With UPS and FedEx, you're automatically covered for up to $100," Marks said.

The post office automatically insures most Priority Mail Express shipments for up to $100, as well.

"But you can always buy additional insurance if your item is really expensive," Marks said.

Another common complaint was that a package wasn't delivered when promised. Don Migliardi gives his customers some simple advice.

"If you want to get it there on time and not pay a lot of money, ship early," Migliardi said.

The US Postal Service recommends keeping their deadline in mind when you're shipping. If you want a package delivered by Christmas, the absolute deadline is Dec. 23 for Express Service.