f Don’t count on labels alone, such as “fragile” or “do not bend,” to protect the item you’re sending. Package the item to prevent damage, because labels can be overlooked.

f Put a second address label inside the package, in case the outside label gets torn off or damaged.

f Address a package only on one side. If the package is turned over and appears to have no postage, it could be returned to the sender.

f Ground freight is handled more than freight shipped by air, so air shipping is best for very special or fragile items.

f The post office will accept packages wrapped in brown paper, but shippers don’t recommend it. The paper can get caught in mechanical equipment and torn off, taking the address with it.

f Don’t package anything with string or twine, for the same reason.

f Don’t mail a package wrapped in Christmas paper. If you want to send a festive package, buy a decorative shipping container instead.

f Some items, such as explosives, flammable liquids and infectious substances, either can’t be shipped or require special permission and conditions. Contact the shipping store or post office for guidance.

f Corn-based packing peanuts are biodegradable, but they are less resilient than Styrofoam and dissolve when wet. Many shipping stores will recycle packaging materials such as Styrofoam peanuts and bubble wrap.

f If you’re shipping a container filled with liquid, wrap it in enough padding to absorb the liquid in case of a spill.

f Use padded envelopes or other sturdy containers for heavy items.

f Insurance is included in the cost of shipping by United Parcel Service and FedEx, but it must be purchased separately for packages shipped by the U.S. Postal Service.

f The U.S. Postal Service provides free containers for items shipped by Express Mail and Priority Mail.

f UPS, FedEx and the Postal Service have size and weight restrictions. UPS and FedEx allow up to 150 pounds; the Postal Service, up to 70 pounds.

For the two private shippers, size is limited to 130 inches maximum when the package’s length and girth are added together; for the post office, girth plus length cannot exceed 108 inches for domestic shipments.

Larger and heavier items need to go by a different type of carrier, such as air freight, motor freight, bus or moving van.

f ZIP codes, mail rates and other information from the Postal Service is available at 1-800-ASKUSPS (1-800-275-8777) or www.usps.gov. (KRT)