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At FlagShip, we understand how important it is for your holiday packages to arrive on time. That’s why we’ve put together these essential tips to help you avoid delays and ensure smooth, timely delivery during the busiest shipping season of the year.

Prepare Accurate Shipping Documentation for Your Holiday Packages

One of the most common reasons holiday packages face delays, especially for international shipments, is incomplete or inaccurate shipping documentation. To avoid this, ensure that your documents are properly filled out. Here’s what you need to include:

Incorrect documentation can result in delays, extra costs, or even the return of your shipment. If you’re unsure about your shipping documents, FlagShip’s customer service team is always here to help.

Know the Couriers’ Prohibited Items for Holiday Shipments

Every courier service has a list of prohibited items, which can vary. Before shipping your holiday packages, make sure the contents are allowed by the courier you’ve selected. Common prohibited items include hazardous materials, liquids, perishable goods, and certain electronics.

Here’s a quick overview of prohibited items for major couriers:

If you’re uncertain whether your package contains prohibited items, contact our customer service team. We’ll guide you through the regulations to ensure your holiday packages aren’t delayed or rejected.

Securely Package Your Holiday Gifts

Proper packaging is crucial, especially during the holiday rush when packages go through multiple sorting facilities. To make sure your holiday packages arrive intact, follow these packaging tips:

• Use sturdy boxes: Avoid reusing old boxes that may collapse during transit. Invest in new, durable boxes to protect your holiday gifts.
• Protect fragile items: Use bubble wrap, packing peanuts, or foam to cushion fragile items and prevent them from shifting inside the box.
• Avoid decorative wrapping: While gift wrapping adds a festive touch, it can get caught in sorting machines and tear. Keep your gift-wrapping inside the box to avoid mishaps.
• Seal packages securely: Use strong packing tape to seal all seams of the box. Double-check that no openings are left exposed.

Find the Cheapest Way to Ship Gifts

The holidays can be expensive, so finding the cheapest way to ship gifts helps keep costs low while ensuring reliable delivery. With FlagShip, you can instantly compare discounted rates from Purolator, UPS, FedEx, DHL, Canpar, and GLS — all in one place.

You can save up to 70% off standard courier rates without contracts or minimum volumes. Our online shipping system automatically calculates the best rate and delivery time for your parcel, helping you make smart shipping decisions every time.

Sign up for free to access discounted courier rates and start shipping smarter this holiday season.

How to Pack Gifts for Shipping

If you’re wondering how to pack gifts for shipping, the right packaging makes all the difference. Here’s how to make sure your gifts arrive safely and professionally:

• Use new, sturdy boxes rated for the parcel’s weight.
• Wrap fragile or breakable items with bubble wrap or kraft paper.
• Keep any decorative gift wrapping inside the box.
• Seal all openings securely with heavy-duty tape.
• Place shipping labels on the largest, flattest side of the box.

FlagShip Tip: Enter your package’s dimensions and weight into the FlagShip online system, it automatically finds the most cost-effective shipping options for your package.

Choose the Right Shipping Service for Your Holiday Packages

Choosing the right shipping service is crucial to ensure your holiday packages arrive on time. During the holiday season, it’s even more important to select the right option for your timeline. Here are some popular shipping options:

Choosing the right shipping option can make the difference between on-time delivery and disappointment. FlagShip’s online shipping system allows you to compare rates and delivery times from top couriers like Purolator, UPS, FedEx, and DHL. This way, you can select the best service for your holiday packages.

Get Support for Your Holiday Shipments

If you run into any issues with your holiday shipments or have questions about delivery status, FlagShip’s customer service team is here to help. We provide full support to ensure your holiday packages reach their destination. Our team can assist you with:

• Tracking your package in real-time
• Helping with customs documentation and clearance
• Answering questions about your shipment’s status

Simply give us a call at 1-866-320-8383 or email us at support@flagshipcompany.com for assistance.

As the holidays draw closer, getting your packages delivered on time becomes more challenging due to the increased volume of shipments. But with the right preparation and by following the tips outlined above, you can ensure that your packages arrive on time and in perfect condition.

FlagShip is committed to providing you with reliable shipping solutions during the holiday season and beyond. From offering discounted shipping rates to providing top-notch customer service, we are here to help your holiday shipping run smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions — Holiday Packages (Canada 2025)

• • • What are the official Black Friday shipping cut-off dates in Canada (2025)?
      The official Black Friday shipping cut-off dates and all observed holidays for Canadian couriers, including Purolator, UPS, FedEx, DHL, Canpar, and GLS, are itemized in FlagShip’s Courier Holiday Schedule 2025. Check early to plan shipments around courier closures.
    • What is the best shipping service for Black Friday / Cyber Monday e-commerce orders in Canada
      The best shipping service balances discounted rates with reliable delivery speed. Use FlagShip’s rate comparison tool
      to instantly compare real-time pricing from Purolator, UPS, FedEx, DHL, Canpar, and GLS, and select the most cost-effective and reliable option for every e-commerce order.
    • Can I offer next-day delivery for Black Friday orders in major Canadian cities?
      Yes, next-day delivery is available for Black Friday orders in major Canadian hubs like Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Calgary.
      Use Express services such as Purolator or FedEx and schedule pickups before the daily deadline through your FlagShip dashboard for same-day processing.
    • How should Canadian e-commerce plan inventory, packaging, and pickups for Black Friday week?
      To avoid shipping delays, stock your inventory early, pre-pack best-selling items, and schedule courier pickups in advance using FlagShip’s
      bulk shipment and pickup features to ensure a smooth Black Friday fulfillment process.
    • What is the last day to ship Cyber Monday ground orders to arrive before Christmas?
      Ground shipments for Cyber Monday orders should depart by mid-December, while Express options allow for a few extra days.
      Confirm the most accurate timing using the Courier Holiday Schedule 2025.
    • What is the best way to communicate shipping deadlines on product pages for Black Friday / Cyber Monday?
      The best strategy is to use clear, high-visibility banners on product pages and at checkout with definitive messaging like “Order by [Date] for Guaranteed Christmas Delivery.” For more guidance, see our Holiday Shipping Guide.
    • What is the best logistics strategy to handle returns and exchanges from Black Friday sales?
      Maintain customer satisfaction by using FlagShip to generate prepaid return labels, make return instructions easy to find, and use tracking details for full transparency. Learn more about FlagShip’s returns and claims tools.

Happy Holidays from FlagShip! Let us help you ship with ease this season.

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