Holiday Packaging Made Easy by Purolator

TORONTO , Nov. 16 /CNW/ - To ensure you're lighting up more faces in more places this holiday season, Purolator encourages businesses and consumers to practice good holiday packaging by following these tips:

Wrap packages in appropriate materials. Don't use holiday wrapping paper to ship a gift, as it is likely to get torn up throughout the delivery cycle. Use strong, durable shipping paper instead.

Select the appropriate box. Unless the item is a card or letter, use a box for packing gifts - a box offers better protection as the package is being processed as well as during transport. It's always better to use a new box since previously used boxes lose their strength over time.

Pack items carefully. Each item should be placed at least two inches away from the walls of the box to keep from shifting. Be sure to firmly secure the contents of the box - especially lightweight and fragile items - by using an appropriate amount of filler material, such as polystyrene packing chips, bubble wrap, shredded or crumpled construction paper.

Seal package carefully. Use good quality packing tape at least two inches in width. Avoid using masking tape or cellophane tape as they aren't secure enough. As well, do not use string, rope, plastic straps or elastic bands to tie packages together as it can potentially get caught in processing equipment.

Include complete mailing details. During the holiday rush to send cards and gifts, many people forget to include their return address or write down the recipient's postal code. These are critical elements to ensuring your shipment arrives on time.

Purolator also offers a variety of options to ensure your packages, whether domestic or international, arrive in time for the holidays:

    
    -  Visit www.purolator.com to access Purolator E-Ship(TM) Online and
       register for a MyPurolator(TM) account to ship holiday packages in a
       few easy steps.
    -  Call 1 888 SHIP-123 to schedule a holiday package pick up.
    -  Drop by one of Purolator's 140 plus Retail Centres or more than 550
       authorized Shipping Agents.
    -  Visit a Purolator Shipping Centre located in more than 300 STAPLES and
       BUREAU EN GROS locations across Canada.
    

About Purolator

Purolator Courier Ltd. of Mississauga, Ontario is proud of its Canadian heritage. As Canada's largest courier company and one of Canada's 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures(TM) (2009), Purolator is committed to its customers and more than 12,500 employees, including more than 3,500 couriers. From automated solutions to 24 hour pick up and delivery, Purolator provides customers with the services and customized solutions required to get their shipments across town or around the world. Purolator utilizes Canada's largest dedicated air express fleet and has an extensive service network, with more than 140 operations locations, more than 140 Shipping Centres, more than 550 authorized Shipping Agents and more than 350 drop boxes.

Purolator has also implemented a company-wide Quality Leadership Process that provides the necessary framework for continuous improvement and operational excellence. As part of its commitment to helping alleviate hunger, Purolator works closely with Food Banks Canada . Since 2003, Purolator has helped collect more than three million pounds of food for local food banks across Canada . For more company information, please visit www.purolator.com.

For further information: Cathy Kurzbock, Hill & Knowlton, [phone], [email protected]; Megan Ramsay, Hill & Knowlton, [phone], [email protected]