It's gift giving time! Which means those heading home from long-distance holiday visits may need a way to get larger gift items home - things like computers, large-screen TVs, furniture and anything else that's large, heavy or both. We've been doing this for years and often see an quick surge in need of our services around this time of year. We offer our top 5 tips for sending your items back home so that you're not out of pocket too much and your items get there as safely as possible.



The shipping industry classifies large items as freight, and standard freight service is usually the best way get them home. Here are five things to remember:

1. Save the boxes. Even if the kids decide to turn large boxes into makeshift forts, they'll get bored in a few hours. Reclaim those boxes before they reach the trash heap.

2. Save the packing materials. There's a reason why it can be tough to wrestle open boxes containing new electronics, furniture and large household items - manufacturers pack them well to prevent damage in transit. Repack using the same foam, bubble wrap, cardboard and inserts they used.

3. Determine if it's parcel or freight. Maximum weight for parcel service varies among major carriers and can be as low as 70 lbs. Anything heavier may be considered freight. Size limits also apply. Usually anything larger than 165 in. in length and girth is freight. Size is determined by adding length + 2x width + 2x height, and the inches add up fast. The good news is that there's a wide variety of freight carriers competing for your shipment compared to the relatively small number of parcel service providers.

4. Forego inside service on large items traveling by freight. It costs extra for inside pickup and delivery on standard freight service. Be prepared to enlist help carrying items to and from the truck. Or ask the driver to help - drivers are generally nice people and will do it if they're not rushed. Don't forget a tip, say, $10 to $20 depending on degree of difficulty.

5. Negotiate price. Everything is negotiable in today's economy, and freight shipping rates should be no exception. Post-Christmas is the slowest time of the year for freight and parcel shippers, and it never hurts to ask for a discount.

There you have it. These should help you some headaches and ease your way into the New Year.