NEW YORK (CNN/Money) -
The hectic holiday mailing season is well underway.
Between Dec. 1 and 15, FedEx will ship 3.1 million packages a day via their ground service, UPS will ship more than 300 million packages this holiday season and the U.S. Postal Service is anticipating shipping 20 billion pieces of mail.
Here's what you need to know to fight the holiday mail crush.
Tip 1: How late is too late?
For the procrastinators out there, the latest that you'll be able to send out packages for delivery before the 25th is the Tuesday the 23rd. Both Fed Ex and UPS offer next day delivery for Christmas Eve. But the "peak night" for volume through FedEx's system is expected to be Monday, Dec. 22, so plan ahead.
If you're sending packages internationally you'll have in the mail much earlier. For example, FedEx's deadline for its International Priority or International Economy services is Friday Dec 12.
Overnight delivery and money back guarantees don't apply to FedEx and UPS ground and home delivery services -- the least expensive options -- 14 calendar days before Christmas.
On the other hand, UPS and FedEx are maintaining their money-back guarantees throughout the holiday on all air services despite the huge surge in volume.
If you want to send your packages the old-fashioned way, you'll have to plan ahead. The U.S. Postal service is recommending sending first class mail and priority mail by Dec. 11. There's more leeway for its Express mail service with Dec. 23rd being the deadline for local delivery and Dec. 20th for packages sent beyond your immediate area.
Check each of the different mail services Web sites for details; each has online calculators that will help you determine just how long it will take to send your package to its destination by ground.
Tip 2: Pack with care
It's easy to make mistakes packing your treasures so make sure you use sturdy boxes with flaps that are intact. Cushion any gifts with Styrofoam peanuts to keep them from getting broken in transit but don't overpack the box.
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 The busy mailing season is already under way. CNNfn's Gerri Willis shares tips on what you need to know to fight the holiday mail rush.
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Clear packing tape, which you can find at any of the major office supply retailer or a hardware store, is stronger than either duct or masking tape. And don't wrap the outer box with brown paper and string as it could get caught in the automated machinery and damage your goods.
Your address label should be positioned squarely on the boxes' largest surface and provides complete info on both the sender and recipient. But sure to put a copy of this info inside the box.
And here's an extra tip: make sure to remove dry-cell batteries from any battery-powered devices you're mailing in order to prevent activating the device in the mail.
Tip 3: Get free shipping
A variety of online merchants are offering free shipping but you have to read the fine print. For example, Amazon.com is offering free shipping for purchases over $25, but the offer for "Free Super Saver" shipping expires Dec. 16.
And be aware that only certain items are eligible for the super saving shipping service and it will take an additional 3-5 days to ship.
American Express card users can also get free shipping at a variety of retailers, provided they use their Amex card to pay and the order is $50 or higher.
Tip 4: Think twice before buying insurance
Carriers will often encourage you to buy extra insurance when you're shipping Christmas gifts, but there are two things you should keep in mind.
Some shippers, like Fed Ex and UPS cover consumer packages for up to $100 automatically.
And read over your homeowner's insurance policy as it may cover shipping losses. If you do have a loss, you'll need to have a receipt on hand to prove your claim; check the carrier's Web site for a claim form.
Tip 5: Take care sending holiday cheer
Carriers only accept wine shipments from licensed wineries and distributors, not from consumers. If you want to give the gift of wine this holiday season, check with the winery or on-line retailer to see if your recipient lives in a state that accepts shipments.
Each state, and even some counties, has its own rules and regulations about wine shipping. To get more info on shipping wine and wine retailers, check out wine.com and winespectator.com.
Gerri Willis is the personal finance editor for CNN Business News. Willis also is co-host of CNNfn's The FlipSide, weekdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (ET). E-mail comments to 5tips@cnnfn.com.
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