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Shipping tips as holiday deadlines near

Posted at 5:49 AM, Dec 08, 2020
and last updated 2020-12-08 09:24:29-05

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Deadlines are approaching for people to send gifts to friends and family in time for them to be opened on Christmas morning.

FedEx, UPS, and the US Postal Service have all urged shippers to get their package into their hands by Dec. 15 for standard ground and home shipping options to ensure delivery by Dec. 25.

Several logistics experts have urged people to ship early rather than late and expect delays and supply shortages as the coronavirus pandemic strains supply lines and increases online shopping.

Kirsten Newbold-Knipp, chief growth officer with Convey, said the phenomenon has a name.

"You may not have heard of it but there's sort of a shortage going on right now, they're calling it a capacity crunch," she said.

"[There's] not enough drivers, not enough trucks, not enough warehouses right now because of all the things the pandemic has done," she explained. "We've started shopping online more and more and no one anticipated it"

Newbold-Knipp says shoppers can use several tips to avoid these issues.

She says people should work with multiple retailers, shop locally, buy early, and sign up for text alerts from companies when items are in stock.

Most consumers should expect to find the most difficulty with ordering items that don't have many alternatives like televisions or specific electronics.