Shipping is required for all items, including gifts and care packages. However, due to weights, boxes and increasing postal rates, it can be costly to get a package from one place to another.

Americans are struggling to pay for fuel and food, so many people try to cut costs wherever possible. Trimming shipping costs can help free up some cash. These are some tips to help Americans save money shipping.

– Combine packages Why not send gifts in June and July to siblings who share summer birthdays? Save on shipping and packaging by ordering ahead.

Plan ahead. Sometimes items must be rushed overnight. However, for non-emergency items it is better to use non-priority domestic mail service. For holidays, for instance, it is best to send your packages at least a week in advance. Although trains and trucks are slower than planes, they also cost less.

You should consider what you are shipping. You might consider how heavy the item is before you send it to someone living abroad. Shipments of heavy objects are more costly.

Free services are a good idea. You should consider including any free services, such as pickup or delivery at no charge, in your total shipping costs.

Compare rates. Different shipping companies offer different deals so price shopping is always a good idea. One company, Pak Mail (www.pakmail.comThe company offers free shipping estimates and custom packaging services. Pak Mail works with different carriers to make sure its customers save money and get great international and domestic shipping rates.