Good Question: Got any advice for shopping during shipping backlog?

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC)—It’s not even October but there’s a lot of talk now about getting your holiday shopping done early. Way early.

But when? What’s at the top of the list? Got any advice for shipping those holiday packages? These are all Good Questions people are sending to News10NBC’s Brennan Somers.

Here’s one email just this week: Black Friday in November is coming up. When is the best time to order gifts before Christmas?

The answer? Industry experts say definitely don’t wait until Thanksgiving, or even November. You probably should’ve started yesterday.

Major container ports on both coasts face logjams. There are shipping delays and shortages for businesses everywhere. That’s on top of the pandemic supply chain disruptions.

Local truckers say it has a trickle-down effect.

"Fuel has been going up, as well as recruiting costs and the labor cost," Ken Johnson, of Leonard’s Express said. "So, we are obviously, having to share that with our customers, and they are sharing with their customers. It’s creating a little bit of inflation."

This issue is limiting everything, from what you can pick up on grocery runs to holiday shopping. At risk for retailers– TVs, toys, and sneakers.

Craig Fuller, CEO of Freightwaves

"If you have something in mind this holiday season for a family member, a child, go ahead and secure that now, do not wait, chances are that it won’t be available in the store after Black Friday."

Now, to answer a second question: is it possible to have the USPS hold the packages? If so, how many days will we have to pick up?

That varies depending on the company.

• USPS: Can hold mail for up to a month (Most people use that for vacation, or if you’re moving)
• UPS: 5 to 7 days depending on the location
• FedEx: A week before you need to pick up a package

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Watch previous Good Question segments here. If you have a question you’d like answered, email GoodQuestion@whec.com.