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'Tis The Season To Protect Your Holiday Packages

(CBS) -- It's the season for sending and receiving packages, but many of us could have a tale of woe and misery if our gifts don't arrive safely.

CBS 2's Dorothy Tucker shows us how there are new ways to make sure our packages get where they're supposed to go.

An approaching mailman, a waiting dog, a tossed package. The result: an unhappy homeowner claiming his product was damaged.

Complaints about deliveries from numerous companies include everything from damaged goods to stolen packages to wrong addresses. That was Brennan Peckhart's issue.

"I live on West Traube, and there's an East Traube, and I've had packages dropped off at some address on east, not west, which is my address," he says.

The solution to Peckhart's problem: a visit to his local Jewel that offers a FedEx pickup and dropoff.

This UPS store handles 300 packages a day. The company also offers non-traditional pickup locations.

Billy's Discount store in Melrose Park is a new UPS access point.

"It's easy for the customers because we're close," owner Aqel Harp says. "It's very quick. Just bring an ID and pick it up."

But all you need at Amazon Lockers is an access code, which you enter on the screen and grab your package.

Minnie Cooks works for Amazon and delivers packages to its lockers at store malls, gas stations, grocery stores and convenience stores around the Chicago area.

"If you're not home you can always pick your package from a safe location," she says.

The companies have different policies regarding how long they'll hold packages at pick-up locations. Be sure to check when you sign up.

 

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