panamark
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2012
Posts: 1,343
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Post by panamark on Dec 5, 2014 21:21:37 GMT -5
Just a FYI. I have heard a few members talking about increasing restrictions on Flat Rate Shipping with the USPS. Still a great deal for us rockers, but be aware. I tried to mail a package today, but the post office refused it because I had too much tape around the package. I usually use a flat rate padded envelope because you can stuff a LOT of rocks in it for cheap. But you have to wrap the whole envelope with tape or the rocks tear through. My local PO is really nice, but they now say that policy is that you can only use one piece of tape to close the package (box or envelope). No more wrapping the package up or they can refuse/return the package. Anyway, I ended up just sliding the finished wrapped envelope into another and sealed it. Problem solved unless they happen to look inside, then they can refuse for internal misuse or packaging. Next time I will use a purchased/non-USPS inner envelope.
Flat rate is still a great bargain, but you gotta be more careful.
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Post by deb193redux on Dec 5, 2014 21:37:52 GMT -5
Some postal employees say this, but I understand it is not true. You cannot enlarge or change the shape of the package. But tape on seams is OK. Ask for the postmaster.
"Here is the postal service regulation on taping flat rate packages section 123 subsection 1.5 in the postal explorer:
1.5 Flat-Rate Envelope and Boxes Any amount of material may be mailed in a USPS-produced Priority Mail flat-rate box or flat-rate envelope. When sealing a flat-rate box or flat-rate envelope, the container flaps must be able to close within the normal folds. Tape may be applied to the flaps and seams to reinforce the container, provided the design of the container is not enlarged by opening the sides and the container is not reconstructed in any way."
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Post by deb193redux on Dec 5, 2014 21:45:52 GMT -5
global priority may be a different story, and this may be the source of confusion.
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panamark
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2012
Posts: 1,343
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Post by panamark on Dec 6, 2014 0:23:39 GMT -5
This was Domestic. They said I was "significantly altering the package". I think this is BS -- I am only making the pkg stronger but in no way making it bigger. I know some people try to enlarge the boxes with creative taping, but this pkg was significantly smaller. And the original seam was closed as intended.
Anyway, from now on I will just do my reinforcing inside the pkg, not outside. Then they cannot complain at all.
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Post by catmandewe on Dec 6, 2014 0:45:29 GMT -5
Mark, load your rocks into and use the tyvek bags on the inside, they are almost indestructible, reduces the need for reinforcing the flat rate envelope on the outside.
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Post by Jugglerguy on Dec 6, 2014 10:19:32 GMT -5
Where do you purchase tyvek bags? I thought that stuff was for wrapping houses.
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Post by orrum on Dec 6, 2014 20:42:55 GMT -5
Post office tyvek bags for free.
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Post by Jugglerguy on Dec 6, 2014 20:50:09 GMT -5
Oh, I didn't know that. Thanks.
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riverbendlapidary
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since September 2006
Posts: 1,058
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Post by riverbendlapidary on Dec 10, 2014 10:34:17 GMT -5
they just don't want to handle heavy boxes. ran into this a few times - ask for postmaster and this problem goes away.
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,687
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Post by Fossilman on Dec 10, 2014 11:43:56 GMT -5
Our Postal Service,loves it when I ship heavy boxes,because I wrap the tape on it like its a box itself,professional job. They thank me every time so far... They have handled broken open box's that have been shipped to me,they don't like it... So I think your PO is yanking your chain!!!
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lparker
fully equipped rock polisher
Still doing too much for being retired!
Member since March 2008
Posts: 1,202
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Post by lparker on Dec 10, 2014 18:48:25 GMT -5
I put a little tape on my frb's but a lot of shrink wrap A la Catmandewe. Just sent out a couple last week...no problem with my PO.
Lee #1
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Post by johnjsgems on Dec 10, 2014 20:44:34 GMT -5
Last time I looked the PO instructions for padded flat rated envelopes said you could reinforce the envelope by adding tape as long as you don't alter shape (like adding extensions). I cover mine although I don't ship rocks. I worry that inner boxes could wear through or tear the envelope with rough handling.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Dec 10, 2014 21:14:12 GMT -5
In the past month I have shipped almost 1000# of stuff. No issues. Today I just sent out quite a few MFRB's all very heavy for the size and one "bulging" a bit. I'll report back the results.
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