Package Tips from the U.S.P.S.

The U.S.P.S. blog has a nice list of handy tips for sending out holiday gift packages:

Select a durable box to protect the contents. Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express boxes are free at local Post Offices.

*Do NOT reuse boxes — they weaken in the shipping process.

Properly address packages. Include both “to” and “from” information and only on one side.

Print addresses clearly and include all address elements, such as apartment numbers and directional information (ex: 123 S Main St. Apt. 2B).

Never guess a ZIP Code. Look up a ZIP Code at usps.com under Quick Tools. NO ZIP is better than a WRONG ZIP.

Place a card inside the package with delivery and return addresses. This helps postal employees deliver the item should the mailing label become damaged or fall off.

Pay attention to batteries. In general, batteries should be securely packaged in the manufacturer’s original packaging. Items shipped with batteries installed that cause ticking, vibrations or other noises during transportation can be delayed due to security concerns.

Leave space for extra cushioning inside and stuff glass and fragile, hollow items, like vases, with newspaper or packing material to avoid damage. When mailing framed photographs, take the glass out of the frame and wrap it separately.

It's all good, common sense stuff really, *but I do reuse boxes because I can use my judgement to determine if a box is sturdy enough for re-mailing. I bet you can too. Also, a reminder from me about new mail regulations, from the Postal Bulletin:

"There have been some changes made to how you can ship your packages this year. For safety reasons, as of October 1, the Postal Service will no longer accept stamped packages — which means using individual stamps as postage — that are more than one-half inch thick and/or weighing more than 10 ounces into blue collection boxes, building mail chutes, or Post Office mail slots. This restriction also applies to all other mailpieces, apart from packages, using individual stamps as postage that are more than one-half inch thick and/or weighing more than 10 ounces. Instead, you must go to a retail counter or use the self-service kiosk to purchase a postage label. If you opt to use the kiosk to buy a postage label, you can drop your package in the package slots, not the mail slots, at a Post Office. If a restricted package or mailpiece is found in a collection box, mail chute, or lobby mail slot after October 1, it will be returned to sender with a Customer Return Label attached explaining the restrictions and reason for return. Click-N-Ship customers are unaffected by this change"

When people ask why we stopped selling pigeons, well, the above is certainly part of it. We smelled this change coming when they started altering blue collection boxes to only open up a couple of inches, if they open at all. Some now just have a slot for postings. You can always take more inventive stamped mail to the counter, but, to me, that removes part of the fun. I loved being able to send odd things just through mail magic. Now, I have to plead my case to a postal worker who may or may not fully understand (or care) about my need to be creative within the boundaries of the postal system. Sad to say, I do send less surprises these days because of it.

P.S. Image found on the Postal Museum instagram.

Comments

[Lisa]

oops. totally dropped a stamped package in the blue box a few days ago that was thicker than 1/2 inch. wonder how long it will take to turn up here instead of where I hoped it would go.

[Donovan Beeson]

My money is on it will get where it needs to be. With newer rules, things tend to be a little lacks.