Packaging Tips
- Proper Packaging: Most parcels must be handled several times before they reach their destination.
The quality of packaging makes a difference in the parcel鈥檚 safe arrival. Packages
should be strong enough to retain and protect their contents during normal handling.
Restrictions apply to mailing certain items, such as matches, flammable liquids, and
poisons. Please check with Delivery Services if you have any questions.
- Acceptable Containers: Acceptable containers include corrugated or solid fiberboard, paperboard (for small
items), metal cans, tubes or boxes, wooden boxes, and fiber mailing tubes with metal
ends. The strength of the tube ends must be equal to the tube sidewall strength, unless
the contents are lightweight, rolled items.
- Paper Bags and Wrapping: For lightweight items weighing up to 5 pounds, paper bags and wraps are acceptable
when they are at least 50-pound basis weight (the strength of an average large grocery
bag) and the items are not susceptible to impact or pressure damage. Do not use string
or staples to secure packages.
- Tape and Closures: Cellophane and masking tape may not be used to close or reinforce packages. However,
they may be used to supplement adhesive closures on envelopes or to cover staples
on bags. Except for pressure-sensitive filament tape, tapes used for closure and reinforcement
must be at least 2 inches wide. Non-reinforced plastic tapes must be at least as strong
in the cross direction as in the machine (lengthwise) direction.
- Special Handling Labels: Packages containing breakable items should be marked 鈥淔ragile鈥� above the address,
below the postage, and on the reverse side. Packages containing food or other items
that may spoil should be marked 鈥淧erishable.鈥�
- Address Information: Address information should be clearly typed or printed on a label placed in the
center of the parcel. The 鈥淭o:鈥� and 鈥淔rom:鈥� information should be clearly indicated.
- Mail Class: Indicate the mail class in which the package should be sent. All packages without a mail class indication will be sent First Class.