Bulging Priority Mail Box

[pinkryder123]

I shipped some glass plates, and the priority mail box was bulging slightly at the bottom because I had added extra bubble wrap. The post office worker told me that isn't allowed (he shipped it anyway). The box was sealed tightly. Is this really against the rules? Or is just telling me that? Thanks! 

[coolections]

Not sure about the rules but you may want to pray the glass plates arrive without being broken. A suggestion is NEVER ship a bulging package.

[nobody*s_perfect]

It's not against the rules.   The USPS bulletin and FAQ on it is actually pretty amusing.  They must get these questions all the time:

https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2016/pb22435/html/updt_002.htm

[refdef]

It's allowed for *flat rate* boxes, but if you have a simple box that ships Priority, you have to measure the actual dimensions *including* the bulge, else you'll get (or *could* get) one of those goofy $15 fees from USPS.  Can't remember what it's called.

[kensgiftshop]

@pinkryder123 

If it was a Flat Rate box, I hear you can't change the dimensions any, the box has to close like it's supposed to.

Other Priority Mail boxes, I don't think it matters.

[pinkryder123]

Oh, cool thanks! The guy is always kind of an **bleep**, so wasn't sure if he was telling me the truth. He said "That's why we give you the flat rate. It can't be bulging like that." I think he takes his job way too seriously. He was glaring at me when I was taking boxes (just took 2 each of what I thought I might need). Maybe I'll go to a different post office for now on. 😅

[stainlessenginecovers]

If a 15 x 8 x 6 box is bulging at all 3 dimensions and you input 16x9x7- as I always have, there is nothing USPS will ever do about it. 

Where they REALLY care is a 22-1/8 Box at one side, one bulge, and the shipper only inputs 22", bypassing the $4 surcharge.. then you have a problem. 

Next time the 'counter person' mentions that, ask him if that includes all the 'bulging' that happens when my package is thrown in the cart to the truck to the cart to the plane to the truck to the cart to the distribution center to the cart to the truck etc etc etc. 

Ridiculous at best. 

[buyselljack2016]

It is unfortunate that some do not actually know their jobs.

Perhaps printing out a copy of "what is allowed" and slipping it in there without being seen doing such will assist the employee in acquiring additional knowledge about their job.

Years back there was quite the (to use a judge Judy word) kerfuffle  about "flat rate" packaging. Somewhere in the  Postal System there was memo/message/directive/supposed policy about the "flat rate" not "bulging", not having lots of tape.  I personally saw that posted at a Post Office. Not something that someone locally thought up,  but was printed as received, as direction.  Some employees apparently still live by that retracted memo.

[toysaver]

If you overstuffed a flat rate box that changes the dimensions and you can be charged the real weight as Priority shipping. It's possible you'll get a shipping label cost adjustment charged to your account.  I hope the plates were double boxed as well as bubble wrapped.  Having a bulge makes it more likely the package will be dropped or fall off equipment onto the cement floor.

[hartungcards]

Some USPS employees take a bizarre pleasure in telling you you can't do something, and then letting you do it anyway, like they're doing you some kind of favor.  Little known fact: there are no rules at the USPS, they just make stuff up as they go along.

[t-bone543]

A postal worked told me once that she watched as a customer manipulated a Priority Mail flat rate envelope enough to fit a full-sized men's suit. She laughed and said it was more of a ball than an envelope by the time the person was finished, but that it was accepted and shipped. It does seem like some postal workers make up regulations and rules just to fit their mood of the day...lol.

[pinkryder123]

Yeah, I hope they get there safe, too 😅. It was bulging because I put in extra bubble wrap. I also put in foam spacers in between the plates. I think I'm going to try to avoid glass for now on though. I recently spent 100.00 on about 60 old whiskey decanters. When I got them home, I realized what an undertaking it wood be. All the cleaning, and all the materials I would need to ship them safely. I ended up returning them and telling her to keep the money. I need to be more careful about what I buy. 😅

[pinkryder123]

Yeah, it was a flat rate box. Thanks! 

[pinkryder123]

😂

[pinkryder123]

Seems to be true. 😂