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pinkryder123 · ‎08-24-2022

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!

the_fancy_fox · ‎08-24-2022

@toysaver wrote:
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.

As long as the closure flat closes the way it’s supposed to without modification, it’s fine. Bulge and all.

I would be more worried about shipping plates like that,

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nobody*s_perfect · ‎08-24-2022

@refdef wrote:
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.

The goofy $15 surcharge is applied to packages with a length over 30 inches. There's also a $4 surcharge for length over 22 inches. I don't think there's any Priority Mail box (flat rate or otherwise) that could be stretched that way; AFAIK, those surcharges apply only to the triangular "tubes.".

chapeau-noir · ‎08-24-2022

@nobody*s_perfect wrote:
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

"As long as the FRE or FRB can close “within the normal folds,” bulges are not a problem. “Flat” refers to the price, not to the shape."

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luckythewinner · ‎08-24-2022

@pinkryder123 wrote:
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!

I believe a flat rate box must be able to close normally using its original flaps and must not have been enlarged.

If that is indeed the case, then I suspect the decision about it closing normally and not being enlarged would be a judgement call by the USPS employee.

recordsetter · ‎08-24-2022

Flat Rate Boxes cannot bulge ... the box must close squarely with no bulges ... bulges make the box bigger, even if its a 1/4 inch bump ... the post office usually changes the package to regular Priority Mail and charges you the difference

stephenmorgan · ‎08-24-2022

@nobody*s_perfect wrote:
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

Those are some good rules to know. A short time ago my Post Office refused a flat rate envelope because it was configured to accept a box. I was told it change the purpose of the envelope and could not be used.

Q. What about bulges?

A. As long as the FRE or FRB can close “within the normal folds,” bulges are not a problem. “Flat” refers to the price, not to the shape.

Q. What if the FRE is too thick?

A. There is currently no maximum thickness for a FRE. “Flat” refers to the price, not to the shape.

Q. What if the FRE is stuffed so full that it’s shaped like a cylinder?

A. As long as the FRE can close within its normal folds, and as long as the sides of the FRE haven’t been reconstructed, for example by being slit and having a gusset inserted, it is fine. “Flat” refers to the price, not to the shape.

stephenmorgan · ‎08-24-2022

@kensgiftshop wrote:
@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.

I have done this often with Priority Boxes (non flat rate). I believe it is call Frankenstein Box.

pinkryder123 · ‎08-24-2022

😂

katzrul15 · ‎08-24-2022

@stephenmorgan wrote:
@kensgiftshop wrote:
@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.
I have done this often with Priority Boxes (non flat rate). I believe it is call Frankenstein Box.

I have sent many a Frankie thru the mail with USPS. Typically, when I do a Frankie, I have fashioned my box from more than 1 box. Thus, the "frankenstein" reference of multi-parts. 😁

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