Does fedex allow masking tape?

[tommy50607]

I mailed a package at fedex and they made a big fuss that I used yellow masking tape, saying only clear tape could be used, before accepting the package finally. Is this for real or not?

[chipper01work]

Don't know but it sounds reasonable. On a side note I was at a friends house in the fall and he was packaging a $2800 item for shipping via FedEx and was using duct tape. He bought postage and insurance at the FedEx counter at the main local hub and they never said a word about the tape.

[nowthatsjustducky]

Duct tape does tend to hold a lot better than masking tape.

[lost-lizard-trading-company]

FedEx packing guidelines warn against masking tape:

http://images.fedex.com/us/services/pdf/packaging/GrlPkgGuidelines_fxcom.pdf

Masking tape is easily torn and removed.  I don't know why anyone would use it for shipping.

[7606dennis]

I'm not sure about clear tape being the only tape acceptable to FedEx, but frankly, I doubt that masking tape would be a wise choice for shipping.

[tommy50607]

Masking tape is stronger.

[7606dennis]

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@tommy50607 wrote:

Masking tape is stronger.

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Is stronger than what?  Clear shipping tape?

[nawlinsron2]

Masking tape is fine if you're shipping marshmallow eggs and use the whole roll....
Beyond that, Duck brand HD clear tape is under $3 at Wally World.

[mg152]

Masking tape is much weaker than shipping tape.

[campesinoplastic2014]

Masking tape is water soluble and very weak. Duct tape is not. They don't want someone's package coming apart and being blamed. Masking tape is for painting, not holding things together.

[couldabeenworse]

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@tommy50607 wrote:

Masking tape is stronger.

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Masking tape is designed to be easily torn  and easily removed - both of which are the opposite of what you'd want for shipping tape.

[muttlymob]

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@tommy50607 wrote:

Masking tape is stronger.

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I hope you aren't thinking of clear tape as office-type scotch tape?  If so, that is equally unsuitable for taping packages to be mailed.  You need a wide packaging tape with good strength and adhesion.  It doesn't have to be clear there are some brown tapes (and other colors) that can be used.

Just not masking tape or scotch tape.

Especially if you plan to mail something worth $300+ dollars.

[thallidguy]

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@nawlinsron2 wrote:
Masking tape is fine if you're shipping marshmallow eggs and use the whole roll....
Beyond that, Duck brand HD clear tape is under $3 at Wally World.

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Can't go wrong with Duck. Pretty much the best balance between price and quality that I've found yet.

[berserkerplanet]

FedEx prohibits duct and masking tape:

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Shipping-Returns/Duck-Tape-Not-allowed-for-UPS-amp-Fed-Ex/m-p/27242943...

[7606dennis]

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@berserkerplanet wrote:
FedEx prohibits duct and masking tape:

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Shipping-Returns/Duck-Tape-Not-allowed-for-UPS-amp-Fed-Ex/m-p/27242943...

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I believe the type of Duct Tape that is not allowed is the plastic coated fabric type designed for sealing and joining heating & cooling ducts.  This is different than the clear shipping tape manufactured by the same company.