Altering or Modifying USPS Priority Mail Boxes

[dherbert53]

I have often combined or telescoped two Priority mail boxes so that a large item will fit and placed the correct postage label on the box,  Yesterday, for the first time, a buyer's item was returned from a postal facility with this sticker:  

While I suspect that this is Barney Fife working at a post office in New Jersey,  I hesitate telescoping boxes again. One would think that USPS would be thankful for all the business they could muster...instead, they are being petty and unreasonable.  Has anyone had a similar experience and what did you do about it?  Thanks, Deano in Cincy

[penguins_dont_fly · Accepted solution]

@dherbert53 

Get yourself some 1095 and 1097 boxes if you need to frankenbox for that size that often.

https://store.usps.com/store/product/shipping-supplies/priority-mail-box---1095-P_O_1095

https://store.usps.com/store/product/shipping-supplies/priority-mail-box---1097-P_O_1097

Those can be modified. 

[warbuyer99]

And some 1092's also, just in case.

[fern*wood]

Looks like Barney Fife in NJ was spot on.

[dherbert53]

You may be correct, I did not realize it was a Flat Rate box...but in the larger picture,  should it really matter which box a shipper uses...they've made plenty of money off of my business during the last several years.  D

[warbuyer99]

They have no idea how much money you have spent and it really doesn't matter at all. There isn't any wheeling and dealing for misuse of postal supplies.

[penguins_dont_fly]

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@dherbert53 wrote:

You may be correct, I did not realize it was a Flat Rate box...but in the larger picture,  should it really matter which box a shipper uses...they've made plenty of money off of my business during the last several years.  D

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Then why did you cover over the "Large Flat Rate Box" with stickers??

Yes … it matters.  The boxes are barcoded.  The APV (Automated Package Verification) system scans the barcode and the label (it also weighs and measures) to see if the postage paid matches the postage due.

Flat Rate Boxes are for Flat Rate shipments and are required to use Flat Rate postage.

USPS does carry non-Flat Rate boxes that are also free.You can order them online at USPS.com

[warbuyer99]

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@dherbert53 wrote:

You may be correct, I did not realize it was a Flat Rate box...but in the larger picture,  should it really matter which box a shipper uses...they've made plenty of money off of my business during the last several years.  D

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You placed priority mail stickers over the markings on the box. They must have landed in the perfect spot on accident.

[no_zero369]

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@dherbert53 wrote:

You may be correct, I did not realize it was a Flat Rate box...but in the larger picture,  should it really matter which box a shipper uses...they've made plenty of money off of my business during the last several years.  D

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I feel you pain when discovering a mess up!  Been there done that!

But I guess we have to have rules or else the scammers will take advantage or chaos will ensue?  (or at least that was what i was told as a rebellious teen!) 

But if you made the USPS some money I hope that means you made some nice profits too!

[flyingdollar]

I use flat rate boxes and envelopes all the time to ship my orders. 
I was told just today at a post office that I can't alter the flat rate envelope to ship a yard of fabric in it. I didn't alter it. I just taped the seams. It is just thicker than a piece of paper shipped in it would be. They are apparently cracking down.  May be time to consider other carriers. 
 

[nobody*s_perfect]

Many many years ago USPS had strict rules about using tape on flat-rate envelopes.  We became experts at putting a strip of tape INSIDE the envelope flap to help keep it shut!

But those rules are long gone, even though your local PO hasn't been informed.  Here's an official USPS memo about acceptable (and unacceptable) limits for the flat rate  boxes and envelopes. It's worth reading through the whole thing, because some parts are funny.  But here are the most relevant bits:

Q. Is tape allowed?

A. Yes, tape is allowed on the seams and flaps of an FRE or FRB. Tape is allowed to reinforce the flaps of an FRE within its normal folds and of course to properly close a FRB.

Q. How much tape is acceptable?

A. Tape is permissible as reinforcement on the seams and flaps of a FRE or FRB to make sure the container does not break open during processing and transit. However, tape should not “encase” the FRE or FRB. Note that if a customer is using a printed Click-N-Ship® label or PC Postage Vendor label, extra tape is allowed to properly attach it to the envelope or box.

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

[a_c_green]

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@flyingdollar wrote:

I use flat rate boxes and envelopes all the time to ship my orders. 
I was told just today at a post office that I can't alter the flat rate envelope to ship a yard of fabric in it. I didn't alter it. I just taped the seams. It is just thicker than a piece of paper shipped in it would be. They are apparently cracking down.  May be time to consider other carriers. 

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I doubt you would find significant savings with other carriers for that mailing. 

How much did it weigh? I would have considered folding it up and putting it in a plain padded envelope. If the weight was below 15.999 ounces, I could then ship it as First Class Package for just a few bucks. Even if just over that, a standard Priority mailing might still cost less than a Flat Rate Envelope. Flat Rate Packaging can be a ripoff for items traveling short distances and/or not weighing more than a couple of pounds or so.

[flyingdollar]

No, it weighed over a pound because it was  flannel fabric. 
I live in Arizona. I always tape it shut because the heat will open it. 
I just got another order for 3 yards and I checked. It would cost more any way you package it with USPS in a tyvek or whatever.
I will change my ads but it takes time to do it one by one. 
Thx for the input.  

[flyingdollar]

I tape all boxes or envelopes. I live in Arizona. Postal trucks are not air conditioned. Packages will come open if you rely only on the sticky flats on flat rate packaging. I have never had a complaint about that.  

[southern*sweet*tea]

@flyingdollar 

Get some padded Flat Rate envelopes. They're great - you can stuff a lot of stuff in one of those!

https://store.usps.com/store/product/shipping-supplies/priority-mail-padded-flat-rate-envelope-P_EP1...

[flyingdollar]

Yes, I agree but it is the weight that is the problem. Also they really said that I was misusing it. I'm working out another method. THX!