Are packages over 10 oz or 1/2 inch thick not allowed in blue collection bins?

[jcmn28]

I thought I understood that if postage was purchased online and the package fit in the blue bin opening that it was allowed to place in the blue bin. A USPS person told me that packages were not allowed in the blue bin unless they were under 10 oz and under 1/2 inch thick.

This link is not very clear to me: https://faq.usps.com/s/article/What-Can-and-Cannot-be-Deposited-in-a-Collection-Box

But does it mean that packages are not allow due to "transportation security"?

This seems like the important sentence describing what is allowed: "Domestic mail (including Priority Mail Express®) weighing 10 oz. or less and measuring 1/2-inch in thickness or less (including items with online postage)"

But is not clear if that means the limitation includes items with online postage or all mail items with online postage are allowed. Looking at the not allowed column, only talks about "stamped mail".

[nobody*s_perfect]

Post Office staff can be unreliable sources of information regarding online postage, since it's not in their daily work profile.

eBay shipping labels are a type of "PC postage" and thus are allowed regardless of dimensions, if they fit into the mailbox slot. The dimensional restriction applies only to stamped mail.  When these rules were first put in place, the parameters were different (weight limit at first was 16 ounces, then 13 ounces, etc.) but the logic remains the same: PC postage can easily be traced back to the sender if there is any mischief.

 IIRC some local Post Offices set other restrictions based on the capacity of their mailboxes.

[jcmn28]

Thanks. That is helpful. The USPS employ told me that I had placed an inappropriate item in the blue box because it was over 1/2" thick. She didn't say what would happen to the package, but implied it might be confiscated. Sounds like I should be safe. 😉 

[bdmh-enterprises]

Good to know. All the boxes in my area (at least the ones I've used) have had their door rigged to barely open enough to get a letter in and the slot type boxes had a plate affixed so you can only get a 1/4" thick small envelope in. I used to be able to get 4x6 boxes in those things lol.

[jcmn28]

Many changing in my area as well, but not most yet. However, I have been advised by USPS employees to avoid using blue bins when possible; they are not fully secure. Would be great if the local post office installed some kind of after hours drop that fed directly into the building. Work schedules can make it difficult to visit a post office during open hours. 

[1786davycrockett]

@jcmn28 

"Would be great if the local post office installed some kind of after hours drop that fed directly into the building. Work schedules can make it difficult to visit a post office during open hours."

Many USPS outlets already offer self-service kiosks with secure bin mailing right inside the lobby area.  These self-serve lobbies are open 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Maybe do a little shopping around to see if any of the post offices near you provide this service. 

[jcmn28]

There are two in my area, but they are a long distance away. There are none in my city (San Francisco). I'd rather not have to drive 20 minutes each way (makes shipping a large time commitment) to ship when there is a post office walking distance. There are no USPS office in my city with an after hour lobby or with Sunday hours. 

Perhaps time to change my default to UPS or Fedex for more convenient access. But there is USPS a short walk away, it just doesn't have convenient hours. 

Update the local UPS store is also closed on Sundays, but they are open to 6:30 in the evenings which is something. 

[jcmn28]

I am old enough to remember when USPS locations used to have open after hours lobbies and could drop mail securely. 

[wpt05]

@jcmn28 

Schedule a Pickup | USPS

[jcmn28]

I liked those self-service kiosks and was sad when they were all removed in my city. 

[richard1rst]

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@1786davycrockett wrote:

@jcmn28 

"Would be great if the local post office installed some kind of after hours drop that fed directly into the building. Work schedules can make it difficult to visit a post office during open hours."

Many USPS outlets already offer self-service kiosks with secure bin mailing right inside the lobby area.  These self-serve lobbies are open 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Maybe do a little shopping around to see if any of the post offices near you provide this service. 

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ALSO

There are various private business that have mail drop counters. A 7-11 type convenience store not to far from me has an actual postal counter and will accept and scan mail 24/7. The also have the necessary scales and equipment to price and sell postage. The clerks are actually fairly well trained. Ask your local post office.

They can give you a list. REAL handy for after hours mailing. Additionally UPS locations also accept USPS mail. They won't scan it but at least you know it is in safe hands. At my UPS the USPS comes by during the day and picks up the mail and scans it then.

[worldcoinauctions]

In my experience if you drop a small flat rate box in there with stamps, it will be returned to you and you will be told to take it and hand it over the counter. If you print postage online and affix a label it will go through just fine.

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@worldcoinauctions wrote:

In my experience if you drop a small flat rate box in there with stamps, it will be returned to you and you will be told to take it and hand it over the counter. If you print postage online and affix a label it will go through just fine.

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That's consistent with the USPS policy shown above, since the box is over 1/2 inch thick.