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The standards in this chapter apply to mailpieces of any class that are processed individually at a bulk mail center (BMC) in the bulk mail system. For alternatives to these standards, mailers should follow the procedures for testing packaging in 1-5.
For packaging purposes only, a book is defined as a printed item with 24 pages or more, fastened together along one edge between hardback covers, paperback covers, or self-covers. All catalogs and similar printed material that meet this definition may be packaged as books.
A fiberboard box of the right size and grade is generally the best type of container for mailing books. If a book is lighter than 1 pound and thinner than 1 inch, it may be mailed in a letter-style envelope. If the book is heavier than 1 pound or thicker than 1 inch, the envelope must be a stronger type, as defined in 2-5.
A mailing of books or catalogs can become damaged principally for the following reasons:
• The outer container collapses or falls apart because the closure, reinforcement, or size and strength of the container are insufficient.
• The contents shift within the mailing container in transit because bracing or internal packaging is inadequate.
To prevent shifting of the contents or damage to the contents and mailing container, empty spaces in a container holding books must be filled with cushioning material.
A mailing of books weighing up to 5 pounds must be packed in a close-fitting paperboard or fiberboard box, padded or reinforced bag (with an exterior ply of at least 60-pound basis weight), or paper wraps (corrugated or of at least 60-pound basis weight). The mailing container should be at least 1/4 inch thick. For a paperboard mailing container, the books inside should support the container and should fit snugly enough to restrict any lateral shift to no more than 1/2 inch.
For a mailing of paperback books weighing up to 3 pounds, shrinkwrap may be used as the only packaging method. Shrinkwrap should have a coefficient of friction (ability to slide on a smooth, hard surface) between 0.025 and 0.040 on metal surfaces at 20- to 25-degree elevations. Shrinkwrap is not acceptable as the only packaging method for hardback books thicker than 1 inch or heavier than 1 pound.
The mailing container must be closed with multiple friction closures (the insertion of more than one flap or tab), staples or steel stitching (completely clinched to avoid injuries in handling), heat sealing, adhesive, tape, or nonmetallic banding. Shrinkwrap may be used on the exterior of an otherwise properly closed container.
A mailing of books weighing from 5 to 10 pounds must be packed in at least a 175-pound test fiberboard box (or equivalent). It is a good idea to use a buffer above and below the books to protect them in case the box is opened with a sharp instrument.
The mailing container must be closed with adhesive, reinforced tape, or firmly applied nonmetallic banding. For nonmetallic banding to be acceptable, the bands must be tight enough to depress the edges of the container, as illustrated in 4-3. Reinforced tape or nonmetallic banding is adequate both to close and to reinforce the container.
A mailing of books weighing from 10 to 25 pounds must be packed in at least a 200-pound test fiberboard box (or equivalent).
The mailing container must be closed with adhesive, reinforced paper tape, reinforced plastic tape, pressure-sensitive filament tape, or firmly applied nonmetallic banding. For nonmetallic banding to be acceptable, the bands must be tight enough to depress the edges of the container.
The container should be banded or reinforced in the direction providing the most support. For this purpose, reinforced paper tape, reinforced plastic tape, pressure-sensitive filament tape, or firmly applied nonmetallic banding should be used. Reinforced tape or nonmetallic banding is adequate both to close and to reinforce the container.
A mailing of books weighing from 25 to 50 pounds must be packed as follows: for hardback books, in at least a 275-pound test fiberboard box (or equivalent); for paperback books, in at least a 200-pound test fiberboard box (or equivalent).
The mailing container must be closed with adhesive, reinforced paper tape, reinforced plastic tape, pressure-sensitive filament tape, or firmly applied nonmetallic banding. For nonmetallic banding to be acceptable, the bands must be tight enough to depress the edges of the container.
The container should be banded or reinforced at two points to provide the most support. For this purpose, reinforced paper tape, reinforced plastic tape, pressure-sensitive filament tape, or firmly applied nonmetallic banding should be used.
A mailing of books weighing from 50 to 70 pounds must be packed as follows: for hardback books, in at least a 350-pound test fiberboard box (or equivalent); for paperback books, in at least a 275-pound test fiberboard box (or equivalent).
The mailing container must be closed with adhesive, reinforced paper tape, reinforced plastic tape, pressure-sensitive filament tape, or firmly applied nonmetallic banding. For nonmetallic banding to be acceptable, the bands must be tight enough to depress the edges of the container.
The container should be banded or reinforced at two points to provide the most support. For this purpose, reinforced paper tape, reinforced plastic tape, pressure-sensitive filament tape, or firmly applied nonmetallic banding should be used.
High-density items are solid objects whose weight is comparatively high for their volume. Examples include tools, hardware, machine and auto parts, and other metal or heavy items (but not books).
A mailing of high-density items weighing between 15 and 35 pounds is usually machinable on Postal Service mail processing equipment if the contents exert no more than 60 pounds of pressure per square foot (0.4167 pound per square inch) on the smallest side of the container.
A container packed with high-density items often becomes damaged for two reasons:
• The blocking, bracing, or cushioning inside the container is inadequate to prevent shifting of the items.
• The container, the closure, or the reinforcement outside the container is insufficient to withstand normal mail processing.
A mailing of high-density items weighing up to 20 pounds must be packed in at least a 200-pound test fiberboard box or an equivalent wood, metal, or plastic container. A hard nonfiberboard container should be prepared so that its coefficient of friction is similar to that of a domestic-class fiberboard box of the same size and weight.
Internal blocking and bracing must be used as required (methods include interior containers, cut forms, partitions, dunnage, and liners). The mailing container must maintain its integrity without damage to its contents if dropped once from a height of 3 feet on its smallest side onto a solid surface.
The mailing container must be securely closed with staples, heat sealing, adhesive, or tape. A container without inner packing or a container with loose material should be reinforced with reinforced paper or plastic tape, pressure-sensitive filament tape, or firmly applied nonmetallic banding.
A mailing of high-density items weighing from 20 to 45 pounds must be packed in at least a 200-pound test fiberboard box or an equivalent wood, metal, or plastic container. A hard nonfiberboard container must be prepared so that its coefficient of friction is similar to that of a domestic-class fiberboard box of the same size and weight.
Internal blocking and bracing must be used as required (methods include interior containers, cut forms, partitions, dunnage, and liners). The mailing container must maintain its integrity without damage to its contents if dropped once from a height of 3 feet on its smallest side onto a solid surface.
The mailing container must be securely closed with staples, heat sealing, adhesive, or tape. A container without inner packing or a container with loose material should be reinforced with pressure-sensitive filament tape or firmly applied nonmetallic banding.
A mailing of high-density items weighing from 45 to 70 pounds must be packed in at least a 275-pound test fiberboard box or an equivalent wood, metal, or plastic container. A hard nonfiberboard container must be prepared so that its coefficient of friction is similar to that of a domestic-class fiberboard box of the same size and weight.
Internal blocking and bracing must be used as required (methods include interior containers, cut forms, partitions, dunnage, and liners). The mailing container must maintain its integrity without damage to its contents if dropped once from a height of 3 feet on its smallest side onto a solid surface.
The mailing container must be securely closed with staples, heat sealing, adhesive, or tape. A container without inner packing or a container with loose material should be reinforced with pressure-sensitive filament tape or tight nonmetallic banding.
Soft goods include textile items like clothing; sheets, blankets, pillows, and pillow cases; draperies; and cloth and fabric. Containers for these items can be badly damaged if they are inadequately closed or cannot withstand puncture, friction, or compression during normal handling.
A mailing of soft goods weighing up to 5 pounds should be packed in a cloth bag, a paper bag, paper wraps (with an exterior ply of at least 50-pound basis weight), a plastic bag (at least 2-mil-thick polyethylene or equivalent), or a paperboard or fiberboard box. If a box is used, it must be filled to capacity.
If a paper bag, plastic bag, or paper wraps are used, the container should be vented so it will not burst if compressed quickly.
A bag should be closed with heat sealing, adhesive, sewing, tape, or completely clinched staples. Improperly clinched staples must be removed to prevent injury to Postal Service employees or damage to other mail or mail processing equipment.
A box should be closed with staples, adhesive, heat sealing, nonmetallic banding, or tape. Paper or plastic tape should be applied along all box flaps and closure seams. Although shrinkwrap is not acceptable as the only means of packaging, it may be used on the exterior of an otherwise properly closed box. When a box weighs less than 5 pounds (or its density is less than 4 pounds per cubic foot), it should be reinforced in at least two of the longest directions.
A mailing of soft goods weighing from 5 to 10 pounds should be packed in a cloth bag, a paper bag, a filament-reinforced paper bag, a fiberboard box, paper wraps (with an exterior ply of at least 70-pound basis weight), or a plastic bag (at least 4-mil-thick polyethylene or equivalent).
A bag should be closed with heat sealing, adhesive, sewing, tape, or completely clinched staples. Improperly clinched staples must be removed to prevent injury to Postal Service employees or damage to other mail or mail processing equipment.
A box should be closed with
staples, adhesive, heat sealing,
nonmetallic banding, or tape.
Paper or plastic tape should be
applied along all box flaps and closure
seams. Although shrink-wrap is not
acceptable as the only means of packaging,
it may be used on the exterior of an otherwise
properly closed box. Reinforced tape is adequate
both to close and reinforce the container.
A mailing of soft goods weighing from 10 to 20 pounds should be packed in a paper bag, paper wraps (with an exterior ply of at least 70-pound basis weight), a reinforced paper or cloth bag, or a 175-pound test fiberboard (or stronger) box.
The mailing container should be closed with staples, adhesive, reinforced paper tape, or equally strong plastic tape. The container should be optimally reinforced with pressure-sensitive filament tape or tight nonmetallic banding. Reinforced tape is adequate both to close and reinforce the container.
A mailing of soft goods weighing from 20 to 45 pounds should be packed in a paper bag, paper wraps (with an exterior ply of at least 70-pound basis weight), a reinforced paper or cloth bag, or a 200-pound test fiberboard (or stronger) box.
The mailing container should be closed with staples, adhesive, reinforced paper tape, or equally strong plastic tape. The container should be reinforced with reinforced paper or plastic tape, pressure-sensitive filament tape, or tight nonmetallic banding.
A mailing of soft goods weighing from 45 to 70 pounds should be packed in a paper bag, paper wraps (with an exterior ply of at least 70-pound basis weight), a reinforced paper or cloth bag, or a 275-pound test fiberboard (or stronger) box.
The mailing container should be closed with staples, adhesive, reinforced paper tape, or equally strong plastic tape. The container should be reinforced with reinforced paper or plastic tape, pressure-sensitive filament tape, or tight nonmetallic banding.
Sound recordings, for the purpose of packaging only, are plastic, nonbreakable disc-type records (normally 33-1/3, 45, or 78 RPM) or compact disks normally used with home and auto sound-reproducing equipment. For magnetic tapes and cassette tapes, see 6-6.
A mailing of sound recordings (in paper sleeves, paperboard, or chipboard shells) weighing up to 10 pounds must be packed in at least one other shell (paperboard, chipboard, or plastic) in an outer corrugated fiberboard container.
The outer mailing container must be securely closed with adhesive, kraft paper tape, equivalent plastic tape, or staples.
A mailing of sound recordings (in paper sleeves, paperboard, or chipboard shells) weighing from 10 to 20 pounds must be packed in at least one other shell (paperboard, chipboard, or plastic) in an outer corrugated fiberboard container.
The outer mailing container must be securely closed with adhesive, kraft paper tape, equivalent plastic tape, or staples. It should then be reinforced in at least one direction with reinforced paper tape, reinforced plastic tape, pressure-sensitive filament tape, or firmly applied nonmetallic banding. Reinforced tape is adequate both to close and reinforce the outer container.
A mailing of sound recordings (in paper sleeves, paperboard, or chipboard shells) weighing from 20 to 40 pounds must be packed in at least one other shell (paperboard, chipboard, or plastic) in at least a 175-pound test fiberboard outer box (or equivalent).
The outer mailing container must be securely closed with adhesive, kraft paper tape, equivalent plastic tape, or staples. It should also be reinforced at two points with pressure-sensitive filament tape or firmly applied nonmetallic banding. Reinforced tape is adequate both to close and reinforce the outer container.
A mailing of sound recordings (in paper sleeves, paperboard, or chipboard shells) weighing from 40 to 65 pounds must be packed in at least one other shell (paperboard, chipboard, or plastic) in at least a 200-pound test fiberboard outer box (or equivalent). A mailing weighing from 65 to 70 pounds must be packed in multiple shells in at least a 275-pound test fiberboard box (or equivalent).
The outer mailing container must be securely closed with adhesive, kraft paper tape, equivalent plastic tape, or staples. In addition, the outer container must be reinforced at about 8-inch intervals on all sides around the container. Reinforced tape is adequate both to close and reinforce the outer container.
Magnetic tapes, cassette tapes, and cartridges present special problems when their mailing containers (especially for small quantities) or reinforcement (for large quantities) are inadequate.
For a single tape, the tape must be packed in a plastic film wrap of at least 0.75 mil, in a cushioned bag, or in a cushioned paper bag of at least 60-pound basis weight. Multiple tapes up to 5 pounds must be packed in an outer container of fiberboard or chipboard at least 22 mils thick.
The outer mailing container must be securely closed with tape, heat sealing, adhesive, completely clinched staples, or a multiple friction closure (two or more flaps or tabs). Paper tape must be of at least 60-pound basis weight kraft. Shrinkwrap may be used on the outside of an otherwise properly closed box. Reinforced tape is adequate both to close and reinforce the outer container.
A mailing of tapes weighing from 5 to 10 pounds must be packed in an outer container of fiberboard or chipboard at least 22 mils thick. Tapes should be packed in multiple shells for additional protection.
The outer mailing container must be securely closed with tape, adhesive, or completely clinched staples. Paper tape must be of at least 60-pound basis weight kraft. An otherwise properly closed box may be shrinkwrapped. Reinforced tape is adequate both to close and reinforce the outer container. Tapes should be packed in multiple shells for additional protection.
A mailing of tapes weighing from 10 to 20 pounds must be packed in an outer container of fiberboard or chipboard at least 22 mils thick.
The outer mailing container must be securely closed with tape, adhesive, or completely clinched staples. Paper tape must be of at least 60-pound basis weight kraft. The container should be reinforced in a direction that provides the most support with reinforced paper or plastic tape, pressure-sensitive filament tape, or tight nonmetallic banding. Reinforced tape is adequate both to close and reinforce the box. An otherwise properly closed box may be shrinkwrapped.
A mailing of tapes weighing from 20 to 40 pounds must be packed in at least a 175-pound test fiberboard box (or equivalent). Tapes should be packed in multiple shells for additional protection.
The outer mailing container must be securely closed with tape, adhesive, or completely clinched staples. Paper tape must be of at least 60-pound basis weight kraft. The container must be reinforced at two points with reinforced paper or plastic tape, pressure-sensitive filament tape, or tight nonmetallic banding. An otherwise properly closed box may be shrinkwrapped.
A mailing of tapes weighing from 40 to 65 pounds must be packed in at least a 200-pound test fiberboard box (or equivalent). A mailing weighing from 65 to 70 pounds must be packed in at least a 275-pound test fiberboard box (or equivalent). Multiple shells should be used for greater protection.
The outer mailing container must be securely closed with tape, adhesive, or completely clinched staples. Paper tape must be of at least 60-pound basis weight kraft. An otherwise properly closed box may be shrinkwrapped. The container must be reinforced at two points with reinforced paper or plastic tape, pressure-sensitive filament tape, or tight nonmetallic banding.