mrlatenite
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posted on January 20, 2001 01:29:54 PM new
Okay, with the raise in Priority rates, horrible delivery times (10 day "priority" ) and the very low quality of the new "free" priority boxes, I am amazed they're taking it a step further.
I went to the post office today to ship a few packages. One of which was a recycled brown box to go via Parcel Post (since I'm going to stop using Priority since it's no faster and just more expensive).
I noticed a huge colored sign when I walked in warning about "reusing brown shipping boxes". I didn't think much of it. I got to the counter.
They wouldn't let me ship the container because I had not PAINTED OUT ALL ORIGINAL MARKINGS on the box, since I only attempted to x-out with magic marker the other areas.
According to the new sign and regulations, any reuse of an existing brown box must have ALL the original labeling from the manufactuer or original shipper TOTALLY painted out with solid black squares. It is NOT acceptable to squigle through anything to hide addresses (to avoid mis-delivery) or UPC/other barcodes (to avoid mis-scanning). You must also completely cover any other writing on the box!
They claim that this is one reason why packages are taking a lot longer to deliver. (Yeah right whatever). That old marking of food, hazardous materials, plants, virtually anything has caused packages to be haulted to be inspected.
As of yet, none of my "10-day+ Priority Mail" deliveries have ever been opened, and they put a heck of a lot of writing on their pre-printed boxes. Funny --- That isn't covered... (unless probably of course they won't let you reuse an already used priority box now... who knows)
My box in question was something like a bulk box of Betty Crocker Brownie Mix or something. I totally concealed the mfg's Address, and x-ed out and squiggled thru the bar codes on it. But that wasn't good enough.
Geeze... So now I have to use MORE resources and MORE time to attempt to reuse a box rather than buying a new one?
Whatever... USPS has lot a LOT of my respect and support in the last couple months, and this makes me reconsider "ALL UPS for parcels" as an option.
[ edited by mrlatenite on Jan 20, 2001 01:30 PM ]
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rarriffle
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posted on January 20, 2001 01:44:56 PM new
Easy fix here. We disassemble and turn inside out. No writing on the inside and everybodys happy.
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mrlatenite
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posted on January 20, 2001 01:48:41 PM new
How do you/What do you use to reglue the corner of the box? That has been my problem in the past when I tried. The box always was less sturdy than before.
Also, how do you handle the flaps not bending quite the same the other direction? I want to ensure there is as much security in the inverted box as regular.
But my point remains: How much time and materials (tape, glue vs marker/paint) does it take to just satisfy thier requirements. Sounds like they are in cahoots with the packaging places now too... Sure.. buy a 8x8x8 box for only $4. 
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borgt
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posted on January 20, 2001 01:56:13 PM new
I use "box-colored" spray paint to block out the markings. It's quick and easy (a bit smelly until it dries... about 10 minutes) If anyone decides to use paint, be sure to paint before you tape. The paint tends to make the tape peel.
Never had a problem.
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keziak
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posted on January 20, 2001 02:00:50 PM new
Haven't heard that yet, and most of my boxes can be frankly unkempt looking because I get them from the library and they have the publisher's address on them, etc.
I have been told a few times that what I need to be doing is using a grease pencil to black out the old markings. Supposedly the scanners read right through markers and pen. That might be part of it.
keziak
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corrdogg
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posted on January 20, 2001 02:03:57 PM new
mrlatenite:
An easy solution may be to just by a couple of cans of Spray Mark Over. It is about $4 for an 11 oz. can.
http://www.associatedbag.com/pricing.cfm?id=530-1-01T
This "rule" seems to have selective enforcement, but the best thing is to just avoid any excuse to cause you problems.
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trkirk
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posted on January 20, 2001 02:19:11 PM new
The rule is suppose to prevent the reuse of boxes the has hazardous products like bleach. Mainly it is the Federal Aviation Administration the caused the rules change. They don't like planes blowing up. Some post offices rather than have some clerk make a decision went with the 'No Marking' rule.
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gaab
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posted on January 20, 2001 03:07:25 PM new
I found it pretty simple to turn the boxes inside out. I started doing it because I liked the clean look.
I use a flexible putty knife to get under the glued flap. It takes some prying and careful back and forth movement so as not to tear into the cardboard from the side it is glued to.
Turn it inside out and seal with a hot melt glue gun. I found that it does not takes too much to seal it...maybe two lines worth.
The longest part of this whole process is waiting for the glue gun to heat up.
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heartsong
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posted on January 20, 2001 03:09:05 PM new
One day the postman delivered a package to my house when I wasn't home. It seems the box was marked all over in big formidable black letters "KEEP FROZEN". It was for some sort of frozen crab cakes. After some thought, he was afraid it might thaw and spoil before I returned home, so he left it at a relative's house a mile or so down the road. When I got home from town I had a message on my machine from my aunt telling me my parcel was safe in her freezer and I could pick it up at my convenience.
My parcel was an antique Steiff bear I had purchased on eBay. I'm grateful his glass eyes didn't crack from the temperature changes. I don't know if the non-working squeaker was due to age or frostbite. They froze my bear!!!
I'm still laughing just thinking about it.
Things aren't always what they seem  .
http://www.auctionusers.org
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lovepotions
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posted on January 20, 2001 03:24:40 PM new
I always felt cheesy and unprofessional to so obviously use a "used" Box. (I'm an anal person over such things i'll admit)
Any "used" box I use I wrap in brown paper.
Then it looks nice and clean and less hassle then turning it inside out, glueing, drying time etc etc.
I rarely use "used" boxes...only when it is an odd shaped object that doesnt fit in a priority box.
But with the rate hikes I might reconsider priority mail. This month since the hike I misquoted shipping on about 30% of my items and it cost me a near furtune. I'd quote somebody $3.50
then find out that the item is 1 lb 1 oz. @$3.95 and shoot myself in the foot or charge $3.95 and it ends up costing me $5.15 etc etc. FRUSTRATING!!
Add a little flavor to your love life with "Love Potions"
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abacaxi
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posted on January 20, 2001 07:32:21 PM new
I've run into this rule when I tried to ship something Priority ... it was a booze box and the markings would have caused it to be REJECTED by the airlines (they have LOTS of things they prohibit in the cargo holds).
Basic list of boxes you need to COVER the product name for:
Alcohol (any wine, liquor or beers)
Oils (cooking or motor)
Bleach, cleanser, etc.
Transmission, brake, etc. fluid for cars
Pressurized cans of ANYTHING
Acids and caustics.
Paint solvents and stripper
BUT, they let me cover over the old product name with brown packing tape. I covered the OLD bar codes with white labels to keep them from confusnig the bar code readers.
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gravid
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posted on January 20, 2001 08:11:03 PM new
I saw those new posters also. I covered my old box printing with free priority mail tape. No problem. I use the tan stencil ink on big boxes. Dries in about 30 seconds.
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Zazzie
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posted on January 20, 2001 09:55:20 PM new
Yesterday I mailed a box of books to Amazon--I ususally turn the box inside out ---but this time I got lazy. The lady at the desk told me about the new policy about labels on the box----which then got us both giggling cause the box I used was for "ALWAYS Pads with WINGS'
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libra63
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posted on January 20, 2001 10:58:00 PM new
Heartsong thanks for the chuckle. Is it alright to wrap the box in brown paper or is that against USPS rules. Anyone know?
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Crystalline_Sliver
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posted on January 20, 2001 11:32:36 PM new
The postal clerk told me today that any "external" stickers had to be blocked out with something when I came in the next time.
Of course, I was using some old boxes from Sony Music that had those "NEW RELEASE - STREET DATE 11/16/99" stickers, and other assorted dates, some from 2 years back.
Guess they don't wanna be reminded that their late...always...
:\\\"Crystalline Sliver cannot be the target of spells or abilities.
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BlondeSense
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posted on January 21, 2001 01:16:07 AM new
Libra63, I thought brown paper was a no-no too, but I can't find anything to verify it. The problem with wrapping with brown paper is if it should get torn off, there goes your shipping label.
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mapledr1216
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posted on January 21, 2001 06:08:25 AM new
Brown paper is OK with USPS. But I strongly suggest you address the box (and put an address inside the box) before you wrap in brown paper in case paper does get ripped off. The parcel sorting machines are not very forgiving.
Brown paper IS a no-no with UPS.
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rarriffle
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posted on January 21, 2001 06:57:20 AM new
We turn the box inside out and use tape to reseal all edges. Plenty of tape. Of course, we have a very low cost resource for tape. Duct tape works better than other types and PO says they have no problem with the use of duct tape, but I don't like the look. I prefer regular, super strength packing tape.
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