Ever Wonder Why USPS is Going Broke?

This.

100℅

Crybabies gotta cry when they can't fuck someone over.

That postmaster was way nicer than I would have been. Kudos to that person for not calling you what you are.
You must be new here, read the above posts as to where the box fit all the rules set forth by the USPS.

Hooked on phonics works.....

Doc
 
I don't see the point for discussion here.

USPS provides the boxes and make the rules. Tape is irrelevant. I don't care who the handler is, shit takes a beating from point A to point B. If USPS doesn't like the weight in the box, change the rules.

There is no "spirit" of the service, no more than there is a "spirit" to a red light. Red means stop, not just "we'd like you to stop".

If they didn't like the heavy box, tough shit. USPS made the rules, public follows those rules. Ship on.
 
I don't see the point for discussion here.

USPS provides the boxes and make the rules. Tape is irrelevant. I don't care who the handler is, shit takes a beating from point A to point B. If USPS doesn't like the weight in the box, change the rules.

The rules says you need to tape your box FLAT on all sides (no bulges) with 2in clear packing tape.
If you want to pack cannon balls or bowlin balls or 70 lbs of lead bullets, you need to crate it so the box stays flat.

If you give them a double-stuffex box of donuts covered in tape they can (and do) reject it quite often. Same with using/re-using boxes that look trashed.

The title of this thread is rediculous. The PO doesn't want self-destructing packages, and they don't want your claim for destroyed boxes. And they don't have to take your box if it doesn't follow the rule.s

(been there many times)
 
BTW...


Tape may be applied to the flaps and seams to reinforce the container, provided the design of the container is not enlarged by opening the sides and the container is not reconstructed in any way.

Putting tons of tape ALL OVER (not "flaps and seams" to reinforce the box) is considered "reconstructing" the box. On the other hand, putting a crate INSIDE the box to protect contents is OK.

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. ...

edit: omit needless words
 
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The rules says you need to tape your box FLAT on all sides (no bulges) with 2in clear packing tape.
If you want to pack cannon balls or bowlin balls or 70 lbs of lead bullets, you need to crate it so the box stays flat.

If you give them a double-stuffex box of donuts covered in tape they can (and do) reject it quite often. Same with using/re-using boxes that look trashed.

The title of this thread is rediculous. The PO doesn't want self-destructing packages, and they don't want your claim for destroyed boxes. And they don't have to take your box if it doesn't follow the rule.s

(been there many times)
I think you are missing the point that the box was not distorted due to the content. The contents are in square boxes designed to fit the interior of a flat rate box. The boxes are still the exact same shape. The tape was to help prevent damage from the gorillas who sort the mail, not to keep the contents from destroying the boxes. The rules also say that bulges are not a problem. My pint is that the postal employees were willing to send the boxes back to the shipper, in effect shipping the boxes twice, instead of delivering them. There is no efficiency in sending the packages back.
 
Interesting. Oregon Trail shipped me 2100 cast lead .451 SWC bullets via FRB, once a month, when I lived in Texas. They place 700 bullets in a heavy cardboard box, then take three of their boxes and place them in a FRB. Funny that each box of 700 bullets weighs around 23 pounds, so they do get below the 70 pound limit. They tape the boxes, and I would go down and pick them up at the local usps center, after my mail gal leaves me a note that they have arrived. Gal weighs 100 pounds max, she doesn’t need to be power-lifting my 5 boxes of 70 pound bullets. Nobody complained, and nobody mentioned the tape. It was easiest to offer my service prior to getting the mail gal hurt. She wouldn’t have complained, since she shoots steel challenge, but it didn’t hurt me to go get them 10 minutes from the house. Of course, Texas likes guns, unless you are named Beto, or Bitter, or maybe just Bitch:p
 
So, I place an order of bullets from my preferred supplier who ships in flat rate USPS boxes. The business has figured out the most economical way of shipping and is able to put 69 pounds of bullets in each box. They then tape the outside of the box to reinforce it sine we all know USPS is not gentle when they handle packages. After they refuse to deliver them to my house (a whole other story), my wife runs by to grab the boxes. They inform her that she needs to pay an additional $37 per box due to insufficient postage. Apparently, the USPS flat rate boxes are not allowed to have tape all over them because it goes against the “spirit” of flat rate shipping per my later conversation with the Postmaster. I asked if the box dimensions had been changed to which he answered no. I asked if it was overweight to which he answered no. Then why won’t you honor the flat rate box? It has tape on it. This bullet company has packed the boxes the same for the last 5 years and I have never had a problem. So, what do these assholes do? They notify his post office that the boxes are in violation and now they will not accept any reinforced boxes from him. That is what we have come to in this country. Now we know why they are going broke. They have spent hours today to try and avoid honoring their rates, and are willing to send the packages back instead of just delivering them.
Well they are a bureaucracy. But the real reason is that they and AMTRAK are the two "services" that prepay their pensions. Congress allowed them to estimate how much that future pensions over I believe its 50 years would be and they have to put all monies towards that. So in theory a boy of say 9 that will go to work forcthe USPSwhen he is 30 and works 20 year his pension is being collected now. Same AMTRAK.
Also. Very few post office buildings are owned by the USPS. They rent them for a lot more monies than owning them would cost. It's a cash cow for unscrupulous real eastate owners. Probably government bureaucrats.
 
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I should rename this post to “entitled generation strikes again.”
You mean the clearly stated in writing where the Post Office can determine if flat rate is being misused and can require “postage due” for shipping?

You’re right, you should do your homework.
This.

100℅

Crybabies gotta cry when they can't fuck someone over.

That postmaster was way nicer than I would have been. Kudos to that person for not calling you what you are.

USPS literally gives you a box and says fill it with up to 70# and we will ship it for a flat rate no matter the weight. The rules and limits are already set. THEY set the rules. You bring them a package 70# or under they have zero right to complain. They set the rules. It’s not a we say 70# but really we only mean 39# or whatever other arbitrary number you come up with.

That’s like opening up a rifle range to a mile but getting pissed off when people shoot past 800 because it “doesn’t go with the spirit of the range”

Sorry guys you are wrong here.
 
I think you are missing the point that the box was not distorted due to the content. The contents are in square boxes designed to fit the interior of a flat rate box. The boxes are still the exact same shape. The tape was to help prevent damage from the gorillas who sort the mail, not to keep the contents from destroying the boxes. The rules also say that bulges are not a problem. My pint is that the postal employees were willing to send the boxes back to the shipper, in effect shipping the boxes twice, instead of delivering them. There is no efficiency in sending the packages back.

You're wrong abou the rules...those rules have been in place since 2016.

Totally understand you're frustration.

I sent a 45 pound casting a couple weeks ago for $14 in FRB ....but it was internaly reincforece with 1/4 ply, then put into the box. No problems with the PO shipping it out.

ANYTHING that isn't square and stable and shock absorbent like reams of paper/books is at risk to wreck the box. This is why you are not allowed to "recontstruct the box" with tape...its an admission you are trying to do something you shouldn't be doing.

Its no that hard... the key is to understand the workaround ... before you get screwed

again, I'm sorry this happened and I know it sucks
please try to take this as contructive advice
on how to fix your problem in the future ;)
 
You're wrong abou the rules...those rules have been in place since 2016.

Totally understand you're frustration.

I sent a 45 pound casting a couple weeks ago for $14 in FRB ....but it was internaly reincforece with 1/4 ply, then put into the box. No problems with the PO shipping it out.

ANYTHING that isn't square and stable and shock absorbent like reams of paper/books is at risk to wreck the box. This is why you are not allowed to "recontstruct the box" with tape...its an admission you are trying to do something you shouldn't be doing.

Its no that hard... the key is to understand the workaround ... before you get screwed

again, I'm sorry this happened and I know it sucks
please try to take this as contructive advice
on how to fix your problem in the future ;)
You have reading comprehension issues apparently. The box was not reconstructed. The contents inside the box are square and not moving around. Square boxes within a box with padding. You also seem to be missing the fact that I am not the shipper. The 2016 memo you refer to also says the box can have bulges. It additionally say that boxes can be reinforced on the corners, but should not be encased. The tape is an admission that rough handling destroys boxes.
 
No, you have never read the rules.

Boxes are free and you can internally reinforce but not not EXTERNALLY ("reconstructimg the box") as that is against the rules.

Don't shoot the messenger...😔
Here is a cut and paste from the 2016 memo. Maybe this will help you to read the rules.

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.

Q. What about bulges?

A. As long as the FRE or FRB can close “within the normal folds,” bulges are not a problem. “Flat” refers to the price, not to the shape.
 
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DMM Notice: Proper Use of Flat Rate Containers


Buddy, the USPS has a memo that details step by step you are wrong.

Enough...
Which is exactly what I said. Also, you keep using the term “reconstruct” in this case. The memo specifically says that reconstruction is slitting the box to insert a gusset and then taping it. Please refer back to the memo, or ask your boss to show it to you at work tomorrow.
 
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Here is another thing you thick headed people don't get.

Post office A excepted the box the price of postage was paid as agreed upon.

Post office B decides to renege on a contract for personal reasons.

And some of you simpletons think that is ok or a good buisiness practice.

They did not initially send it back to the other post office they tried to extort money as a punishment from the intended recipient.

Stinks of mail fraud, extortion, breach of contract and probably a federal crime or two more.
 
Please refer back to the memo, or ask your boss to show it to you at work tomorrow.

LMAO. don't wrap the outside like its King Tut and you'll be better off than arguing about it.

Unfortunately they have discretion on what to enforce when it comes to reconstructing/"encasing" etc.

I've been screwed by the PO plenty and just passing on ways to get by within the current system.
 
I'm guessing some of you are still missing the real point, so here it is again.

Liberal shits trying to screw us over.

Change the title to what you like. Do they say 70 pounds max? As it turns out it’s an anti gun postmaster. This came out after the shipper pushed the issue today. Sounds like you could use a little lesson in maximizing your dollars since this would change the shipping cost from $15.05 to $52.05. This postmaster has now been overruled and the packages will be delivered tomorrow.

Duh
 
The underlying issue here is the very real possibility that USPS personnel who have to handle these near 70 lb. boxes could suffer serious physical injury while doing so. I don't know about everybody else, but where I live the average age of the carriers as well as the staff at the local Post Office is probably somewhere between 45 to 55 years old, and none of them appear to be what I would call "fit". I can fully understand the local Post Master wanting to protect his staff, however, penalizing the recipient with extra delivery charges is absolutely the wrong way of going about it.

The Post Master in this situation needs to contact his superiors and let them know of the potential hazard the high weight limit causes his staff, and urge a lower weight limit be enacted the next time package specs and rates come up for review, and in the meantime insist that they provide the procedures and equipment needed for personnel to safely handle such heavy boxes. From what I've read about Postal operations, the Post Master may face severe push-back for bringing up this sort of issue, but hey, that's why he pays for union protection.

The ridiculously high weight limit the USPS advertises is at the root of the problem - but it isn't cheating if you pack the box up to that weight. The advertised weight limit constitutes part of an implied contract offered to postal patrons; if the USPS doesn't want to handle packages that conform to their own weight limit or attempts to charge a higher rate than advertised, they are violating the terms of that contract. This is not the fault of the shipper or the recipient; it's ALL on the USPS.

Again, the USPS created this problem and THEY need to solve it.
 
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If contents were labled fishing lures thier would not have been a problem .

I ship suppressor for service as noise attenuation device.

Sounds all warm and fuzzy.
 
Is the flat rate box MIL or MOA?

Someone here could say the sky is blue, and at least 20 people here would explain how youre full of shit and dont know what the fuck youre talking about. At some point you would be challenged to a meet at their address. Someone would explain how blue it is all day long, if they do their part.

If the rules say its ok, then why would it not be? If the rules are being bent....modify the rules!
 
There is lots of "gaming" going on but the P.O. is complicit. How many of us have gotten a small flat rate box inside a flat rate envelope? Yes that is reinforcing the envelope internally, PO covers the cost of most of the packing materials, and someone save a few sheckles. Or.... "Wow! I really wanna ship this 1 pound parcel first class instead of Priority to save a few bucks." (Thanks eBay) USPS says nope! Okie Dokie... Off I go to Paypal's shipping program (a real thing), type, type, type. Done!
 
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Guess that is why yesterday I got a bag that had a open die set a decapping pin and set of quick change die holders that should have been sent in a box instead of clanging around.

Same weight close to the same dimension / volume but because of postal stupidity cheaper that way.

Mismanaged business.

Wtf
 
Is the flat rate box MIL or MOA?

Someone here could say the sky is blue, and at least 20 people here would explain how youre full of shit and dont know what the fuck youre talking about. At some point you would be challenged to a meet at their address. Someone would explain how blue it is all day long, if they do their part.

If the rules say its ok, then why would it not be? If the rules are being bent....modify the rules!

Damn. You got a lot on your mind.
 
No, you have never read the rules.

Boxes are free and you can internally reinforce but not not EXTERNALLY ("reconstructimg the box") as that is against the rules.

Don't shoot the messenger...😔
Taping the edges and seams is not reconstructing the box. You put 70#s in a box, which is completely within the rules, with one piece of tape on the seems and tell me how far it makes it. Won’t even make it out of your truck before the box busts open. It should be assumed that their is larger quantity of tape necessary to hold the amount of weight in the box to the max allowed amount.

I have shipped a lot of heavy ass boxes with usps. They are not anti-tape. They want that box secured as well as possible so 5000 bullets don’t scatter across their floor. Hell my local usps said I could use duct tape on the box as long as it was covered over with a smooth packing tape so it didn’t get caught in the conveyors.

Taping it shut is not reconstructing the box. What they don’t want is a box stuffed beyond its limits and having just tape bridging open gaps to make the container larger.

You are still wrong.

I can’t believe anyone is even arguing this. This might be one of the stupidest things I’ve ever seen argued in here. Especially from people that should know better.

Postal service worker was even found to be in the wrong.
 
The OP got screwed because it was not his fault. He has no real control over the vendor's packaing decisions. The vendor messed up, not the OP. The OP problem is he is vulnerable to the "theft" of his box because a third party made a mistake. The PO is holding his box hostage because it has hundred of Value vs the $15 or 25 lost in postage.

OP should go to the Vendor and say the package never arrived, refund my money. The Vendor can file a claim with USPS for package not delivered. USPS will then return the box. If USPS says the box is lost, vendor files insurance claim. If the vendor isn't insured, again that is a vendor problem.

Unfortunately, the vendor will then have to change how he packages the FRB box.Bithcin and arguing fine print with professional beuracratic/time wasters like the PO/USPS is a sign of stupidity. Just learn to bend/flex and work the system withought pissing people off by being know-it-all (almosts)...and you will be OK the next time.

Most legitimate busineses will eat a screw up like this and treat it as cost of doing business...It sucks...but wasting time is more expenseive. The OP is "entiteled" to get his box of stuff that he paid for.

The only thing he's not really entitled to do is blame the PO for pointing out the vendor was not using proper packaging for theiir post 2016 or whatever standards. That's a different thing than picking a fight with the OP or calling him "entitled" cry baby or whatever some people were saying.

There are multiple things being discussed--who was wrong and how to fix it--are really 2 different questions/answers etc.
 
No, you have never read the rules.

Boxes are free and you can internally reinforce but not not EXTERNALLY ("reconstructimg the box") as that is against the rules.

Don't shoot the messenger...😔
You are such an apologist that you make me sick. You’re incorrect. Clear tape never was and never will be “reconstructing the box”. Where’d you learn reading comprehension? In a communist/totalitarian country?
 
You must be new here, read the above posts as to where the box fit all the rules set forth by the USPS.

Hooked on phonics works.....

Doc

That's pretty cute that you think your clever or funny or whatever you think you are.

He was milking/playing/cheating the system plain and simple by taping the box that way he did.

Either way you want to defend that shit is your decision.
I know plenty of people who like to take everything they can, manipulate the system for their benefit, and stretch things any way possible for their benefit, this isn't that unusual.

And when the flat rate option is changed in the future, I'll wager that greedy crybabies like you all will be posting about why everyone sucks and your still so smart.

Btw read post 70. Or not, I don't really care tbh. You're obviously the smartest kid in the room.

I know the regs there stud, I also know when somebody plays the regs out over a few fucking dollars.

Do you believe that box would have made it whole without the tape? Yes or no

Of course it wouldn't. Common sense applies in life, stupid people are why more rules are created.

Common sense isn't common.
Ethics are even more rare.
 
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Weather we agree or disagree about the condition of the shipper it’s using USPS for heavy items which is the problem.

Just for fun id like to know how many postal employees are out on disability (being paid with our tax dollars) because of heavy packages. Example above of 100 pound girl carrying 50 pound boxes....only a matter of time.

We aren’t gaming the post office, they are gaming the system for budget increases.

Budget committee:

“Mr. senator just look at all the injuries to postal employees because of heavy shippers”

“Then charge extra fees and route them using a different more robust delivery protocol or process”

“Mr. senator if we do that, we will not compete with the non gov run companies who are more efficient and profit driven”

“I see mr post office...I’ll vote to increase your budget”


Same as the post office not making mandatory mailbox location on or near the curb.

How many postal workers have legitimate slip or fall injuries being paid by our tax dollars because they have to get out of their truck and walk like it’s 1890.

A politicians job first and foremost is to keep his job to feed his family, the public’s needs and wants come second.
 
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That's pretty cute that you think your clever or funny or whatever you think you are.

He was milking/playing/cheating the system plain and simple by taping the box that way he did.

Either way you want to defend that shit is your decision.
I know plenty of people who like to take everything they can, manipulate the system for their benefit, and stretch things any way possible for their benefit, this isn't that unusual.

And when the flat rate option is changed in the future, I'll wager that greedy crybabies like you all will be posting about why everyone sucks and your still so smart.

I know the regs there stud, I also know when somebody plays the regs out over a few fucking dollars.

Do you believe that box would have made it whole without the tape? Yes or no

Of course it wouldn't. Common sense applies in life, stupid people are why more rules are created.

Common sense isn't common.
Ethics is even more rare.
Let’s see now. The USPS Flat Rate boxes are a single wall construction box, probably industry rated for 10-20 lbs Max. They want the business of shipping your stuff instead of using their competition, so they advertise that you can ship up to 70 lbs. in their box and they’ll ship it.

Have you ever seen a box that size constructed so that it will properly hold 70 lbs.? It will be at least of double walled construction with at least a double bottom and top. So, tell me again about who is gaming who in the equation?

If your answer is that it’s the IPs shipper and not the PO, then I know what kind of game that you run.
 
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ITs funny when people who haven't read the thread, to see this power tripping post master was over ruled. Keep commenting that the O.P is wrong. Glad you got it sorted O.P. Going over his head would have been my plan too. Although now that you know he was abusing power, and customers. I would be looking for others who have received abuse.
 
If the USPS would stop using these as package sorters, the packages wouldn't need to be taped up so much.

grid-660-series-wood-chipper-jp.jpg
 
We train everyone in our warehouses to do the same thing with their boxes and we’re nowhere near the weight limit. Ours probably weigh 8-10lbs on average for the flat rate boxes. They re very hard on packages though and overload the gurnies and blow boxes out all the time. We’ve never had an issue though, sounds like your postmaster is a cocksucker.

Fuck it though, just don’t reinforce it with tape and let them pay out insurance claims left and right when the boxes burst and lose their contents. They won’t be able to say a damn thing then.
 
70lbs or under? Check!

Is the box still a square or rectangle? Check!

Did the USPS employee deny acceptance because of the tape? NO.
Check!

Did the USPS accept the shippers money? Check!

Sounds to me like everything fits within the rules (Spirit in this case).

It really boils down to the local anti postmaster being an ass instead of doing what he is clearly overpaid to do.

As far as workers dealing with heavy packages...
It's a Gov't job. I can't even begin to fathom that Uncle wouldn't protect himself with mandatory training in proper lifting techniques and even machinery safety.
 
Problem is, training doesn’t eliminate the expense of injury due to heavier packages.

it only reduces the false claim success rate in litigation.

My company spans several buildings and we move pharma materials all day. Think bags of cement, but they have vitamins inside.

If I was allowed by law I would post what the cameras catch...and I still loose the workman’s comp case.
 
We had 100lb UPS lady for years. She was probably the best driver UPS or any other company ever had. I felt bad sometimes the shit she would have to drop. She delivered some packages from 4 wheel parts, that i had to drag into the garage. She would see would see you parked at the store and pull in and deliver your package.

Stay flexible, stretch everyday, lift properly, if its heavy get help, don't hurt your back. I know, no one who is young will listen. When that not listening comes to a head, it might change your life drastically.
 
So, you mean someone is obviously gaming the system by shoving more shit into a box than they should.......and you’re mad USPS isn’t allowing it?

Let’s cut the shit. The real reason there’s a ton of tape on it, is because they showed 70lbs of shit in there that would others be busting out the cardboard.

It probably follows but I havent gone through this entire thread....

"Nah bro"

I order Precision Delta bullets and they package to perfectly fit a large flat rate box.

Those boxes are under the 70 pound limit......barely.

Weight is the only factor.

If the shit fits in the box without

A. Changing the dimension of the box and it closes as designed

B. Exceeding the weight limit

Tape should have no bearing, How does the USPS change the contract with the customer after the fact?

Dont have a 70 pound limit otherwise.

Boxes have a weight rating on them, Ill have to check what the rating is on the flat rate boxes, nah I wont, I dont care enough.

I just dont want Precision Delta changing the price on my bullets because USPS is being douchy.

Usually when I use flat rate USPS makes out because whatever is inside could be sent in a smaller box but for the convenience I use their stuff and include lots of padding.

but.....

When I get a bullet order Im certain they are taking a loss on that one weight wise. Shipping that heavy for less than $25 is a great deal.

If they make money its on volume and the underweight packages. If they dont make money they have priced the Flat Rate wrong.
 
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