Post office rant (yea, another)

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M

Mikey

Member
Joined
Nov 3, 2005
Messages
1,293
Location
Cleveland, OH, USA.
It still amazes me how the workers at the post office still don't know the rules for sending out flat rate envelopes. The postal regs clearly state (at least they did last I looked) that anything that one could fit in the envelope is ok. The only condition is that the envelope seal by itself and that you do not cut the envelope to make it larger. They specifically say that tape is OK to re-inforce the package.

The lady gave me a hassle and didn't even want to take the packages and then when she did, she told me that they may come back postage due. Then, because the stuff was metered from a postage machine in a different zip code, she had the nerve to tell me that she would not take my packages any more. She claimed that because the metered mail was from a different zip code that her branch would not get credit for any of the funds used. I said "so, it makes no difference that I'm mailing this at a USPS branch?". This was all from the postmaster at the branch which IIRC means that she is the boss there.

Did something change overnight that I'm not aware of here?
 
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Your right about the Way you packaged it. But the way the metering works is that whatever the zip code is stamped from the meter is who gets the profit from that mailing, no matter where you drop it off.

Its the same way when you do the online postage, it ask you where your going to mail it from. If you drop it off at a different post office, the zip code you listed for the drop off location still gets the money.
 
so let me stir it up a bit here.... we have 1 post office in town. It is in the 'other' zip code. So your telling me that if I meter something in my zip code and take it to the 1 post office in town they won't get credit for it?? sounds like the government..
 
Mikey said:
It still amazes me how the workers at the post office still don't know the rules for sending out flat rate envelopes. The postal regs clearly state (at least they did last I looked) that anything that one could fit in the envelope is ok. The only condition is that the envelope seal by itself and that you do not cut the envelope to make it larger. They specifically say that tape is OK to re-inforce the package.....
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I don't know if your statements are all together true and factual.

The few times I have had discussions with my post office over what can be stuffed into an envelope, the tape was the topic of concern and the vague wording is what causes the gray areas of interpretation.

It seems that some take great liberties to tape up a package bulging at the seems where common sense would show that the original glue strip would by no means secure the package and tape was used to "help" the glue strip and not just as an added security measure.

My personal opinion is that if folks continue abusing the envelopes by cramming 40 pounds of stuff inside to save going to a flat rate box instead, the next ruling will be "flat goods only, maximum thickness one inch!", then we're all screwed!

Here is a clip from the usps website pertaining to priority mail. Although I didn't see anything about tape, the last paragraph is interesting and probably what postal workers have read and try to enforce.

If you read something else, could you post a link to the regulations you read so we can see the exact verbage?

From usps.com....

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Flat Rate Shipping
Simplify your shipping with flat-rate boxes and envelopes.

Options
Priority Mail Flat Rate Envelopes can be used for both domestic and international shipping. Envelopes are 12.5" X 9.5".

Flat Rate Boxes are available in multiple sizes and shapes.

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11" x 8.5" x 5.5" - Perfect for shipping a pair of shoes.
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13.625" x 11.875" x 3.375" - Ideal for shipping a shirt or pair of pants.
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12" x 12" x 5.5" - About 50 percent larger than the other two Flat Rate Boxes.
The Priority Mail Large Flat Rate Box ships for $2.00 less when sent to an overseas APO or FPO address. Price is based on qualifying ZIP Code.

A military-branded Priority Mail APO/FPO Flat Rate Box is available and can be ordered online.


Restrictions
Contents must reasonably fit within the Priority Mail packaging, and weigh less than 70 pounds.
 
Mikey said:
And last I checked, local branches weren't franchises.????
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Your looking at it from a profit perspective and that's not how government works. Government money is best thought of in "pots". Different pots for different things and different places. It's a service perspective related to the money. You live near Cleveland according to your profile. Therefore if you bought postage in Sandusky, but mailed from Cleveland, Sandusky would get the money for things like service, upkeep, vehicles, while Cleveland would be burdened with mailing the package and using all their equipment without getting paid for it. It keeps the money going to the right places for the level of service provided.

Just think like this. Cleveland's BMC handles roughly about 1.3 million pieces of mail a day I believe. Some place smaller may only handle about 30,000 pieces of mail a day. Should both places get equal funding?

However as far as I know they cannot refuse an Item because it was paid for in another district. They can refuse it because you may have tried to disguise it as an envelope when it should have been in a box. If it doesn't fit in the envelope using the glue strip provided it's overstuffed and your just going to cause problems from the start.

Just my 5 cents worth (inflation adjusted) from a son of a retired postal worker.
 
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Just to last..

Are flat rate items limited to documents or can any item be placed in flat rate envelopes?

Contents enclosed may consist of any mailable matter. A flat rate envelope does not have to remain physically flat to be eligible for flat rate postage. Any amount of mailable material enclosed within the flat rate envelope is afforded the flat rate regardless of the weight.

Can cellophane or masking tape be used to close or reinforce packages?

When mailing at the Priority Mail or Express Mail flat rate, the contents of the flat rate envelope must be confined within the envelope with the adhesive provided on the flap as the primary means of closure. The flap must be able to close and adhere to the envelope. Tape may be applied to reinforce the envelope provided the design of the envelope is not enlarged by any means.
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It specifically says that as long as the strip is the primary means of closure you may reinforce with tape. It also says any material enclosed is afforded flat rate.
 
My fiancee works as a carrier, and used to be a mail handler. I can tell you from what she has told me from when she was a mail handler, some of the flat rate deals get LOADED and split open on the sides. They still send em out since they dont go through a machine anyhow, but anything lost is lost. As far as not taking something because it was from a different area, what should that carrier care? She is union and getting paid regardless of where it comes from. Also, I can pretty much tell you that she gives you a hard time because she doesnt want to carry something bulky around with her to inconvenience her. They are timed on their routes and little things add up I guess. Also, just for reference, the USPS is not a government facility, they are a separate entitiy. They used to be, but they separated years ago. They set their own regulations, but still get gov't funding of course.
 
My local post office used to give me a problem if the flat rate envelope was taped at all. They even went so far as to tell me that I was using too much tape to hold on the label. I called the local postal inspector(B.I.L) and they are real nice to me now. When they give you a problem and your package is already labeled, drop it in the mailbox right in front of them and walk away.
By the way, the local post office by me is a contract unit so they are really confused.
 
Go to the USPS website and register and they will send you free priority mail boxes and envelopes. After you do this you can print your address label and pay your postage online. The mail person will pick it up. If it wont fit in the box you can get it picked up at your door for free. If you print your label online you get free delivery confirmation. The post office also has free priority mail tape.
 
ldb2000 said:
I'm not really sure what everyone is complaining about , it's still the cheapest way to ship things . Have you checked out UPS's prices lately?
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The complaint is that the lady at the post office didn't want to take the packages and when she relented she said I would probably get the stuff back for postage due.
 
Well unfortunately there are people like her everywhere , your best bet would be to complain to the regional postmaster . The next time you go to that branch bring a copy of the regulations for her to read .
 
I have stopped going to any of our 3 main branch post offices. I go to the branch at the local university. (1) never a line, (2) the lady there never refuses to take anything I send, (3) she knows the regs better than an other PO worker I've ever encountered, (4) Did I mention never a line, (5) I park close and walk in and never a line. I refuse to stand in line for 30 minutes because one window out of 3 is open and 4 workers are standing watching the one who is actually working. Did I mention never a line. I know that most of us don't have the luxury of several branches from which to choose but you may and not realize it.
Do a good turn daily !
Don
 
its_virgil said:
I have stopped going to any of our 3 main branch post offices. I go to the branch at the local university. (1) never a line, (2) the lady there never refuses to take anything I send, (3) she knows the regs better than an other PO worker I've ever encountered, (4) Did I mention never a line, (5) I park close and walk in and never a line. I refuse to stand in line for 30 minutes because one window out of 3 is open and 4 workers are standing watching the one who is actually working. Did I mention never a line. I know that most of us don't have the luxury of several branches from which to choose but you may and not realize it.
Do a good turn daily !
Don
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That sounds like a pretty good setup. Do they have long lines?:biggrin:
 
straight from their website http://postcalc.usps.gov/Popups/pop_up19.htm

When sealing a flat-rate box or flat-rate envelope, the container flaps must be able to close within the normal folds. 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.
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meaning it doesn't matter if the glue on the flap won't hold, as long as the flap closes to completely surround the object inside.
 
Maybe anyone having a problem with their postal worker ought to remember that they carry guns to work and often "go postal." :eek:

I would have a field day with any postal employee that misquoted their regulations and I knew they were wrong. Heck, print out the instructions using the link given by Mike above and go to the idiot, er, individual and read LOUDLY the regulations to them. Be sure to have an official copy of the directions and hand it to them for their personal education. :rolleyes:

If they do not want to take the package put the burden right back on them by using their FREE pickup service at home. Take a minute and setup the account online and let the local carrier do the work. That will also benefit you in that you have more time in the shop AND you no longer have to deal with the uneducated, fat-butted, loud mouthed idiots at the post office. Oh yea, order tons of delivery boxes, labels, and envelopes - IT IS ALL FREE!!! AND they will bring the supplies to your door for FREE!!!

No more standing in any lines either and that right there is a blessing all by itself. :wink:

Get even MAKE THEM WORK FOR THEIR MONEY! Just follow their regulations and use it to YOUR advantage. :smile-big:
 
I pack all my stuff in a 0-1096L video box. Shove that into a flat rate envelope. It does seal it self easily. You got to kind of fold it up like a Christmas present. But it works I order the boxes and supplies by the 100s. I have a huge mail box I can get about 20 of those packages in my mail box. The mail man loves it when I do that. I hate the P.O.

So I think that is the only way to go put your stuff in a video box they have 2 sizes a small and a large both work. That way your stuff is protected. I never had a complaint that my package got mangled. When you just shove a bunch of lose blanks in a flat rate envelope there going to tear it to pieces.

Just my opinion and what works for me.
Bruce
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Monty said:
Not around here or even on line. Where do you find yours :confused::confused::confused:
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Monty, I think this is one of those cases where you can't believe everything you read online. Perhaps they are thinking of those rolls of stickers :)

Some may also find it hard to believe that "home pickup" is not available everywhere either! If I want to mail a package, I can sit out by the road and hope to catch the mail carrier when they arrive or go to the post office.
 
Monty Ive had the tape for a while and I asked for it at the post office. It looks like the stickers but its a roll of thin tape. The number on it is 106-A.

Texatdurango, even in Alabama we know the difference between stickers and tape.

__________________________________________________

Ray Cody
Florence, AL
 
You used to get the tape on line a few years ago not anymore. The P.O. does still have it. But will not give it out maybe if you have a buddy in the P.O. you mite be able to get the tape. I still have 2 rolls from when I was able to get it on line for free. Now I get the labels and use them or cut them up only problem with the labels is they tare.
 
Last time I checked they had stopped giving the tape free. But everything else is still provided unless you want printable labels. I just print on regular printer paper. I also limit the Flat rate envelope to what will fit in a video box. it makes the package strong (never lost anything). I have never gotten any comments from the post office except advice on how to print postage online and a long time ago they showed me how to find the mailing supplies on line so i can order those as well. My local post office has known me for years. It is on the same campus that I work at and they are all very friendly and helpful. they often do not think I taped something well enough and add more of there own. I think the problem is more about the person you are dealing with than the regulations.
 
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