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Post by FrogAndBearCreations on Mar 2, 2011 13:43:14 GMT -5
I want to offer a little tip for those MFR boxes that one fills with rocks.
Cut some reinforcing cardboard squares for the bottom, sides, and top from regular cardboard to put inside before filling with rocks that will prevent the bulging and tearing from the weight of the rocks.
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Post by deb193redux on Mar 2, 2011 14:05:30 GMT -5
I think if the postmaster excepted the box from the beginning , it`s on them . the bulge issue is on them. the self-destruct and foul up the system issue is still potentially on the shipper.
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Post by deb193redux on Mar 2, 2011 14:08:40 GMT -5
I have never had any of my FRB get turned away for taping them! I use both wide 3M and fibered strapping tape on my boxes, never had anyone tell me I could not tape them like that. I use the 3M on the flaps around the box twice and the strapping tape across that on the two ends in the other direction. Just ask anyone that has received a box from me how it looks! I tape generously too. I try to use clear/translucent (e.g., fibreglass reinforced) tape. Once all I had was duct tape. Fortunately no problem. BUT I never cover the words FLAT RATE, or have any tape over the bar code on the printed shipping label I make.
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Jason
starting to spend too much on rocks
Member since March 2009
Posts: 216
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Post by Jason on Mar 2, 2011 14:37:47 GMT -5
and we wonder why the USPS lost 8.5 billion last year. If it was a private company they would be bending over backwards to help and accomadate you so you would bring your business back to them. I get so pissed at out Post office when the line is out the door and they only have 2 people helping. Then one of them leaves to go take lunch without one care about helping the folks still standaing in line. I see it all the timne. Government workers for the most part only do "just enough" to get by. They don't care about going above and beyond to help a customer. Their job is secure why should they care. Irritates me to no end. If it was a private company the service would be much better. The boss/manager wouldnt allow someone to leave for lunch or what have you without first helping the customers that have been waiting. Everything in govt. has to be done "by the book". You see how well that os working.
Sorry for your problems. Not really sure why anyone would use scotch tape..LOL. The clear packaging tape is at every walmart in the country and works perfectly fine. If being nice and courteous doesn't work then maybe it's time for you to get a little disgusted with them and make sure they know it. Hopefully it works out for you. I shipped many a flat-rates with bulges and nary an issue every came up. I think the tape thing was the major issue here. Good luck, Paul!
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pebblepup
has rocks in the head
Succor Creek Thunder Egg
Member since July 2008
Posts: 515
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Post by pebblepup on Mar 2, 2011 15:30:42 GMT -5
"The container flaps must be able to close within the normal folds"
I have broke this rule many times with the flat rate envelope. I can get more in the envelope that a small FRB and I tape the heck out it. Guess I have been lucky so far. I am nervous about this as I just sent out a batch of envelopes yesterday.
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Post by rockmanken on Mar 2, 2011 16:39:52 GMT -5
Paul, I talk to my postmaster today and she said that they CANNOT charge you to repack it if it WAS shipped in a flat rate box....NO MATTER WHAT. Also, if it was in a FRB, Fed EX or UPS doesn't ship it at all. Has to go on a USPS truck. If it was shipped Fed EX or UPS, the PO delivers for them into the boonies. Make sure it was in a FRB when it was shipped from the shipper. It is guaranteed to get to you at no extra charge. Ken
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Post by rockmanken on Mar 2, 2011 16:43:00 GMT -5
Also, you can ask the PO clerk to tape the box and theY HAVE TO. They have tape that says priority on it just for FRB boxes and envelopes. You can put all the tape on it you want.
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Post by rockrookie on Mar 2, 2011 20:30:18 GMT -5
the PO manager . was no help . i called consumer affairs . she said that she would talk to them tomorrow . we'll see. --paul
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jcinpc
has rocks in the head
Member since April 2009
Posts: 722
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Post by jcinpc on Mar 2, 2011 21:28:34 GMT -5
was the shipper from Canada? they will only let you put up to 18lbs I belive if it goes out of the country. Like Josan I ship those out every week, average around 200 a year for the past few years. I have never had then denied,
I use string tape and tape all corners , the only time they refused my box was a shipment to Canada becuase it was 27lbs and not the 18, so I opened it right there and took out rocks while on the scale.
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Post by kap on Mar 2, 2011 21:55:54 GMT -5
I always cover my boxes with clear tape and never had any problems. I have received boxes that was torn up and had to be put in their totes and have not been charged any thing. I just leave the empty tote at the mail box and they pick it back up.( I also give my mail lady a gift card every Christmas) Keith
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NDK
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 9,440
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Post by NDK on Mar 3, 2011 21:25:13 GMT -5
Well Paul, how did it turn out? Hopefully in your favor.
Nate
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Post by rockrookie on Mar 4, 2011 16:44:57 GMT -5
end result -------------------- I GOT IT !!!! with NO CHARGE !!!! I WON !!!! thanks for all of your advice . it was a pain and a learning experience . they would like then double boxed . the box was still in original box . but caried in postal plastic box . it was in rough shaped . but , i have received worse !!! i called consumer affairs . through a reference from post master . after i said that i wanted to file a complaint . PM was friendly as she could be , so was i . she just did not have the authority to work with me .
i did ask , what happens then ! she said , that the sender will be charged $54.80 for origanal shipping to pick it up . i said , well what if it is refused . would she get in trouble ? she said no , but it will then be sent to dead letter department .
AND , no one will get them !!!!
i just laughed !!!! and said if it costs 54.80 one way and 54.80 back thats 109.60 . i'll pay 20.00 . you hand it to me 3 foot away . and i save the PO a lot of $$ and time . any how !! that broke the ice and we were both laughing & friendlier .
after i talked to consumer affairs . the box was deliver ed me by my normal carrier .
she even said . i'm glad that you won !!! she wanted to bring it last week . but was not allowed . she said , i wanted to see what the look like when i'm done polishing them. she is going to get a necklace . and a good Christmas gift . --paul
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meta99
has rocks in the head
Ohio Flint Ridge flint
Member since October 2010
Posts: 540
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Post by meta99 on Mar 4, 2011 16:52:31 GMT -5
Paul:
I am so happy you got your box! And delivered for free (as it should be)! But this thread is a good object lesson for us all on how to pack tightly so nothing shifts in the mail.
If anyone gets a box form me that is almost falling apart, let me know so I know to pack it tighter next time. (and I like the idea of taking a picture before you send it)
Sue
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Post by tanyafrench on Mar 4, 2011 18:37:03 GMT -5
Paul, this has been a learning experience for all of us. We use the Post Office daily but having never had a problem, I will now know what to do in the future. Especially if there is a problem.
Tanya
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Post by tntmom on Mar 4, 2011 18:47:58 GMT -5
YAAAYYY Paul!!!! How exciting and what a relief! I think your post lady is going to drop her jaw when she gets your little present ~ super cool thing of you to do!
~Krystee
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Post by rockmanken on Mar 4, 2011 20:16:43 GMT -5
I send and receive packages all the time. The very best packer is catmandewe. He tapes the slabs to cardbord the size of the box and stacks them on top of each other. There will be more cardboard than slabs. Great way to pack. I personally use bubble wrap for odd shapes and make sure it is tight and not move aobut.
Paul, I asked again today to make sure....you can put all the tape on a box you want as long as they have room for the postage and if you buy it online you can cover it with clear tape as long as the barcode will scan. Some clerks overstep their bounds. Maybe they haven't been to the bathroom and it is backing up, or something. Glad you got your box. WTG Ken
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Post by Roller on Mar 5, 2011 0:10:28 GMT -5
yeaah she deserves it ... good job!
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Post by beefjello on Mar 5, 2011 13:55:49 GMT -5
Right on, glad to hear it Paul! ;D
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Post by drjo on Mar 5, 2011 21:17:18 GMT -5
Glad you can move forward now!
I had to send several large samples to Lapidary Journal and Colored Stone few years ago and used the insulation foam in a can. I wrapped the rocks in plastic wrap and foamed them in place in the boxes... a little drastic? No, the rocks were 8# and 10# samples of Andesite with large Honduran Opal in them.
Dr Joe
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Post by NatureNut on Mar 5, 2011 22:23:02 GMT -5
Yeah, Paul, Congrats!!!
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