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Post by Bluesky78987 on Mar 14, 2019 15:07:21 GMT -5
Hi All.
As Dave knows from experience, I stink at packing flat rate boxes of rocks.
Flying to TX next week for 6 days of hounding, so I'll have to mail back a few boxes.
Any tips for packing them so that the boxes stay together? The rocks will mostly be little biscuits, no slabs, so I'm not too worried about damaging the actual rocks. Back when I was ordering rocks online, it seemed like Medium boxes stayed together better than Large, and more tape is better than less tape, but I'm sure there are other strategies. Double boxing? Any specific type of tape?
Any packing supplies I should pick up at Home Depot or Walmart in El Paso? Planning to stop at the Home Depot, Walmart and Post Office in El Paso on the way out to Alpine, to get the supplies, but mailing the boxes from the Alpine post office at the end.
Thanks!
Susan
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Dr DG
fully equipped rock polisher
Gone Fishing
Member since April 2005
Posts: 1,848
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Post by Dr DG on Mar 14, 2019 15:39:52 GMT -5
put rocks in sand bags
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Post by Peruano on Mar 14, 2019 16:14:48 GMT -5
I line the boxes with the tough foil bags that coffee comes in and the rock arrive with good aromas. Ditto the net potatoes are sold in can reinforce and hold things together even when a box ruptures. The fiber packing tape is far stronger than Wallyworlds' faux scotch tape. Sometimes the best insurance is not to pack it so full or heavy. A little stuffing can help take some of the shock that comes from a forced landing when the handlers decide to play frisbee. Even a thrift store pillow case inside that flat rate box will provide the necessary security. The PO does have limits on weights now so moderation may be the name of the game. Good luck and practice diligence.
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gemfeller
Cave Dweller 
Member since June 2011
Posts: 4,041 
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Post by gemfeller on Mar 14, 2019 17:20:07 GMT -5
The only suggestion I have is to mail a box to me. I don't care how banged-up the box is as long as the rocks arrive!
I think you've gotten some good advice on packing. Maybe the most important one is to avoid packing the box too full. You can use lots of crumpled newspaper for padding but a bag or other method of preventing the rocks from banging against the box is a great idea.
Good luck on your hunt. I hope you find enough goodies to keep he P.O. busy.
Rick
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Post by aDave on Mar 14, 2019 17:44:03 GMT -5
Hi All. As Dave knows from experience, I stink at packing flat rate boxes of rocks. Flying to TX next week for 6 days of hounding, so I'll have to mail back a few boxes. Any tips for packing them so that the boxes stay together? The rocks will mostly be little biscuits, no slabs, so I'm not too worried about damaging the actual rocks. Back when I was ordering rocks online, it seemed like Medium boxes stayed together better than Large, and more tape is better than less tape, but I'm sure there are other strategies. Double boxing? Any specific type of tape? Any packing supplies I should pick up at Home Depot or Walmart in El Paso? Planning to stop at the Home Depot, Walmart and Post Office in El Paso on the way out to Alpine, to get the supplies, but mailing the boxes from the Alpine post office at the end. Thanks! Susan Susan, upon the advice of NRG, I've been double-boxing MFRBs. I also have come to use fiberglass (I think that's what it is) meshed packing tape to reinforce the around the outside, but I do my seams with "Heavy Duty" clear packing tape. I've sent a few boxes this way, and I've lucked out - no issues with the box for the recipient. Some have even claimed they were in the best condition when compared to some other boxes they had received in the past. Since you're leaving in a week, I'll see if I can do a quick photo tutorial and post it here. The secret is to actually seal up the topside of the outer box first, flip it over, and fill and work from the bottom side. Apparently the postal service wants the top of the box flat and properly sealed, or it may not accept the package. I do like the idea of a sandbag inside the box as well, but I've never done it - only have received material sent that way. |
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Mar 14, 2019 18:00:55 GMT -5
Some good advice above. Lining the box is an added layer of protection in case a seam on the box rips. Fiber-reinforced chicken/animal/dog/cat/bird feed sacks are good for lining, and usually can be got for free at feed and pet stores. I also agree that for heavy items, fiber-reinforced tape around length and width is definitely a good idea.
If you can get some Regional Rate A and B boxes from usps.com on time, and will be able to print postage online, those may be much cheaper postage $ than Medium/Large Flat Rates if you are within 1000 miles or so.
Also helps to wrap up rocks tight, so nothing moves around. If the rocks cannot bang against each other, and the sides of the box, chances are that it will arrive safely.
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QuailRiver
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,640
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Post by QuailRiver on Mar 14, 2019 19:09:32 GMT -5
I use the fiber reinforced tape for large heavy cartons containing equipment. But for large and medium flat rate boxes of rocks I use the HD Clear Duck brand tape. Great stuff! Thicker than many clear tapes and has good adhesion. For some reason a link to the page at Staples won't work so here's the other info on it: Duck HD Clear, Acrylic Packing Tape, 1.88" x 54.6 yds., Clear, 6/Pack (441962) Item #: 614602 | Model #: 441962/7295 And I always wrap heavy medium and large flat rate boxes of rocks all the way around on all three axis. For other applications I like the Tartan tape. Not quite as heavy duty as the HD Clear Duck but fairly strong and very good adhesion. www.lowes.com/pd/Tartan-6-Pack-1-88-in-x-327-ft-Clear-Packing-Tape/4741321 |
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Post by rockjunquie on Mar 14, 2019 19:58:00 GMT -5
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Post by Bluesky78987 on Mar 14, 2019 21:45:15 GMT -5
Wow, thanks everybody! So many good ideas!
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Post by pauls on Mar 14, 2019 22:33:46 GMT -5
A couple of times I have shipped large quantities of rocks in steel frying oil tins, the ones that you can bend the tabs back down again. Ship them by carrier rather than Post office. Pack the rocks with grass or newspaper or whatever you can find where you are.
On the shipping label call them mineral samples not gemstones, shifty fingers wont be as interested in mineral samples.
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Post by vegasjames on Mar 15, 2019 2:36:04 GMT -5
I line my boxes with rip resistant plastic bags such as those for water softener salt, plastic mailers, etc.
If you have a rock with sharp points tape some this cardboard over the points or wrap the stone first in a plastic bag then put in the lined box.
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Post by grumpybill on Mar 16, 2019 6:07:02 GMT -5
My advice: If you don't cut at least one "hand hole" near the upper edge of the box, the postal workers will punch one in.
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mjflinty
spending too much on rocks
Member since September 2011
Posts: 358
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Post by mjflinty on Mar 16, 2019 6:48:22 GMT -5
I'm a double boxer and pack boxes of rocks tight, no movement. Good ideas with the mesh bags and such though.
Michael
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lparker
fully equipped rock polisher
Still doing too much for being retired!
Member since March 2008
Posts: 1,202
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Post by lparker on Mar 16, 2019 7:04:08 GMT -5
I use shrink wrap/static cling along with packing tape. Haven't had any loss that I'm aware of.
Lee #1
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Fossilman
Cave Dweller
Member since January 2009
Posts: 20,717
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Post by Fossilman on Mar 16, 2019 9:47:17 GMT -5
Make sure the boxes are a tight pack and no movement inside the box at all!! NONE! Tape the hell out of it also, especially the seams! If you double box it, make sure you can't see the inside box (Double boxing) when wrapping, Post Office (Ours won't) except it!
My son worked at the mail loading docks and has seen what these boxes go through on those conveyor belts!! It's not pleasant!
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RWA3006
Cave Dweller
Member since March 2009
Posts: 4,595
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Post by RWA3006 on Mar 16, 2019 13:37:38 GMT -5
I've had better luck with MFRB size than LFRB. I pack the MFRB with as much rock as I can get into it which is usually 27 pounds if it's agate or jasper. Then I triple tape the seams and corners of the box with a high grade tape, next I wrap the sides with about three layers of good duct tape which prevents blow outs when the box is thrown down. I also give a few wraps around the other two axis of the box being careful to not obscure important writing. Finally I put a layer of clear tape over the sender and receiver addresses to protect the writing from being smeared off. I do not put much padding inside, but rather armor the outside with tape to prevent blowouts, plus I can send a little more rock that way. ymmv
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Post by Bluesky78987 on Mar 17, 2019 19:51:29 GMT -5
Thanks guys. Getting excited now!
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Post by aDave on Mar 17, 2019 20:41:31 GMT -5
Crap. I didn't do the tutorial for double boxing. Completely forgot about it. I'll try to make a point of getting to the PO tomorrow so I can pick up boxes and walk you through what I do.
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Post by aDave on Mar 18, 2019 21:49:24 GMT -5
We had a law enforcement issue at our home today which really threw a wrench into today's plans. I'll do the double-boxing thing tomorrow.
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lookatthat
Cave Dweller
Whatever there is to be found.
Member since May 2017
Posts: 1,360 
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Post by lookatthat on Mar 19, 2019 14:08:28 GMT -5
I don't like newspaper in shipping as it's flimsy, packs down, and slides around.
If you have some particularly delicate pieces, wrapping them in tin foil work and packing them inside another container (like plastic dishes for left-overs -- or the ones margarine, cottage cheese, etc comes in -- and then putting that in the box) works well.
When I shipped fossils home from California a few years ago, I filled in any left over spaces with dirty laundry. Helped pad the box and BONUS I didn't have to lug a bunch of dirty clothes around the airports.
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