Corrugated Shipping Boxes
Using Corrugated Shipping Boxes
One of the best ways to mail large items is to use corrugated shipping boxes, they are available in a lot of sizes, can hold large and heavy items, and can be recycled when no longer needed. While the post office and shipping companies sell shipping boxes, they are not the only option. Any cardboard box can be used for shipping, but there are some important rules, regulations, and guidelines you should keep in mind when shipping anything in a box.
Markings - If you are using a box from a source other than the post office or shipping agent, make sure that all previous labels and markings are completely obliterated. You can do this by either tearing the labels off or coloring over them with a black magic marker. Tearing the labels off can weaken the box, making it more likely for the contents to get damaged.
Free Boxes - The post office offers free corrugated shipping boxes for use with their Express and Priority shipping services. You do not need to use one of these boxes to use the service, but they are free and do meet all the regulations for shipping packages. If you use your own box, you will need to use one of their mailing labels too address the box.
Sealing the Box - Once packed, the box must be sealed with 2-inch wide tape. Either clear or brown packing tape is the best choice. There is also reinforced packing tape available for packaging heavy items. Paper tape is another option, but is best used on packages with lightweight items. Cord, string, twine, duct tape, cellophane tape, and duct tape are not allowed to be used for sealing boxes.
Delivery Address - The delivery address must be able to be read when held at arm's length. Marker or pen is best used for writing the delivery address. The address must run parallel to the longest side of the box and be towards the center of the bottom half of that side.
Return Address - The return address should be placed on the same face of the box as the delivery address. The return address goes in the top left corner of the box.
Fragile Items - If mailing fragile items in corrugated shipping boxes, it is best to use plenty of cushioning to protect from damage during shipping. You should also mark the box as "Fragile" and let the shipping agent or postal worker know that the package does contain fragile items.
Using corrugated shipping boxes is an excellent way to mail large items, or multiple items to anywhere in the world. Following the rules and regulations will make the process easy and you should have no trouble mailing your packages.