(2) Boxes or cartons. Use boxes or cartons for large quantities of loose paper items. Tie the items securely before placing them in the container.

(3) Envelopes or wrappers. Tie securely small quantities of loose paper items and protect by cardboard, corrugated board, or other material which will reinforce the edges and corners. Envelopes must be of durable quality, and paper wrappings should conform to the provisions of section 121.4.

§ 121.4 Outside wrapping.

(a) Wrapping paper should be at least equal in quality and strength to the kraft stock used for grocery bags. Two or more thicknesses of flimsy wrapping paper will not compensate for lack of strength. Moreover, the address portion of such inferior packages can be more easily torn off or mutilated.

(b) Dry, nonfragile materials may be wrapped in heavy paper and tied

with twine. Thin paper bags are not acceptable.

(c) Articles which are self-contained may be mailed without outside packaging or wrapping. The Postal Service will not be responsible, however, if the surface or finish of the article becomes marred or damaged.

(d) Fiberboard cartons may be wrapped and tied with strong twine or rope as shown in Illustration 6. Although wrapping paper of good quality may be used as an outside cover for boxes, it is preferable that paper wrappers be omitted if the box itself constitutes an adequate shipping container.

(a) Tape. Tape used as closures must be a durable type (60 pounds minimum) which will keep the parcels closed and intact during postal handling. Cellulose or masking tapes are not effective as the only closure. Tape manufacturers provide data concerning the type and strength of their tapes most suitable to specific needs. The needs vary considerably for different articles. When mailing experience in individual cases indicates that paper tape does not provide an adequate closure for the articles being mailed, use reinforced tape.

(b) Application. See paragraph (c) of this section on how to secure the most effective closure. If tape with water soluble adhesive is used, moisten the adhesive before applying. CAUTION: Keep parcels closed with moistenable adhesive tape free from freezing temperatures for at least 1 hour following application of tape.

(c) Tape illustrations. Illustration 7 shows proper and improper methods of applying paper and reinforced tapes. These tapes can be used also to close other types of parcels not illustrated including those of irregular shapes, and soft wrapped. Parcels properly closed with reinforced tape are less likely to fail than are parcels closed with unreinforced paper tape. The per foot cost of reinforced tape is greater but less tape is required and time is saved in the application.

(d) Staple. Use enough staples to effect secure closure. Heavy parcels and those of unusual length should be strengthened with metal bands or reinforced tape applied around the middle. The ends of such parcels should also be reinforced. Illustration 8 shows various staple closures.

ILLUSTRATION 8

Tape in center if gap is more than 5"

(e) Twine. Packages may be closed or additionally reinforced by securely tying with a strong twine. Do not use ordinary light string. Knot twine at several intersecting points to preclude loosening and loss in case of breakage of one or more segments of the twine. See Illustration 6 in 121.4.

(f) Glue. When a glue closure is used, not less than 50 percent of the area of contact (carton flaps) must be glued firmly.

§ 121.6 Marking by the mailer.

(a) Endorsements on envelopes and wrappers. Place words used for marking and labeling on envelopes and wrappers below the postage and above the name of the addressee.

(b) Fragile. Mark "Fragile" any packages containing articles of a delicate nature such as glass, chinaware, electrical appliances, jewelry, musical instruments, and radios.

(c) Perishable. Mark "Perishable" any products which decay quickly, such as fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables.

(d) Conditional labeling. (1) Words like "Do Not Bend" or "Do Not Fold or Crush" may be used only when content is fully protected with stiffening material.

(2) Words like "Rush" or "Do Not Delay" may be used only on packages intended for shipment as special delivery or special handling mail.

(e) Unauthorized labeling. (1) Labels and markings printed on cartons or on wrappers or on gummed tape on parcels are not permitted in place of any required label.

(a) Write the name and the address clearly and legibly on one side only. See § 124.3 (c) (1) (xii) for exception on baby poultry.

(b) Mail for delivery through a city delivery post office must include in the address the name and the street and number, or post office box number, or general delivery, or rural or star route designation (except simplified address mail as prescribed in § 122.4). Mail for customers on a rural route may be addressed to street names and numbers if this type of address has been approved.

(c) All mail should bear the name and address of the sender. For instructions concerning mail which must bear a return address, see:

(1) Second-class mail in envelopes or wrappers-§ 125.2(f).

(2) Fourth-class mail-§ 135.5 (a) (1). (3) Air parcel post-§ 136.6(a).

(4) Mail of any class, when its return is desired-§ 122.3.

(5) Registered mail-§ 161.3(a).
(6) Insured mail-§ 162.1(b).
(7) COD mail-§ 163.1(c).

(8) Matter bearing company permit imprints-§ 145.3 (c).

(d) Include the ZIP Code in all addresses and return addresses. See § 122.6.

(e) Attach a slip to articles enclosed in parcels showing the name and address of the sender and addressee.

(f) Matter bearing dual addresses or the names of more than one post office in the return address or in the recipient's address file is not acceptable for mailing.

(g) Matter bearing instructions to return to Point of Mailing (postmark) is not acceptable for mailing.

(h) See § 122.7 for special instructions on addressing second-class mail.

(i) See § 122.8 for special instructions on addressing overseas military mail; see Part 127 for addressing mail via State Department to U.S. foreign service personnel abroad; and Publication 42, international Mail, for addressing international mail.

§ 122.2

Arrangement of address.

(a) The proper place for the address is in the lower right portion of the address area; postage (stamps, meter stamps or permit imprints) in the upper right corner; and return address of sender in the upper left corner.

(b) Leave at least 31⁄2 inches of clear space, from top to bottom, at the right end of the address side of envelopes, folders, or labels. This space will be used for address, postage, postmark, and other prescribed endorsements such as airmail or special delivery. On large envelopes or mailing pieces, leave on the right end of the address side a clear rectangular space of not less than 3 by 44 inches or an equivalent area, for the address, stamps, postmarks, etc. See § 131.2(b) (4) regarding the arrangement of the address on post cards.

Frank B. White

Rural Route 3, Box 261 Mitchellville, Md. 21109

U.S POSTAGE

6¢