Sec. 121.1

121.2

PART 121-PACKAGES

Adequacy of packaging standards.
Containers for mailing.

121.3 Internal protection.
121.4 Outside wrapping.

121.5 Closures.

121.6 Marking on packages.

AUTHORITY: The provisions of this Part 121 issued under R.S. 161, as amended, sec. 1, 62 Stat. 781, as amended; 5 U.S.C. 301, 18 U.S.C. 1716, 39 U.S.C. 501, 4058.

SOURCE: The provisions of this Part 121 appear at 30 F.R. 12841, Oct. 8, 1965, unless otherwise noted. Redesignated at 31 F.R. 15350, Dec. 8, 1966.

(a) Explanation. This part contains standards and methods for packaging, wrapping, marking, and labeling articles for mailing. Part 125 of this chapter contains special packaging regulations for certain types of items that are excluded from the mail unless packaged so as to assure safe transit. Part 127 of this chapter contains special conditions governing parcels sent to military post offices overseas.

(b) Inadequate preparation. Articles which are not prepared in accordance with the general guides in this Part may be refused acceptance in the mail. § 121.2 Containers for mailing.

(a) Types of containers. Containers must be strong enough to retain and protect their contents during the course of normal mail handling. Boxes or cartons of the following materials are commonly used: Corrugated or solid fiberboard, kraftboard, chipboard (for small items), fiber mailing tubes with metal

ends, metal, and wood. Heavy wrapping paper or burlap or similar cloth may be used for parcels containing unbreakable goods which would not be damaged by the weight of other mail. The strength of carton required will depend on the weight, size, and nature of the article shipped.

(b) Size of container. The outer shipping container should be the proper size to hold the goods shipped plus enough space for cushioning material inside. If the container is too large, the contents are apt to shift while in transit. If it is too small, or if too much is put into it, there will not be enough room for protective internal cushioning. An overstuffed carton may burst in transit.

(c) Chipboard boxes. Small rigid telescoping chipboard boxes are usually used for small articles such as watches, jewelry, pens, etc. Those boxes equipped with metal clasps which hold the two parts together ordinarily need no further reinforcement to effect a proper closure.

(d) Used containers. A used container as described in paragraph (a) of this section in good rigid condition with all flaps intact is acceptable. If a box of . the desired size cannot be found, a larger one may be cut down as shown in Illustration 1. Bend the four sides over the

(e) Bulk mailings. Envelopes should not ordinarily be used as containers for large numbers of items of merchandise mailed at the bulk third-class rates or at the single piece first-, third-, or fourthclass rates. Such items of merchandise should be placed in suitable containers which can be uniformly stacked and tied in bundles, and they should otherwise be properly packaged, labeled, and marked in accordance with the provisions of §§ 121.3, 121.4, 121.5, 121.6, and Part 125 of this chapter, just as though they were single pieces.

§ 121.3 Internal protection.

ing should protect the items from damaging one another, in addition to protecting against outside impact. Each item should be separately wrapped so that no damage will result regardless of the position of the package inside a mail sack.

(3) In the absence of a specially engineered package with built-in interior padding, moulds or suspension, it is desirable that the container should always be full.

(b) Cushioning materials and positioning. (1) Excelsior, flexible corrugated fiberboard, or felt are commonly used to cushion heavy articles. Cellulose materials, cotton, clothing, shredded paper, or tissue paper are used for lighter items. Expanded foam plastics may also be used for cushioning or suspension of the items within the parcel. The amount and kind of cushioning needed will depend on size and nature of items mailed.

(2) Heavy and lightweight items should not be packed together in the same compartment. Heavy items should be packed so that they will remain in a fixed position.

(3) Heavy items such as machine parts, motors, castings, hardware and the like, particularly those in the long or bar category, require extraordinarily good exterior packaging and closure and should be securely positioned within the container. Positive measures should be taken to prevent punching out the ends of the containers. When items of the general type mentioned move in their containers, they will not be accepted for mailing. Strapping around the container and extra strengthening of the ends of long cartons are recommended.

(c) Fragile articles. (1) The pieces must be individually cushioned.

(2) If shredded paper or loose excelsior is used, at least 2 inches of either should be placed on all four sides of the box and on top and bottom. Each piece must be properly spaced and cushioned to avoid strain or damage to other pieces. About one-half of an inch cushioning between flat pieces will be adequate.

(3) Breakage of one item when packed with soft cushioning material may result in general loosening of other articles in the carton with further damage. If corrugated interior packing, such as trays, pads, partitions, compartments, etc., are used, they must be arranged so that individual items do not touch the wall of the shipping carton or each other.

(5) Illustration 2 shows the manner of cushioning several odd shaped items in a parcel.

(d) Glassware, chinaware, ceramics, radios, and other similar articles. These articles are very fragile and require both a strong container and adequate interior cushioning between the pieces and the container. Proper packing is shown in Illustration 3.

(e) Framed pictures. These items should be cushioned on both sides and packed in a strong shipping carton. Illustration 4 shows one way of packing a framed picture. The newspaper is folded to form rolls which are placed around the picture.

(f) Pamphlets, forms, papers, etc. These items are especially vulnerable to damage and should be securely packaged as illustrated below.

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

(2) Envelopes or wrappers. Small quantities of loose paper items must be

(c) Articles which are self-contained may be mailed without outside packaging or wrapping. The Post Office Department 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, the tearing of the paper wrapper will often result in destruction of the name and address of the sender and addressee. It is preferable that outside paper wrappers be omitted if the box itself constitutes an adequate shipping container.

REPEAT STEPS 6 AND 7 LOOPING CORD AT EACH INTERSECTION-AND TIE

KHOT

LOOP STRONG

CORD AROUND END

OF PARCEL-THEN LENGTHWISE

PULL TIGHT AND TIE KNOT

KNOT LOOP

of the various articles mailed by any. one mailer may result in inadequate closure of some parcels. When mailing experience in individual cases indicates that paper tape does not provide an adequate closure for the articles being mailed, the use of reinforced tape is recommended.

(b) Application. Follow the illustrations shown to insure the most effective closure. If tape with water soluble adhesive is used the adhesive must be adequately moistened before application. Caution: Keep parcels closed with moistenable adhesive tape free from freezing temperatures for at least one 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