Hi Wendy,

 Yes they will send the tape with the boxes and other supplies when you request them.  I go to about 6 different POs depending on where I'm working but I have one favorite (they are all pretty nice but these guys are the best).  I was told by my guys that they are not supposed to give out that tape to the customers (and they are not suoposed to help tape boxes shut either).  However, one guy snuck me a roll of the tape and said that he knew why I was using it and so he went ahead and gave it to me.  But I guess it's not fair to get upset if they don't give it out.  I tend to not use as many FRBs because I live closer to the APO and it's a better deal to send regular boxes.  So, when I order supplies (to get the tape), I just take everything that I receive that I do not use (like those plastic sleeves the custom forms go in because I always mail directly from the PO) back to my own PO.  They are happy to get anything since then they do not have to order as much.  Once you've been sending for a bit, you'll probably establish a relationship with the postal folks, will know who is the most sympathetic, and it will be easier.  You sound enthusiastic and upbeat, and I'm sure you'll win at least a few of them over.  Enjoy the process!

Kathy

Wow, I didn't realize what a privelege it is to be given a roll of Priority tape!!!  Hmph, that's just not right!  Seriously... what are they saving it for, exactly, if they can't give it to people who need/use it and aren't allowed to tape boxes up for us with it???   I hope you can get some tape, Wendy-my fat priority roll is my right hand!  (And I want to give a great big hug to my po guy for giving it to me!  I really didn't know what a true favor it was, I thought it was standard practice!)

I'm confused (and now kinda concerned) because I tape things up like a mad woman...I checked on the usps website and their instructions were:

 Sealing

Always tape the opening of your box and reinforce all seams with a tape that is designed for shipping. Use clear or brown packaging tape at least 2 inches wide, reinforced packing tape or paper tape. Do not use masking or cellophane tape, cord, string or twine. Various retail outlets (in addition to Post Offices) now carry Post Office-approved packaging materials.

Is the amount of tape 'allowed' different on the FRBs?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

Teri,

That is the information that we were given by the postal clerk.  The USPS doesn't want any more tape on the FRBs than it takes to seal the flaps.  I can't tell you their reasoning, unless they don't want another tenth of an ounce that the tape might add to the weight.  I had been using a lot of tape on the parcel post boxes that I was sending before they came out, sealing any place that had a crack or seam, but the clerk didn't approve of that practice.  He is a very nice clerk, though, and just quietly mentioned it.

Gran

Teri,

I also use a lot of the USPS priority mail tape on both of the FRB's.  I seal all seams.  Yes, I even tape the shirt box size that has those self-sealing flaps.  I have never had any problem when submitting at my PO.  The only thing I have been told to watch out for is not to tape over any of the words, 'flat rate'.  Things really seem to vary depending on which PO you use.  As long as they accept your boxes at your local PO, sounds like you are doing everything okay!    

Hi Teri! You can tape em like... what do they say around here? ... like gorillas are gonna handle em? You just can't change the shape or size of the box. So no stuffing it till it's double it's size and taping it up so it doesn;t burst : )

Y'all will be awfully jealous of my St Louy post offices : ) I go to 3 regularly depending on if I'm going from work or home and all of em get real generous with the priority tape rolls and even some cool yellow "military service" stickers! Love em!!

Whew...I'm not gonna worry unless the clerk calls me on it at the PO! Thank you all. I sure appreciate it!

Hello everyone.........I actually have to laugh reading all the posts regarding the tape that the clerks will or will not give out.   I worked at the USPS for 21 years as a letter carrier and worked in three different states (NY, CA and SC) and they were all different in their rules......go figure!!!!    My best advice is to find a clerk who understands what you are doing and hopefully you don't have to search tooo far for that.   I have 2 POs in my town and go to just one and I will wait for the clerk I want to help me.   If you have a clerk who will give you some tape and help you out.....the next time you go there.....bring some home-made  cookies  or somethikng special  (I usually bring in a chake from McD's ...... just for him/her.   I know it sounds like a "bribe"......but trust me........it'll go a long way and they will remember you. It is crazy how some will help and some won't........but trust me ....there is no figuring it out  (LOLOLOOL) 

I have another silly suggestion........I realized I needed stamps the other day while i was mailing packages.....and I got the "super heroes" sheet..........afterall..........THEY   ARE   OUR   SUPER   HEROES!!!!   Cute huh!!!   Trust me a few months ago I would have taken any sheet of stamps.............I find that everything I do is centered on them.

Love and peace         Anne Marie

Wendy, you sound just like me back when I sent my first packages.  It was so exciting!  Actually, it's still exciting...!  Like you, I kept wondering where my packages were and if they had reached the soldiers yet.  I'm so sorry you got stuck with some not-so-helpful clerks.  I have wonderful clerks at both post offices I go to.  They know what I'm doing and bend over backwards to help.  I'm sure if you shop around you can find some that are better than the two you had to work with today. 

I have a whole row of boxes I'm working on right now.  These are my St. Patty's Day packages, filled with green things: Tic Tacs, sour apple candies, dish towels, Mike & Ikes, stationary, Scotch tape, puzzle books, photo frames, yoyos, etc.  Lots of fun!  My students have been making shamrock cards all week for me to tuck into the boxes.  My contacts enjoyed the Valentines my students made for them, so I hope these go over just as well. 

I tape like a mad women too ... and use the FRB's. NOBODY has said anything to me about it! I feel it is better to be safe than sorry!

LOL

I love your #s.  My dad said, "they say the war is going to cost 12 billion per month this year...kid (even though I am 47) you are NOT going to fund it in a week."

 

Okay, my first real "load" went out last night.  I had sent one before, but I sent 13 yesterday (over 40 little individual ones packed inside and a bunch of fun stuff).  I got to the post office about 6:17 and there is a big sign that says more than 10 packages and you have to use the loading dock...oh and it closes at 6:30.  So I am rushing around, pulling chains and dollies, loading boxes, trying not to let the customs forms blow away.  And some guy tells me, if I don't make it by 6:30 then they take it at the main post office.  LOL  I should have waited the 13 minutes.  :)

But my kitchen is now clean, folding table up, and everything off.  Why am I planning my next box already?

"Why am I planning my next box already?"

Because you're now a hard-core Junkie - fully addicted to the great feeling that it gives you, and you want another "fix".  That's exactly why.

Gran

You got that right Gran!!

There ain't nuthin like that ole warm fuzzy feelin inside that U just made some1 smile.

Oh yeah!!....I wasn't going to send another box until after I got on the other side of my son's wedding the end of this month with all the $$$ flying out of my hands lately......HOWEVER....I just mailed one out today!!....