I had a postal clerk that knows me from my mailing ebay packages all the time and she gave me a role of priority tape to use on the new large FRBs she gave me.  I have never used priority tape before, I've either used strapping tape or Scotch heavy duty tape I get at Office Max.  What I want to know is does anybody use just the priority tape to send boxes and do the boxes arrive okay or should I continue to reinforce with the tape I've been using in addition to the priority tape.

Thanks for any help.  I love that the tape was free but don't want to have boxes arrive damaged or falling apart.

 Rosemary

Hi Rosemary~

I sometimes get rolls of the Priority Mail tape from my clerk, too.  It is quite flimsy- not like the normal packaging tape, so I don't trust it too much.  I usually use the regular packaging tape (wrap it around the box both ways a couple times, and along the sides so that no sand gets in the cracks), then I'd go over that (around the middle of the box either way, but not along the sides) with 1-2 layers of the Priority tape.   If I only used the Priority tape, I would wrap it around, like, 4 times.  Maybe that's going overboard but I know those boxes really take a beating and I'd rather be safe than sorry!

The packaging tape companies must make a killing off of people like me...
 

I order Priority tape when I order FRBs, and I use it (by itself) on all of my Priority packages. It's not very thick, but it's strong. I hear from a pretty good percentage of my contacts, and haven't heard about any of my packages getting there damaged, so I'm assuming the tape is doing the job. I use many pieces of tape on each package, which is okay since it's free.

Same here, Jenifer.  I like the Priority tape and haven't had any problems with it.  I do use some clear tape across the top of the box so as not to cover up any addresses.  I usually run some on the main seams top and bottom just for added strength.  I've never had any boxes arrive with any problems.

Where do you order the Priority tape? I've been looking at usps.com, at the supplies, and I see the boxes, and stickers and everything, but not the tape..

Thx,
//Mary (nissus)

You can call the USPS at this number and order the tape:

1-800-610-8734

I use this number to order all of my supplies, because I can't seem to order from USPS.com. (I think it's because of my computer OS/browser combo.)

We use the priority tape only on the bottom seam of the boxes if they are FRBs and use clear tape on top so as not to cover the address label with the priority tape, and in addition, we use strapping tape two ways.  On plain boxes that are going priority mail, we use the priority mail tape to seal the bottom plus running it around in at least two or three directions, but still use the strapping tape at least two wraps, depending on the size of the box.

The only way that we have ever gotten the priority tape online is to order the military package that comes with it.

Gran

I have used just the priority tape. I go all the way around the box just once across the closing seam and then once around the middle. If the corners have small holes then I use regular packing tape to cover over them. I print the address as large as I can on my printer and fold the paper. Then I tape in on with clear package tape to cover the middle of the box. That way, the box cannot be cut open without destroying the name.

I use the priority mail tape all the time and really like it. My postmaster gave me about 8 rolls of it so I'm set for a while! As has been mentioned, it's not really thick but it is strong. If you decorate the box, clear tape looks better, tho, IMO.

Had a heck of a time unwrapping the cat after she decided to swat at a piece hanging down and then freaked out and dragged the tape and tape roller around the house in terror. By the time she was done she was a big tape tangle!

Thanks!  LMAO.  LOVED the image of the cat...THANKS.

 BTW, does anybody know if anyone opens the packages before they get to our troops?  The post office?  The military "post office"?  Also, are the packages and letters all sent to our addressee, e.g., SGT Joe Blow, who then distributes them unopened or what?  Or do we just assume that if a letter for SGT Blow is included in the package that the "any soldier" who gets and opens the package then routes the letter back to SGT Blow?  I haven't received any correspondence back yet so don't know the routine.

Thanks.

Deb

BTW, does anybody know if anyone opens the packages before they get to our troops? 

Usually not. But all are 'subject to inspection' so they CAN be. And most likely go through an x-ray. 

Also, are the packages and letters all sent to our addressee, e.g., SGT Joe Blow, who then distributes them unopened or what?  Or do we just assume that if a letter for SGT Blow is included in the package that the "any soldier" who gets and opens the package then routes the letter back to SGT Blow?

Each contact seems to do this differently, LOL. I don't put a specific greeting (Dear SGT) instead just begin with HELLO! That way if the SGT does hand the box, unopened, to another soldier who gets no mail the other soldier knows the mail is for HIM and not just the SGT.

Thanks, Mom