Publication 2 - Packaging for Mailing - Postal Explorer - USPS.com

Cushioning3-33 Cushioning3-1 Purpose and MethodCushioning is important because, if there isenough cushioning material in a mailingcontainer, it absorbs and distributesforces of shock, pressure, and vibration.Cushioning should keep an item fromtouching its mailing container andshould separate multiple items fromeach other. In other words, cushioneach item above, below, andon all sides.3-2 MaterialsExamples of cushioning include foamed plastics, rubberized hair, corrugatedfiberboard, and loose-fill material such as excelsior, polystyrene, andshredded newspapers.Combinations of several types of cushioning (such as corrugated fiberboardpads and less dense, loose-fill material) can be effective. Such combinationshelp dissipate shock and pressure by spreading these forces over the surfaceof the items.3-3 Fill LevelThe inside of the mailingcontainer should beslightly overfilled withcushioning material tohold items in place andprevent their movementtoward an inside surfaceof the container or towardother items in the container.The container should not be distorted by overfilling.Publication 2, January 200213