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

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Bulk Mail Center Standards6-2.1.36 Bulk Mail Center Standards6-1 About This ChapterThe standards in this chapter apply to mailpieces of any class that areprocessed individually at a bulk mail center (BMC) in the bulk mail system.For alternatives to these standards, mailers should follow the procedures fortesting packaging in 1-5.6-2 Books6-2.1 General6-2.1.1 Definition of BookFor packaging purposes only, a book is defined as a printed item with24 pages or more, fastened together along one edge between hardbackcovers, paperback covers, or self-covers. All catalogs and similar printedmaterial that meet this definition may be packaged as books.6-2.1.2 ContainersA fiberboard box of the right size and grade isgenerally the best type of container for mailingbooks. If a book is lighter than 1 pound andthinner than 1 inch, it may be mailed in aletter-style envelope. If the book is heavierthan 1 pound or thicker than 1 inch, theenvelope must be a stronger type, asdefined in 2-5.6-2.1.3 Causes of DamageA mailing of books or catalogs can becomedamaged principally for the following reasons: The outer container collapses or falls apartbecause the closure, reinforcement, or sizeand strength of the container are insufficient.Publication 2, January 200223
6-2.2 Bulk Mail Center StandardsThe contents shift within the mailing container in transit becausebracing or internal packaging is inadequate.To prevent shifting of the contents or damage to the contents and mailingcontainer, empty spaces in a container holding books must be filled withcushioning material.6-2.2 Books up to 5 Pounds6-2.2.1 PackingA mailing of books weighing up to 5 pounds must be packed in a close-fittingpaperboard or fiberboard box, padded or reinforced bag (with an exterior plyof at least 60-pound basis weight), or paper wraps (corrugated or of at least60-pound basis weight). The mailing container should be at least 1/4 inchthick. For a paperboard mailing container, the books inside should supportthe container and should fit snugly enough to restrict any lateral shift to nomore than 1/2 inch.For a mailing of paperback books weighing up to 3 pounds, shrinkwrap maybe used as the only packaging method. Shrinkwrap should have a coefficientof friction (ability to slide on a smooth, hard surface) between 0.025 and0.040 on metal surfaces at 20- to 25-degree elevations. Shrinkwrap is notacceptable as the only packaging method for hardback books thicker than1 inch or heavier than 1 pound.6-2.2.2 ClosingThe mailing container must be closed with multiple friction closures (theinsertion of more than one flap or tab), staples or steel stitching (completelyclinched to avoid injuries in handling), heat sealing, adhesive, tape, ornonmetallic banding. Shrinkwrap may be used on the exterior of an otherwiseproperly closed container.6-2.3 Books From 5 to 10 Pounds6-2.3.1 PackingA mailing of books weighing from 5 to10 pounds must be packed in at least a175-pound test fiberboard box (orequivalent). It is a good idea to use abuffer above and below the books toprotect them in case the box is openedwith a sharp instrument.6-2.3.2 ClosingThe mailing container must be closed with adhesive, reinforced tape, or firmlyapplied nonmetallic banding. For nonmetallic banding to be acceptable, thebands must be tight enough to depress the edges of the container, as24 Publication 2, January 2002
Page 2: Packaging for MailingPublication 2
Page 5 and 6: Contents3 Cushioning . . . . . . .
Page 7 and 8: AppendixesAppendixesA Package Testi
Page 9 and 10: 1-3 Packaging Adequacy1-3 Load Type
Page 11 and 12: 1-4.3.2 Packaging Adequacy1-4.3.2 E
Page 13 and 14: Packaging AdequacyThis page intenti
Page 15 and 16: 2-2.3 Containers2-2.3 Plastic Bags
Page 17 and 18: 2-3.3 Containers2-3.3 Making BoxesI
Page 19 and 20: 2-5.4 Containers2-5.4 Odd-Shaped It
Page 21 and 22: 3-4 Cushioning3-4 Several and Fragi
Page 23 and 24: 4-3 Closing, Sealing, and Reinforci
Page 25 and 26: 4-5.3 Closing, Sealing, and Reinfor
Page 27 and 28: 5-1.3 Marking5-1.3 Address Correcti
Page 29: 5-2.4 Marking5-2.4 Other MarkingsIf
Page 33 and 34: 6-2.6.2 Bulk Mail Center Standards6
Page 35 and 36: 6-4 Bulk Mail Center Standards6-4 S
Page 37 and 38: 6-4.6.2 Bulk Mail Center Standardsw
Page 39 and 40: 6-6.2.2 Bulk Mail Center Standards6
Page 41 and 42: Bulk Mail Center StandardsThis page
Page 43 and 44: 7-2.2 Hazardous Materials7-2.2 Mail
Page 45 and 46: Appendix APackage TestingThese test
Page 47 and 48: Appendix APackage TestingScopeTest
Page 49 and 50: Appendix APackage TestingEquipment
Page 51 and 52: Appendix APackage TestingPackaged-P
Page 53 and 54: Appendix APackage TestingBefore You
Page 55 and 56: Appendix APackage TestingReportBefo
Page 57 and 58: Appendix APackage TestingThe follow
Page 59 and 60: Appendix APackage TestingPackaged-P
Page 61 and 62: Appendix APackage TestingThis page
Page 63: Appendix BRates and Classification

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