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They no longer have different boxes/envelopes for domestic mail vs. international. You use the same shipping supplies for both. On the USPS website it states: "All domestic Priority Mail packaging, including the flat rate envelope and boxes, are available for international shipping."

As to the tape issue: I was arguing this issue with three or four post offices across the country back in January.

And here is the official ruling taken from the USPS website: Note: Flat Rate prices are available when material is sent in a USPS-produced Flat Rate Envelope or Box. When sealing a Flat Rate Box or Flat Rate Envelope, the container flaps must be able to close within the normal folds. Tape may be applied to the flaps and seams to reinforce the container; provided the design of the container is not enlarged by opening the sides and the container is not reconstructed in any way.

Here is the link to the page on www.usps.com where you can find that: http://pe.usps.com/text/dmm100/flat-rate-reference.htm

If you are having trouble with your local Post Office, just print out that page from the USPS website and bring it along with you. It is "the word from on high"; just ask to speak with the Postmaster and bring it to his/her attention. He/she should not be able to argue anymore upon being presented with the official ruling.

Yes, USPS is hurting for money and their workers tend to be looking for ways to bring more of it in, even a dollar or two at a time by assessing extra fees on envelopes that already had proper postage. Chalk it up to insufficient communication plus general nervousness on their part. Mostly the former!