someone wrote, "'But the other big issue was that I used more than one piece of tape on it. So if more than one piece of tape is used then they will not accept the package. And these were staying within the continental US. "

Didn't know that about having too much tape on a package. When I mailed the packages mentioned in the reply above one of the postal employees was going down the wait line and applying tons of tape to everyone's packages.

the tape thing depends on the PO clerk's mood. Regulations allow you to put on as much tape as you want, PROVIDED you can still close the envelope the normal way with the adhesive strip. You can then apply tape OVER the closure (which I recommend HIGHLY) and along the edges to reinforce them. Especially if it is fairly well stuffed and/or going a long distance, I would reinforce the edges.

You can always turn a box inside out and re-tape it, to make a plain box. I have also heard of folks using old cans of spray paint to cover markings.

Who knows why they do what they do. I have had two Christmas cards not delivered to our winter address and they have the right address. Today I got one from South Dakota and was addressed the same way and got here fine.

sad part is I was told the US Postal Service is not part of the US government .. But a private agency. Anyone else heard this ?

I have done that .. turned the box inside out and retaped it. I was sending clothes to my grands and a neighbor told me about that (the alcohol thing). So I marched over to the store got some wide tape and proceeded to dismantle it ! My DH thought I was nuts (and he will tell you that to this day !!) but the package did ship andthey so enjoyed their clothes !

You BET the USPS is part of the US gov...... That is why they are so screwed up..... No offense to the P.O. workers here. Let's face it - our government is ........................ fill in your own adjectives and verbs........

I really enjoy the local rural post offices. The people that work there are part of the community and basically work their butts off giving customer service way beyond normal expectations. Besides that, they know everybody's name in town!

My P O is very helpful. they will find a box for me to use, borrow tape etc. i send a lot of pkgs. because of out of state family. rarely have a problem.

I wish everyone could live near me. My post office has wonderful people working at it. They always like to see what I'm mailing and help make sure everything is taped to an inch of its life. We all agree that what is inside is irreplaceable.

The standing joke for us is the hazardous question. My answer is always "I haven't cooked anything this time". If I have cooked the guys ask me what the half-life of the goodies I am sending is (since I'm a chemist, and not the world's best cook, you never know).

I will never use the "Big Brown Truck" people around here again. They are rude, overpriced and delivery isn't any better. Tracing packages through them isn't any easier either.