|
Home > About USPS & News > Forms & Publications > Postal Periodicals and Publications > Publications > Publication 2 - Packaging for Mailing > 6 Bulk Mail Center Standards > 6-2 Books
For packaging purposes only, a book is defined as a printed item with
24 pages or more, fastened together along one edge between hardback
covers, paperback covers, or self-covers. All catalogs and similar printed
material that meet this definition may be packaged as books.
A fiberboard box of the right size and grade is
generally the best type of container for mailing
books. If a book is lighter than 1 pound and
thinner than 1 inch, it may be mailed in a
letter-style envelope. If the book is heavier
than 1 pound or thicker than 1 inch, the
envelope must be a stronger type, as
defined in 2-5.
A mailing of books or catalogs can become
damaged principally for the following reasons:
• The outer container collapses or falls apart
because the closure, reinforcement, or size
and strength of the container are insufficient.
• The contents shift within the mailing container in transit because
bracing or internal packaging is inadequate.
To prevent shifting of the contents or damage to the contents and mailing
container, empty spaces in a container holding books must be filled with
cushioning material.
A mailing of books weighing up to 5 pounds must be packed in a close-fitting
paperboard or fiberboard box, padded or reinforced bag (with an exterior ply
of at least 60-pound basis weight), or paper wraps (corrugated or of at least
60-pound basis weight). The mailing container should be at least 1/4 inch
thick. For a paperboard mailing container, the books inside should support
the container and should fit snugly enough to restrict any lateral shift to no
more than 1/2 inch.
For a mailing of paperback books weighing up to 3 pounds, shrinkwrap may
be used as the only packaging method. Shrinkwrap should have a coefficient
of friction (ability to slide on a smooth, hard surface) between 0.025 and
0.040 on metal surfaces at 20- to 25-degree elevations. Shrinkwrap is not
acceptable as the only packaging method for hardback books thicker than
1 inch or heavier than 1 pound.
The mailing container must be closed with multiple friction closures (the
insertion of more than one flap or tab), staples or steel stitching (completely
clinched to avoid injuries in handling), heat sealing, adhesive, tape, or
nonmetallic banding. Shrinkwrap may be used on the exterior of an otherwise
properly closed container.
A mailing of books weighing from 5 to
10 pounds must be packed in at least a
175-pound test fiberboard box (or
equivalent). It is a good idea to use a
buffer above and below the books to
protect them in case the box is opened
with a sharp instrument.
The mailing container must be closed with adhesive, reinforced tape, or firmly
applied nonmetallic banding. For nonmetallic banding to be acceptable, the
bands must be tight enough to depress the edges of the container, as
illustrated in 4-3. Reinforced tape or nonmetallic banding is adequate both to
close and to reinforce the container.
A mailing of books weighing from 10 to 25 pounds must be packed in at least
a 200-pound test fiberboard box (or equivalent).
The mailing container must be closed with adhesive, reinforced paper tape,
reinforced plastic tape, pressure-sensitive filament tape, or firmly applied
nonmetallic banding. For nonmetallic banding to be acceptable, the bands
must be tight enough to depress the edges of the container.
The container should be banded or reinforced in the direction providing the
most support. For this purpose, reinforced paper tape, reinforced plastic tape,
pressure-sensitive filament tape, or firmly applied nonmetallic banding should
be used. Reinforced tape or nonmetallic banding is adequate both to close
and to reinforce the container.
A mailing of books weighing from 25 to 50 pounds must be packed as
follows: for hardback books, in at least a 275-pound test fiberboard box (or
equivalent); for paperback books, in at least a 200-pound test fiberboard box
(or equivalent).
The mailing container must be closed with adhesive, reinforced paper tape,
reinforced plastic tape, pressure-sensitive filament tape, or firmly applied
nonmetallic banding. For nonmetallic banding to be acceptable, the bands
must be tight enough to depress the edges of the container.
The container should be banded or reinforced at two points to provide the
most support. For this purpose, reinforced paper tape, reinforced plastic tape,
pressure-sensitive filament tape, or firmly applied nonmetallic banding should
be used.
A mailing of books weighing from 50 to 70 pounds must be packed as
follows: for hardback books, in at least a 350-pound test fiberboard box (or
equivalent); for paperback books, in at least a 275-pound test fiberboard box
(or equivalent).
The mailing container must be closed with adhesive, reinforced paper tape,
reinforced plastic tape, pressure-sensitive filament tape, or firmly applied
nonmetallic banding. For nonmetallic banding to be acceptable, the bands
must be tight enough to depress the edges of the container.
The container should be banded or reinforced at two points to provide the
most support. For this purpose, reinforced paper tape, reinforced plastic tape,
pressure-sensitive filament tape, or firmly applied nonmetallic banding should
be used.
|
