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6-6 Magnetic Tapes

6-6.1 General

Magnetic tapes, cassette tapes, and cartridges present special problems when their mailing containers (especially for small quantities) or reinforcement (for large quantities) are inadequate.

6-6.2 Magnetic Tapes up to 5 Pounds

6-6.2.1 Packing

For a single tape, the tape must be packed in a plastic film wrap of at least 0.75 mil, in a cushioned bag, or in a cushioned paper bag of at least 60-pound basis weight. Multiple tapes up to 5 pounds must be packed in an outer container of fiberboard or chipboard at least 22 mils thick.

6-6.2.2 Closing

The outer mailing container must be securely closed with tape, heat sealing, adhesive, completely clinched staples, or a multiple friction closure (two or more flaps or tabs). Paper tape must be of at least 60-pound basis weight kraft. Shrinkwrap may be used on the outside of an otherwise properly closed box. Reinforced tape is adequate both to close and reinforce the outer container.

6-6.3 Magnetic Tapes From 5 to 10 Pounds

6-6.3.1 Packing

A mailing of tapes weighing from 5 to 10 pounds must be packed in an outer container of fiberboard or chipboard at least 22 mils thick. Tapes should be packed in multiple shells for additional protection.

6-6.3.2 Closing

The outer mailing container must be securely closed with tape, adhesive, or completely clinched staples. Paper tape must be of at least 60-pound basis weight kraft. An otherwise properly closed box may be shrinkwrapped. Reinforced tape is adequate both to close and reinforce the outer container. Tapes should be packed in multiple shells for additional protection.

6-6.4 Magnetic Tapes From 10 to 20 Pounds

6-6.4.1 Packing

A mailing of tapes weighing from 10 to 20 pounds must be packed in an outer container of fiberboard or chipboard at least 22 mils thick.

6-6.4.2 Closing

The outer mailing container must be securely closed with tape, adhesive, or completely clinched staples. Paper tape must be of at least 60-pound basis weight kraft. The container should be reinforced in a direction that provides the most support with reinforced paper or plastic tape, pressure-sensitive filament tape, or tight nonmetallic banding. Reinforced tape is adequate both to close and reinforce the box. An otherwise properly closed box may be shrinkwrapped.

6-6.5 Magnetic Tapes From 20 to 40 Pounds

6-6.5.1 Packing

A mailing of tapes weighing from 20 to 40 pounds must be packed in at least a 175-pound test fiberboard box (or equivalent). Tapes should be packed in multiple shells for additional protection.

6-6.5.2 Closing

The outer mailing container must be securely closed with tape, adhesive, or completely clinched staples. Paper tape must be of at least 60-pound basis weight kraft. The container must be reinforced at two points with reinforced paper or plastic tape, pressure-sensitive filament tape, or tight nonmetallic banding. An otherwise properly closed box may be shrinkwrapped.

6-6.6 Magnetic Tapes From 40 to 70 Pounds

6-6.6.1 Packing

A mailing of tapes weighing from 40 to 65 pounds must be packed in at least a 200-pound test fiberboard box (or equivalent). A mailing weighing from 65 to 70 pounds must be packed in at least a 275-pound test fiberboard box (or equivalent). Multiple shells should be used for greater protection.

6-6.6.2 Closing

The outer mailing container must be securely closed with tape, adhesive, or completely clinched staples. Paper tape must be of at least 60-pound basis weight kraft. An otherwise properly closed box may be shrinkwrapped. The container must be reinforced at two points with reinforced paper or plastic tape, pressure-sensitive filament tape, or tight nonmetallic banding.