Tape when Shipping

[carlsbad]

I've posted this before but I just can't say strong enough how important tape is when shipping. I use a lot of USPS flat rate boxes and I buy clear packaging tape by the 12 roll pack. It is cheap. It is your best insurance. Gun and ammo components are heavy and will break through boxes, especially if they are dropped or wetted.

I just received a bolt from a forum member. I knew it was bad when it was handed to me in a plastic bag and my first thought was the bolt was missing. Fortunately it was still heavy and the bolt was inside. The package had gotten wet and the cardboard Small Flat Rate Box was coming apart, especially the bottom. There was one piece of clear tape that had been put across the bottom and that was all that was holding it together. I cut that and the bolt just fell out. I was shocked that it wasn't rusty after spending a couple of days wet (I got it monday, it was at my post office Saturday so at least 2 days wet). I guess it had enough oil on it.

So I'm gong to add even more tape when I package bolts. It is your best insurance. If you've ever tried to make a claim on a USPS insurance, and been inundated with red tape, you'll hope you never have to again. Tape.

 

[Mark W]

I’ve worked in shipping and receiving, so I’ve seen how packages are often treated.

It’s not uncommon for me to cover the whole box in clear box tape.

 

[matthias]

I have started using duck tape. Seems to really hold things together.

 

[mike a]

I just sent a scope back to Midway in the original box. Just added a bit more tape. Hope they got a sharp box cutter.

 

[paperpuncher]

I just sent a scope back to Midway in the original box. Just add a bit more tape. Hope they got a shape box cutter.

Filament tape that is good stuff I packed just north of 60# of cast bullets is FRBs they made itto the destination in great shape

 

[Bill K]

I always add a few wraps of clear packing tape to all those cardboard containers. Extra security never hurts, with the way USPS and others throw them around.

 

[Chiquita]

I am sure most do a great job but so far
@LoanHarvey & @shooter308
These two know how to pack & tape.

 

[PatMiles]

I've had folks who have bought items complain that they spent 5 minutes cutting their way into a box I taped. I have a monetary interest in making sure an item gets to them in the same condition I shipped it in. Tape is cheap!

 

[DirtySteve]

Bolt= $200
Roll of tape= $2.00
Used the whole dang roll !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If it don't look like mike_a wrapped it your wrong..

 

[Rat Rifle]

Whoo! You said bolt (singular). I sent You 2, so I assume it wasn’t Mine. Blessed Relief! I think I used enough tape, but after this advice, I’ll use more. Thanks Jerry

 

[carlsbad]

I am trying to contact the member. His initials are PM from Indiana. There was no documentation inside the box so I think it's the guy who contacted me yesterday saying he forgot to put a check in the box.

And just to be clear, I didn't say that he didn't package it well. He did tape it up and if he hadn't, it would have definitely come apart. I also said it was the bottom that came apart. It was the top. The glue joint should always be reinforced by tape.

thanks.

 

[joshb]

Good packing is SO easy! Why some guys don’t bother just erks me!

 

[andym686]

I am trying to contact the member. His initials are PM from Indiana. There was no documentation inside the box so I think it's the guy who contacted me yesterday saying he forgot to put a check in the box.

And just to be clear, I didn't say that he didn't package it well. He did tape it up and if he hadn't, it would have definitely come apart. I also said it was the bottom that came apart. It was the top. The glue joint should always be reinforced by tape.

thanks.

Jerry,
Many years ago I worked part time at UPS. I really learned a lot about what can happen during shipping. Your suggestions about packaging are spot on.
But what really hit home was the comment about no contact information inside. I witnessed my supervisors many times open a box that the label was either missing or destroyed. If there was an address inside, they would do their best to get it to the recipient. Not sure if this still happens.
My take: Always include the address of both sender and recipient on the inside of the package as well.

 

[wedgy]

I usually put one wrap of heavy tape like gorilla tape or filament tape all the way around and then a couple wraps of clear packing tape over all the joints and a layer of the address in case it gets wet. The contents are very well packed with and extra layer of heavy cardboard on the side and the item is in a ziplock bag. Yes, they somehow manage to get stuff wet here in the desert. I have a stash of folded up boxes, bubble wrap, and various packaging that I save for when I need to ship something.
I thought I read somewhere that USPS would no long accept duct tape because it was getting stuck somewhere in their process.
I friend has found a few bolts in the snow that were delivered to him where he said NOT to put them....in the dogs yard. It's a miracle he found them.
Thanks for the tips Jerry !

 

[carlsbad]

Andy,
I'm not sure they still do that, but hope they do. Most send address in the box and I put it back in there when I ship it back.

The owner did contact me, apologized for the confusion, and has sent me payment. I believe he meant to include some communication and it got left out. all is good.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

I've posted this before but I just can't say strong enough how important tape is when shipping. I use a lot of USPS flat rate boxes and I buy clear packaging tape by the 12 roll pack. It is cheap. It is your best insurance. Gun and ammo components are heavy and will break through boxes, especially if they are dropped or wetted.

I just received a bolt from a forum member. I knew it was bad when it was handed to me in a plastic bag and my first thought was the bolt was missing. Fortunately it was still heavy and the bolt was inside. The package had gotten wet and the cardboard Small Flat Rate Box was coming apart, especially the bottom. There was one piece of clear tape that had been put across the bottom and that was all that was holding it together. I cut that and the bolt just fell out. I was shocked that it wasn't rusty after spending a couple of days wet (I got it monday, it was at my post office Saturday so at least 2 days wet). I guess it had enough oil on it.

So I'm gong to add even more tape when I package bolts. It is your best insurance. If you've ever tried to make a claim on a USPS insurance, and been inundated with red tape, you'll hope you never have to again. Tape.

carlsbad, would it be better if bolts are taped to another piece of cardboard closely fitting the inside of the box also?

 

[carlsbad]

carlsbad, would it be better if bolts are taped to another piece of cardboard closely fitting the inside of the box also?

That would make it better but probably not needed. Key is to have paper, foam, or fine bubble wrap stuffed in there so tight that the bolt can't move. I like to reuse bubble wrap envelopes that I receive in the mail to wrap the bolts in before putting them in the box. Probably no need to get tape residue on the bolt, plus I'd have to take it off to get it into my fixture accurately. -Jerry

 

[SEM]

Amazon has a real good deal on four packs of 2" filament tape you have to really look for it but the cheap stuff works great (brand is Hobby Unlimited ), I end up buying it 3 or more times a year, not stingy with it and the clear tape either

 

[Sandstorm]

Good stuff Jerry....Man if thre's one thing that gets my blood bolinn its the packaging
of some big name Shooting Companies..when the ship bullets...for reloading......got tired
of pickin em up off my driveway...what I could find that is. ( shit job packaging )..and
I will not buy from them any more....

 

[nmkid]

Filament tape is your best friend! Also, don't forget a piece of paper with addresses on the inside of the package. I'll also take a smooth handle screwdriver and scrub hard on all of the tape.