(a) Wrapping paper should be at least equal in quality and strength to the kraft stock used for grocery bags. Two or more thicknesses of flimsy wrapping paper will not compensate for lack of strength, since the address portion of such inferior packages can be more easily torn off or mutilated.

(b) Dry, nonfragile materials may be wrapped in heavy paper and tied with twine. Thin paper bags are not acceptable.

(c) Articles which are self-contained may be mailed without outside packaging or wrapping. The Post Office Department will not be responsible, however, if the surface or finish of the article becomes marred or damaged.

(d) Fiberboard cartons may be wrapped and tied with strong twine or rope as shown in Illustration 6. Although wrapping paper of good quality may be used as an outside cover for boxes, the tearing of the paper wrapper will often result in destruction of the name and address of the sender and addressee. It is preferable that outside paper wrappers be omitted if the box itself constitutes an adequate shipping container.

REPEAT STEPS 6 AND 7 LOOPING CORD AT EACH INTERSECTION-AND TIE

KNOT

LOOP STRONG

CORD AROUND END

OF PARCEL-THEN LENGTHWISE

PULL TIGHT AND TIE KNOT

KNOT

LOOP

of the various articles mailed by any one mailer may result in inadequate closure of some parcels. When mailing experience in individual cases indicates that paper tape does not provide an adequate closure for the articles being mailed, the use of reinforced tape is recommended.

(b) Application. Follow the illustrations shown to insure the most effective closure. If tape with water soluble adhesive is used the adhesive must be adequately moistened before application. Caution: Keep parcels closed with moistenable adhesive tape free from freezing temperatures for at least one hour following application of tape.

(c) Tape illustrations. Illustration 7 shows proper and improper methods of applying paper and reinforced tapes. These tapes can be used also to close other types of parcels not illustrated

including those of irregular shapes, and soft wrapped. Parcels properly closed with reinforced tape are less vulnerable to failure than are parcels closed with unreinforced paper tape. The per foot cost of reinforced tape is greater but less tape is required and time is saved in the application.

(d) Staple. Too few staples result in ineffectual closures. Heavy parcels and those of unusual length should be strengthened with metal bands or reinforced tape applied around the middle. The ends of such parcels should also be reinforced. Illustration 8 shows various staple closures.

ILLUSTRATION 8

Tape in center if gap is more than 5"

(a) Endorsements on envelopes and wrappers. Words used for marking and labeling on envelopes and wrappers should be placed preferably below the postage and above the name of the addressee.

(b) Fragile. Packages containing articles of a delicate nature such as glass, chinaware, electrical appliances, jewelry, musical instruments and radios, must be marked "Fragile" by the mailer.

(c) Perishable. Products which decay quickly, such as fresh meats, fresh fruits, and vegetables, must be marked "Perishable."

(d) Conditional labeling. (1)_ Words like "Do Not Bend or Do Not Fold or Crush" may be used only when content is fully protected with stiffening material.

(2) Words like "Rush or Do Not Delay" may be used only on packages intended for shipment as special delivery or special handling mail.

(e) Unauthorized labeling. (1) Labels and markings printed on cartons or on wrappers of parcels or on gummed tape on parcels are not permitted in place of any required label.

(2) Obsolete markings or labels shall be covered or obliterated.

(3) Parcels improperly labeled as to nature of contents are not acceptable. [33 F.R. 11597, Aug. 15, 1968]

methods. The following standards apply to envelopes:

(a) Envelopes less than 3 inches in width (height) or 41⁄4 inches in length are nonmailable.

(b) Envelopes more than 9 inches in width (height) or 12 inches in length are not recommended.

(c) Envelopes having shapes other than rectangular are nonmailable.

(d) Envelopes having a ratio of width (height) to length of less than 1 to 1.414 (1 to the square root of 2) are not recommended.

[28 F.R. 1466, Feb. 15, 1963. Redesignated at 31 F.R. 15350, Dec. 8, 1966]

§ 122.4 Window envelopes.

Window envelopes, or open panel envelopes, may be used under the following conditions:

(a) The address window must be parallel with the length of the envelope.

(b) The proper place for the address window is in the lower portion of the address side.

(c) Nothing but the name, address, and any key number used by the mailer may appear through the address window.

(d) The return address should appear in the upper left corner. If there is no return address and the delivery address does not show through the window, the piece will be handled as dead mail.

(e) The address disclosed through the window must be on white paper or paper of a very light color.

(f) When used for registered mail, they must conform with the conditions in § 161.7(d) of this chapter.

(g) They may not be used for business reply mail under the provisions of § 131.2 (c) (1) of this chapter.

[26 F.R. 11520, Dec. 6, 1961, as amended at 27 F.R. 6975, July 24, 1962; 32 F.R. 5686, Apr. 7, 1967. Redesignated at 31 F.R. 15350, Dec. 8, 1966]

(a) Write the name and the address clearly and legibly on one side only. See § 125.3 (c) (13) of this chapter for exception on baby poultry.

(b) Mail for delivery through a city delivery post office must include in the address; the street and number, or post office box number, or general delivery, or rural or star route designation (except simplified address mail as prescribed in § 123.4). Mail for patrons on rural route may be addressed to street names and numbers provided this type of address has been approved by the Regional Director.

(c) All mail should bear the name and address of the sender. For instructions concerning mail which must bear a return address, see:

(1) Second-Class mail in envelopes or wrappers-§ 126.2(f) of this chapter. (2) Fourth-Class mail-§ 125.5(a) (1) of this chapter.

(3) Air parcel post-§ 136.6(a) of this chapter.

(4) Mail of any class, when its return is desired-§ 158.3 of this chapter. (5) Registered mail-§ 125.7 (a) this chapter.

of

(d) Include the ZIP code in all addresses and return addresses. See § 123.6.

(e) A slip should be attached to articles enclosed in parcels showing the name and address of the sender and addressee.

(f) Matter bearing dual addresses or the names of more than one post office in the return address or in the recipient's address is not acceptable for mailing.

(g) Matter bearing instructions to return to "Point of Mailing" (postmark) is not acceptable for mailing.

(h) See § 123.7 for special instructions on addressing second-class mail.

(i) See § 123.8 for special instructions on addressing overseas military mail; and §§ 221.1(b) and 231.3 (e) (1) of this chapter for addressing international mail.

[26 F.R. 11520, Dec. 6, 1961, as amended at 27 F.R. 2101, Mar. 3, 1962, 28 F.R. 1995, Mar. 1, 1963, 28 F.R. 12581, Nov. 23, 1963, 29 F.R. 3809, Mar. 27, 1964; 32 F.R. 13659, Sept. 29, 1967. Redesignated at 31 F.R. 15350, Dec. 8, 1966]

See