| Wrapping packages in brown paper makes the | | | | that outer protection. See explanation 1 above for why |
| package unacceptable for UPS shipping. The Post | | | | this is not a good idea. |
| Office may charge you a "non-machineable | | | | 3. People think that if the box says something like |
| surcharge" for using brown paper on your box. | | | | "Huggie Diapers" on the outside that it will interfere with |
| What is the problem with wrapping brown paper | | | | the sorting and delivery process. The markings on the |
| around a box? | | | | package are irrelevant to the sorting system. The only |
| 1. Brown paper is subject to tearing. Because UPS, as | | | | important part of the box is the shipping label. As long |
| well as the Post Office, has automated sorting facilities | | | | as there are no other shipping labels (i.e., from the box |
| with long conveyor belts in the "hubs," your package | | | | being shipped previously) on the outside of the box, or |
| may be moving along the conveyor belt with | | | | any other bar codes, there will not be any issues with |
| packages up to 150 pounds right next to it. If your | | | | sorting and delivering your package. Simply cover up |
| package gets banged along the way, the paper is | | | | or completely mark out any bar codes on the outside |
| subject to being torn. If this continues to happen along | | | | of the box. Use blank labels or black permanent |
| the belt, UPS might have a box at the end of the line | | | | marker to cover these items. |
| with no brown paper wrap, and therefore no label | | | | Items must be in a corrugated box for shipping. If you |
| either. They will not know where to ship the box and it | | | | try to ship in a shoe box, a heavily used box, or any |
| ends up in the lost and found pile. | | | | other non-corrugated container, you will likely be |
| 2. People often think that brown paper adds strength | | | | offered repackaging service to properly protect your |
| to the box. It does not. You might try to wrap a shoe | | | | items for shipment. |
| box in brown paper, thinking it will make the trip with | | | | |