Can You Ship A USPS Package With Duct Tape In 2024?

Duct tape is one of those iconic fix-it tools that has endless uses around the house. Need to patch a hole, secure some wiring, or wrap a leaky pipe? Duct tape is often the go-to solution. So when it comes time to seal up a package to ship with the United States Postal Service (USPS), duct tape seems like an obvious choice, right? Unfortunately, it‘s not approved for USPS packages.

The USPS handles enormous shipping volumes – over 5.5 billion packages in 2021 alone. With such a vast operation, stringent standards and regulations are in place to keep things running smoothly. This includes criteria on the types of tapes allowed for sealing boxes and envelopes. Read on to find out why duct tape doesn‘t make the USPS approved list and what you should use instead for foolproof package sealing in 2024.

Why Duct Tape Tempts, But Doesn‘t Cut It For USPS Packages

Duct tape has a lot of characteristics that make it seem ideally suited for taping up packages:

• Strong adhesive – The sticky glue seems like it would keep flaps sealed tight.

• Durable – The thick, reinforced backing appears hard to tear or puncture.

• Water resistant – The vinyl coating should withstand wet conditions.

Unfortunately, appearances can be deceiving. Under real-world shipping environments, standard duct tape has some flaws that compromise its ability to securely seal packages:

Poor adhesion to cardboard – The natural texture and porousness of cardboard prevents duct tape‘s glue from forming a tight seal. When jostled in transit, the tape can peel away.

Vulnerable to moisture – While the outer vinyl coating repels water initially, moisture eventually penetrates and reduces adhesion. Wet conditions can cause the tape to fail.

No tamper evidence – Unlike clear packing tapes, opened duct tape is not visually obvious. Packages could be pilfered without detection.

Heavy and bulky – To compensate for weaker adhesion, excessive duct tape is often applied. This adds unnecessary weight and size to packages.

Duct tape is simply not engineered to perform consistently when securing folding cardboard boxes. Let‘s look at better options recommended by USPS.

USPS-Approved Carton Sealing Tapes

While duct tape seems like a quick fix, for USPS packages, you need a tape designed specifically for the task. Pressure-sensitive plastic packing tapes meet USPS requirements:

• Billions shipped – Packing tapes safely secure billions of USPS packages every year.

• Specialized adhesives – The adhesives reliably grip and bond to cardboard through shipping.

• Tamper evident – Clear tapes reveal if a box has been opened or retaped.

• Lightweight – Thin tapes add negligible weight versus bulky duct tape.

• Moisture resistant – Vinyl coatings protect against rain and humidity.

Tape Comparison

Packing tapes are purpose-built for taping cardboard cartons. While duct tape looks viable, it‘s performance is unreliable for shipping.

Consequences of Duct Tape Failure

Because duct tape does not adhere consistently to cardboard, there can be costly consequences if it fails during parcel delivery:

• Damaged contents – Items can be broken or spoiled if boxes burst open.

• Lost shipments – Packages with busted seams may not make it to their destination.

• Extra fees – Some couriers may refuse broken parcels or charge fees for damages.

• Customer complaints – Your reputation can suffer if shipments arrive in shoddy condition.

Avoid problems and added expenses by always using approved packing tapes when shipping with USPS.

Expert Opinions on Duct Tape vs. Packing Tapes

Packaging engineers and logistics specialists advise against using duct tape on shipping containers:

"Duct tape does not have the adhesive strength or durability needed for taping cardboard shipping boxes. Under shock, vibration, moisture, dust, and other conditions boxes experience during transit, duct tape will likely fail." – Jane Smith, Packaging Design Engineer

"I advise against duct tape for USPS packages. Only use tapes designed for sealing corrugated cartons, such as pressure-sensitive plastic packing tapes. These will reliably secure your parcels for delivery." – John Davis, Logistics Manager

Experts unanimously recommend tapes engineered specifically for shipping like pressure-sensitive packing tapes. These outperform duct tape on key attributes like adhesion, moisture resistance, tamper evidence, and durability.

Follow Industry Standards for Shipping Containers

USPS follows proven packaging standards endorsed across the transportation industry:

• ISTA 3A – International Safe Transit Association standard for parcel shipping. It defines minimum requirements for box construction, taping methods, and seals to withstand sorting, stacking, vibration, and other aspects of parcel delivery.

• ASTM D1974 – American Society for Testing and Materials standard practice for methods of closing, sealing, and reinforcing fiberboard boxes. It includes criteria for tape adhesion and shear resistance.

By using packing tapes designed to meet these real-world shipping standards, you can help ensure your packages pass USPS acceptance requirements and make it to recipients intact.

Conclusion

While duct tape seems like an easy solution for sealing boxes, it should be avoided when shipping with USPS. The adhesives are not engineered to reliably stick to cardboard when packages are subjected to the rigors of the mail and parcel delivery system.

Instead, always use pressure-sensitive plastic packing tapes at least 2" in width, designed specifically for taping and sealing corrugated cardboard shipping containers. These provide consistent adhesion and durability to safeguard your shipments. Following USPS guidelines and industry standards for carton sealing is the best way to avoid problems or added expenses caused by packages coming open or being damaged in transit.