I recently shipped a package from Fedex. The person behind the counter said is there alcohol in the box? I said no and then they said the reasoning I'm asking is because that box is used for shipping alcohol. I have shipped over 60 packages from this place and have never been asked anything other then have you packed it good enough since I mark it as glassware. I have had alcohol shipped before from the few places that will ship to NJ but, this box didn't have any of those "alcohol inside need a signature stickers, looked brand new, and didn't look like any of the boxes I got when purchasing beer online. Also the box wasn't making any sounds where you would think liquid was inside. Has this happened to anyone else? Are there specific boxes for shipping alcohol?
Some boxes have prints on the bottom such as "6 BOTTLES" or something similar. When I see that, I tape a piece of paper over it.
Hmm I don't think they lifted up the box to see the bottom but, maybe they did. Good information to know regardless...
I use black duct tape to cover any unwanted markings and labels that you can't peel off without compromising the integrity of the box your using to ship. Works like a charm. No such thing as overkill when it comes to packing.
Duct tape is a bad idea. I've been warned not to use it by shipping companies in the past. Since I don't want to draw any extra attention I do the packing tape/paper/packing tape so it will still tear off the writing if they get nosey.
Thanks for the tip! I have had no issues with it as of yet. I recycle boxes from the dock of the place I work. Since I use it to cover labels from other companies, I never gave it much thought. Shippers I have used thanked me for blacking out the old labels. Never too late to learn something new though!
I have always been told the reason duct tape is a bad idea is because once it starts to peel up, it sticks to everything as the box moves in the shipping process... Which can ultimately lead to the box snagging, tearing, and breaking open. Also it could peel off the shipping label. I try to keep a roll of filament strapping tape with my packing supplies. I lay down a few pieces of it and then tape with normal clear packing tape on top. I don't know if there is any real "science" to my reasoning, but it helps me sleep better.
Don't get me wrong, I use packing tape to seal my boxes. All seams and corners. All sides of the box wind up looking like a four-square game. Always have. I just used pieces of the duct tape to cover up the smaller labels that won't peel off. But you're right about the potential for it to do more harm than good. Never thought of that. What you're saying makes sense.
I usually use clear shipping/packing tape, but you can also use thin brown packing tape to cover stuff up as well.
