How rigorous are the post office on parcel size limits?

sequence

I use PIP boxes that are EXACTLY the LL size, sometimes a few mm too big without problems. I think if you use postage that can be sorted automatically you can get away with slightly larger than the size limit. All of the post I've sent with stamps that was slightly oversize had been rejected, the ones sent with online postage get through fine.

cepheus

chancesare wrote: »

Buy a PIP box for anything that shape shifts.

Yeah, if your sending a lot of stuff, that might be a good idea, but this is just a one off. Sure I recall the Post office selling these a few mm to thick!

However, I'll probably give it to a charity shop, given the price, not worth the hassle.

PIP

It's not really ambiguous

My advice is don't enter the legal profession!

RFW

cepheus wrote: »

My advice is don't enter the legal profession!

If you're talking legally, then it is definitely not ambiguous. There is a clear size and weight structure. The ambiguity comes from Post Offices interpreting those sizes incorrectly.

slimfandango

It used to be that they'd put it in the slot tester and it would have to drop through.
This not the case now. If they can pull it through from one side using their finger tips it's good to go.
Many things flip and flop around the bag. Many PO staff will say 'it's jammed' etc etc, try to charge Parcel price. BS. Just get them to pull it through.

slimfandango

RFW wrote: »

I've just had a similar thing with a large letter parcel that was between 240 and 250g but always under. The manufacturer recently updated the product and I had no cause to think it was different but I had one that needed going a different post method so took it to the Post Office and found it was 255g, it looks like there's some new packaging that tips it over. I've sent quite a few in recent times with no problems. That was from my own printed postage.

Reported to RM.

Brooker_Dave

My local post office ordered one of the boxes for me, so I can try parcels in first and adjust them to suit, I think you can buy the large letter templates from Staples too, but I just charge a flat rate and if they fit through the slot it's more profit for me (which is nice).

WLM21

cepheus wrote: »

a) What happens if there is a bulge in the middle which exceeds 25mm

Hit it with a hammer !

Cornucopia

I was told by a reliable PO source that the rules changed (this was about 18 months ago).

Originally, items had to be able to free-fall through the large letter slot. But the PO changed the rules so that items could be pushed, but not forced through.

I've stopped eBaying, but I always used to use cardboard boxes for shipping as Large Letter. I always though Jiffy bags would be a bit too vague for size-based postage charges.

RFW

slimfandango wrote: »

Reported to RM.

PM me for my name and address:p

cepheus

Interesting FOI request on Royal Mail tolerances here, although this was in 2009 and regarded weight not size. This was the reply

I am unable to either confirm or deny that Royal Mail holds information falling within the scope of this request. To confirm or deny the existence of any such tolerance would be likely to result in an increase in mail on which postage was underpaid. This would prejudice Royal Mail’s commercial interests and the exemption under section 43 of the Freedom of Information Act therefore applies.

https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/tolerance_around_weight_limits

although it's a long story, follow the link!

could be pushed, but not forced through.

So this is not ambiguous! Presumably using a mallet isn't allowed