Tuesday, April 3, 2007

Pop Quiz!

The United States Postal Service clerk asks “Does this parcel contain anything fragile, liquid, perishable, or potentially hazardous?” Inside the parcel are some very young pu’er tea samples going to a friend. How would you answer?

A) Maybe
B) It’s not liquid, for sure
C) Please define "potentially hazardous"
D) I need a lawyer
E) I assert my fifth amendment rights [against self incrimination]
F) None of the above
G) All of the above

I think I may have lied to a federal agent yesterday. I simply said no.

3 comments:

Brent said...

Haha, I think I like answer B the most. Very entertaining! I also commend you for your bravery in posting about your potentially illegal activity (which sort of eliminates answer choice E, incidentally). Good luck with your future hazardous material/pu-erh shipments!

Ido said...

A)"is this a trick question?"

B)"mmmm donoughts"

C)"Can I call a friend?"

D)"FedEx number please"

E)"Sooooo, whats your name?"

F)"Your boss is my uncle!"

~ Phyll said...

Brent -- arguably the most correct answer. You get an A. You got a great blog, by the way!

Ido -- What olive oil brand do you eat? F for you. You got a great blog, too, if it's any consolation.

It's a standard question that USPS personnels have to ask before accepting a mail parcel.

(From USPS website)

251 Guidelines for Acceptance Personnel

Postal Service personnel may not open mail sealed against inspection except under the circumstances described in ASM 274. Accordingly, knowledge of the content of such mail may be obtained directly from the mailer (e.g., a mailer may ask questions about mailing requirements or mark the outside of the mailpiece to indicate the contents) or indirectly through leakage or other escape of the contents. Subject to the applicable restrictions, acceptance personnel must:

a. Determine the mailability of all hazardous materials, perishable matter, or otherwise restricted matter offered for mailing at a retail unit or business mail entry unit (BMEU). This process must include a thorough inspection of all sides of the mailpiece for evidence of hazardous materials (e.g., markings). At retail units, mailers must be asked the question: "Does this parcel contain anything fragile, liquid, perishable, or potentially hazardous?"

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