any luck on domestic flights?

My friend is visiting his kids at xmas and decided the tub was the way to get his presents to Cleveland. I called the EXP desk and they said, presents must be unwrapped and dimensions are standard -- 62 linear inches and no more than 50#.

Does he need to wait until TSA scans his tote before duct taping that baby shut or do it and just bring more duct tape?

Thanks.

lala