USPS Acceptance Scan Fail Example

[berserkerplanet]

An example of USPS not scanning at acceptance (or at the first distribution center)

I normally don't have any problems. Most of my stuff fits in the blue box out back. and 99% of the time gets a scan at approx 5pm when picked up. The other 1% 1-4 hours later at the distribution center. The things I drop in the blue boxes, or drop on the at the end counter at the big PO, rarely get acceptance scans at the PO, but do at the distribution center in the evening 99% of the time. On rare occasions, if there is no line, I'll get a face to face scan.

Overall, I have no issues with acceptance scans or eBay metrics.

This one is a bit different. Dropped it at the PO counter (actually, handed it to a clerk sorting the counter piles into carts since the Postmaster had the end counter drop area clogged dealing with a pesky customer)

eBay order 8:41am Mon 4/16, dropped Parcel Select package at PO (95815)  Mon 3:10pm

Mailed 4/16/18 at 3:10pm at PO Counter (95815)

The origin acceptance scan must be computer generated, since Bell Gardens Dist Center is in SoCal while I'm in NorCal (400 miles away). Looks like the PO didn't scan it (expected), but it also missed a scan at the West Sacramento Dist center (expected), and didn't get scanned until it hit Bell Gardens. (I have never had any problems with delays or losses at Bell Gardens for those with a bone to pick with that facility)

I also dropped a First Class Package shipment off with that Parcel Select box at the same time - the FCP received an origin acceptance scan that evening.

This is why I went to a 2 day handling time. Just made it on this one.

Not the best example with only a 2 day initial scan delay, but that graphic can be used the next time a buyer accusation of printing a label and not shipping for a week pops up

[jonathankirkland]

I guess I've been very fortunate all of my packages sent USPS have made it to ther destination in a reasonable time without any issues. *knock on wood*

I can understand how that would be frustrating though, for both buyer & seller. Too bad the USPS can't come up with a better way to handle the massive amount of packages they handle daily.

[berserkerplanet]

Yep, they do pretty well. As I indicated. less than 1% of my mailings have scan issues, and I can count on the fingers of one hand delays, loss, or damage in about 6k.

It is frustrating that USPS seems to have taken a step backward in scan consistency and delivery times that last year or two, especially with eBay and other venue seller metrics tightening, and things like Guaranteed Delivery.

Don't want to turn this into a debate on GD, or scan sheets, or anything else like that thought. Just a post to show solid evidence that acceptance scans don't always happen when they should.

[a_c_green]

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@berserkerplanet wrote:

This one is a bit different. Dropped it at the PO counter (actually, handed it to a clerk sorting the counter piles into carts since the Postmaster had the end counter drop area clogged dealing with a pesky customer) 

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Well, that stinks. Maybe you could print out the tracking and go have a chat with the local postmaster about this one? You have a valid complaint and valid reasons for why you need them to scan properly.

[slippinjimmy]

Parcel Select and Media Mail are usually handled differently tham First Class or Priority.

First thing is that they often are sent to a different processing center and second they are rarely given scans at the accepting post office.

This is the way my packages have been handled for years, mailing from Upstate NY my FC & PM go to Rochester and are scanned shortly after arrival there (plus usually an acceptance scan. My PS & MM go to Pittsburgh and don't get a scan for 36 - 48 hours.

If it's important to you then produce a SCAN form for all your shipments and have it scanned by your carrier or at your local PO if you drop off.

If you want top level service you need to pay for a top level service.

[berserkerplanet]

I've interacted with him before (5 pounds of tape shipped to me by a seller with PM FRE postage on it) and (I just used a variant of this phrase in another thread): "I might as well bang my head against the wall."

It isn't a problem for me. I rarely ship Parcel Select (which I think may have something to do with this), rarely ship at the PO, made my handling time on this one, and have no dings on my eBay metrics. It sucks to not be able to count on consistent service from USPS 100% of the time (to be able to not worry about it at all), but I doubt I can fix this issue.

If it were to become a problem, I'd go to 3 day handling. Then 4, 5, or 12. If still a problem, forgo TRS (only real benefit is slight USPS discount sometimes) or stand in line for everything (scan sheets won't work for me - won't bulk print labels).

(my OP wasn't a rant or a whine or a call for help - just a data point for all to see. USPS scan fails do happen. And to some, a lot more than others. Not sure if that's geography or karma 🙂

[berserkerplanet]

Interesting. I didn't notice any real differences in Parcel Select in years past, but I'll grant that USPS has been changing things over time (and I don't ship much PS and have little data).

I may have to think about either standing in line for the rare PS shipment, or extend my handling time on those listings.

With Smartpost in the dumper due to Dim Weight rating now, PS has become a more viable choice for bulky things and I'll probably be using it more often.

[a_c_green]

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@berserkerplanet wrote:
I've interacted with him before (5 pounds of tape shipped to me by a seller with PM FRE postage on it) and (I just used a variant of this phrase in another thread): "I might as well bang my head against the wall."

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Well, okay, you've definitely got a personnel issue there. Whether you want to escalate your complaint to the regional level is your choice...

On the topic of scanning Parcel Select packages: I was in the habit of dropping First Class Package padded-envelope shipments in the small Letters/Bundles wall drop, since I didn't think it made sense to go putting them in the big parcel drop chute on the opposite side of the lobby, but one day a clerk passing through the lobby saw me putting my FCP padded envelopes in the wall drop, and said that I should be using the big package chute for all on-line prepaid packages, regardless of size.

Her explanation was that when they empty the big drop chute, they expect to see a barcode on every package, and the guy emptying the chute is equipped with a scanner so he can Accept every package right there. In contrast, when they're emptying the Letters/Bundles wall drop on the other side, they do not expect to see a barcode on that mail, so if one turns up, they have to go find the portable scanner in order to scan in that one mailpiece. I'm now doing as requested, and everything's been fine.

[wrong66]

In the San Francisco Bay Area, First Class & Priority parcels are processed in one facility. Parcel Select, Media Mail, etc. are processed in a completely different center in a different city. 

[a_c_green]

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@wrong66 wrote:

In the San Francisco Bay Area, First Class & Priority parcels are processed in one facility. Parcel Select, Media Mail, etc. are processed in a completely different center in a different city. 

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Cleveland.