You have a USPS shipping Question???

[the-book-monster]

As I read these threads I see a LOT of misinformation floating around about the USPS.

My day job is that of a Delivery Supervisor (EAS 17), and I have worked for the USPS for 14 years.

I will be glad to answer any questions you have. I am not on these threads all day, but will answer as quickly as I can.

[siayan]

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@the-book-monster wrote:

As I read these threads I see a LOT of misinformation floating around about the USPS.

My day job is that of a Delivery Supervisor (EAS 17), and I have worked for the USPS for 14 years.

I will be glad to answer any questions you have. I am not on these threads all day, but will answer as quickly as I can.

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@the-book-monster 2 questions

1. Are packages still required to be scanned if delivered over the counter. Some come here with a problem that clercks refuse to scan packages.

2. Are carriers required to scan pick-ups? Some people come here and drivers refuse to scan packages.

This s really the biggest problem we see here with the PO. 

[jonathankirkland]

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@siayan wrote:

 1. Are packages still required to be scanned if delivered over the counter. Some come here with a problem that clercks refuse to scan packages.

2. Are carriers required to scan pick-ups? Some people come here and drivers refuse to scan packages.

This s really the biggest problem we see here with the PO. 

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When I deliver packages to my local post office down the road, they scan all of them and give me a receipt.

However when I put a very small package in my mailbox and the mail man picks it up, it seems that it takes days for it to even get scanned in that it has been picked up. Sometimes this worries me thinking, "did they lose it? did they even pick it up or was it stolen out of my mail box?"

As far as my question, regarding using Media Mail for video games... I've been told and I have researched this and see video games do not quality as media, however any time I have ever bought a video game or even a bunch of video games it has ALWAYS shipped to me using media mail. I have started re-selling video games and using Media Mail, but told that I could get in big trouble for doing that, is that the case? What is the worst case scenario that will happen by doing this?

Second question, how come USPS prices seem so ridiculous compared to FedEx prices for larger/heavier packages? I cannot afford to use USPS anymore for anything over 10 lbs because in some cases it is half the price to use FedEx and I offer free shipping on my lots.

[sidemouse]

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@the-book-monster wrote:

As I read these threads I see a LOT of misinformation floating around about the USPS.

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Yes there is, matter of fact there is a lot of of misinformation floating around about pretty much everything under the sky here, I unfortunately doubt your 'assistance' is going to stem the flow much.

[swenson8781]

My usual carrier scans my packages asap when he picks them up.  If he has a sub, sometimes they don't get scanned until later in the day (I assume when they are back at the station).  Maybe they don't have time when running the route?  

As for Media Mail, @jonathankirkland, this was copied from the USPS website under 'Media Mail'...

Notes

• Perfect for sending books and educational materials.

Commercial Pricing Available

Rules & Restrictions

• Maximum weight is 70 lbs.
• The material sent must be educational media. Video games, computer drives, or digital drives of any kind are not items qualified for mailing at Media Mail prices.

[the-book-monster]

1) All packages that have a barcode, require a scan at time of delivery, regardless of the location of delivery. This sounds like a lazy clerk problem.
2) If the carrier has a "Package Pickup Slip" for an address, they simply scan the barcode on the slip when they receive the packages. There is no need to scan the packages. If no slip is present, then yes the carrier must scan the package "Pre-Paid Acceptance".

[muttlymob]

Are packages still required to be scanned if delivered over the counter. Some come here with a problem that clercks refuse to scan packages.

All packages with tracking are required to be scanned upon delivery.  Doesn't matter if the delivery is by a carrier to your mailbox, or to your door, or the clerk at the counter if you have to pick up your package there.

Are carriers required to scan pick-ups?

Yes.  All packages are supposed to be scanned when picked up.

[muttlymob]

I have started re-selling video games and using Media Mail, but told that I could get in big trouble for doing that, is that the case? What is the worst case scenario that will happen by doing this?

If caught, the packages could be returned to you for correct postage or sent to the buyer as postage due.  If you buy your labels online then your account may be billed for the postage due and the package will get sent without much delay.

If the PO where you mail the packages finds out you could be required to present all media rate packages to them unsealed before they will accept them.  If you try dumping them in blue boxes or other unattended package bins to avoid scrutiny you could find further restrictions on your mailings.

Not saying you would go to those lengths to mail ineligible materials at media rate, just stating the worst case possibilities.

[the-book-monster]

1) I always recommend when you are running a business, to make sure the mailman or USPS gets your product... give it to them yourself. There is a lot of mail theft, and also many new carriers may fail to scan your product when they pick it up... causing this delay. In the future I advise you to schedule a pickup, give it to the carrier yourself, or drop it over the counter at your local PO.
2) Video games are not media mail. Sorry. People do lie and get away with it, but most people take the moral high ground. I am not sure what "big Trouble" they are referring to, other than having to resend the item, with the proper postage.
3) Large heavy packages are no the wheel house of the USPS. So they are not as competitive. But I challenge you to find a better shipping rate on any of the FLAT rate boxes and envelopes... 🙂

[the-book-monster]

Packages and/or package pickup slips SHOULD be scanned at the time and location of pickup. Failure to do so, is a failure of the carrier to follow protocol, OR a failure of management to fully train a new replacement sub in that aspect of his/her job.

When a new carrier begins work they go through a few weeks of training, which can overwhelming for many people... there are a lot of things to remember as a Post Man... if you see the carrier pickup from your home, you can always ask them to scan them in front of you.

[muttlymob]

If the carrier has a "Package Pickup Slip" for an address, they simply scan the barcode on the slip when they receive the packages. There is no need to scan the packages. If no slip is present, then yes the carrier must scan the package "Pre-Paid Acceptance".

The package pick-up slip (for a scheduled pickup) only indicates that the pickup occurred.  It does not contain any tracking information on the packages that are picked up.  That would take a SCAN form, which is different form the pickup form. 

[buyselljack2016]

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@the-book-monster wrote:
1) All packages that have a barcode, require a scan at time of delivery, regardless of the location of delivery. This sounds like a lazy clerk problem.

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The person that posted this ? may by delivery mean when they are delivering it to to Post Office to be sent out rather than a carrier/collection box pick up.  I could be wrong. Would not be the 1st time, won't be the last.

They may be looking for the acceptance scan.  I see no reason why a clerk would not be scanning a delivery when it is going over the counter to be "delivered" to the customer.

[readabouthorses]

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@the-book-monster wrote:
1) I always recommend when you are running a business, to make sure the mailman or USPS gets your product... give it to them yourself. There is a lot of mail theft, and also many new carriers may fail to scan your product when they pick it up... causing this delay. In the future I advise you to schedule a pickup, give it to the carrier yourself, or drop it over the counter at your local PO.
2) Video games are not media mail. Sorry. People do lie and get away with it, but most people take the moral high ground. I am not sure what "big Trouble" they are referring to, other than having to resend the item, with the proper postage.
3) Large heavy packages are no the wheel house of the USPS. So they are not as competitive. But I challenge you to find a better shipping rate on any of the FLAT rate boxes and envelopes... 🙂

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On #1 .. I have to trust my rural mail carrier will take the package and scan it because I cannot schedule a pickup because I'm too far off the road and the mail carrier won't come up here even to deliver packages. I cannot stand down by the mailbox and wait for him because one day he might show up at 12:30 and the next day it might be 4 pm. It is a 12 mile round trip to town to mail it at the PO so I have to trust my rural carrier.

On #2 .. are they no longer sending these packages on to the buyer with Postage Due? There is a lot of Media Mail abuse in the magazine back issues here on eBay and I wasn't sure if they were still sending them on with Postage Due when discovered or are they now billing the sender like other packages with underpaid postage with the new verification system.

[muttlymob]

are they no longer sending these packages on to the buyer with Postage Due?

Postage due is still happening.

I don't know if the new automated system is working, or if it is working everywhere.  But as of Thursday I can testify that postage due still does happen at least for some classes of mail.

[the-book-monster]

There is an often overlooked step you can take to increase your service. Get to know your mailman. What is their name? Strike up a conversation with them some time, be friendly... You may not see them that often, but when you do say hi, offer up a bottle of water in the heat. Those types of things go a long way to having them go the extra step for you. After you get to know them, casually mention your book business... Hopefully as a rural delivery you will have the same mailman for a long time.