Is the USPS really not required to scan packages?

[timelord_science]

I've been off & on the phone with various USPS branches (as I'm sure many of us have been) and I keep getting conflicting answers on this.

The branch in Virginia told me that postal employees are required to scan/get items out in a timely manner (however long that may be these days); however, when I called my local branch, the employee told me they aren't legally required to scan packages at all.

Which is it? 

[alcoforever]

I suspect that employee that told you scans are not required is wrong.

USPS has sold you a service, delivery confirmation, so they are required to provide that service and that means scans are required.

[pooh333piglet]

What USPS says and what happens can be 2 very different things. Your package should, at the very least, get 1 scan saying delivered.

During pandemic back in summer I had 6 delivered with absolutely no scan at any time. 

[1grandmashope_1]

Required and implemented are two different things.

Sorry, but it is an overwhelmed system with overwhelmed workers.

Grandma

[timelord_science]

Oh! I definitely understand that. I just have been waiting for 2 weeks for any scans (6 packages are still in the pre-ship stage) so I called since I was curious. My local used to always scan in up till the holiday crazy & she responded "oh, well, they're not required to so you've just been lucky"

[a_c_green]

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@timelord_science wrote:

My local used to always scan in up till the holiday crazy & she responded "oh, well, they're not required to so you've just been lucky"

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...aaaaand she's wrong. In fact, a few years back, the head guy of public affairs at USPS (I'd have to go dig it up now) put out a public release to debunk some of the myths that were circulating at that time about package tracking, and made a point of stating that the packages are indeed expected to be scanned in at Acceptance time. It is not a gray area.

[1grandmashope_1]

Yes, but right or wrong,  it us not always being implemented. 

That is the reality. 

G.

[timelord_science]

I thought that was the case/had read similar somewhere so if nothing else, I'm glad I'm not crazy. 😓 But now I'm seriously worried about my local post if that's the idea they're working under (no scans required, that is)

[mattashine]

I encountered this in my area. It began with some spotty packages early last month, then after Thanksgiving, it just stopped. I initiated package searches and one of the offices that called me told me that when these places fall behind, they skip origin scanning because there are metrics used to evaluate performance. And they know the packages will not be leaving efficiently, so they let them go unscanned.

In my area, going in to the office is not a guaranteed way of getting origin scans. The clerks never scan packages. And since Covid, they have been having people drop off packages at a door. The only way I have managed to get origin scans lately is if I arrange pickup and enter in a detailed accounting of every package.

[donsdetour]

well it seems that employees of the USPS do what they want instead of their job.

Scanning the items is also a internal protection of theft of items in the USPS.

Hence it can be reported to the postal inspectors when it is refused due to this is a sign of a theft ring internal to the USPS. 

It is how one such ring got caught, as well as the cameras...

Simple to say no delivery scan no item in the eyes of the USPS. If you find one that says they do not have to do it; inform them of this.  If they still refuse ask for a postal inspector: you may need to go up the chain to get it properly reported.

[timelord_science]

Originally when I called a week ago about 7 packages not scanned/accepted, they were super upfront about things; they said they were about a week & half behind and not to worry. That if I wanted a scan, I'd have to come in with a scan form, get a receipt, or get pick-up next time. I did a pick up a few days later & they did actually scan it as picked up.

Now they're telling me they aren't required to scan things & I explained I'm about to have to give a bunch of refunds to people since scans never updated as accepted (and it'll be 2 weeks come Sunday) and she was like, well, not much we can do unfortunately but wish you the best! 🙃

[pooh333piglet]

If scanned as picked up then you got a scan. Its at sort facility most likely sitting with thousands of packages for the next scan. That's been awhile so any minute now you should get another. 

[toooldtorock]

"the employee told me they aren't legally required to scan packages at all."

This happens because of USPS management. Most carriers I deal with scan on the spot

but others have an attitude. It is lost on them when you work in a service industry, you

have to provide service. Management fails to drive that simple proposition into the

mail carrier's heads.

[timelord_science]

oh! no, the 7 missing, unscanned packages in question were dropped off on the inside blue drop bin on the 6th and haven't been scanned at all/still showing awaiting acceptance. The pick-up was a totally different group of packages.

[timelord_science]

I thought about contacting the postal inspector/general (not sure which it is) but I know they're super swamped with things + others have said they haven't been getting scan updates (some like me who never get items scanned in at all). I guess I don't want to add even more to their (USPS) plate but..if they're really under the idea that they don't have to scan things, that means I either have to drive an entire town over to hope they'll scan my items, do a massive pick-up and hope they scan, or hope to not get COVID and stand in hour long lines.