Packages picked up by USPS yesterday still have not had an initial scan

[barcopper]

I had a usps pickup scheduled yesterday for two pretty valuable packages (we weren't sure if we'd be able to drop off and they needed to ship that day)

Anyway, they came and picked them up around 4pm yesterday. We have a ring camera and we have the mail carrier on the camera picking up both packages. He did not scan them as he picked them up.

As of now, 11:00am the next day, there is no initial scan. It is still showing as "pre-shipment" via tracking. Usually by now a picked up package would have several scans.

I'm trying not to freak out. They both have full insurance. If something happens, since I have proof they were in the hands of USPS, will my insurance still be honored even if they don't scan them?

I have never had this happen. I've done probably over 100 usps pickups and the packages are always scanned at pickup and of course these are the most valuable packages I've ever put out for pickup. 

[mjp29]

I am experiencing the same problem with 2 shipments.  One picked up 8 days ago, and one picked up yesterday.

Nothing shows up in tracking but the fact that I printed a label & reports local post office is awaiting my package.   I seen the first package picked up, but in 8 days, no scans on the package.

I guess we are at the buyers mercy, as to whether they leave positive feedback.

?

[no_zero369]

Looks like you need to have a heart to heart with your carrier or if a Sub was on the route that day, talk with the PostMaster.  These things do happen, but it was most likely a sub who was lazy or didn't understand their responsibilities.

You should get a scan when the package gets scanned at a sorting center.  That will ease you mind as to the fact it is in the system and on the way, but won't help your on time shipping metric.

If you get no scan in the system it might be hard to collect on the insurance as USPS could claim porch pirates got them.  I guess the video from the camera, if it is time/date stamped, could help with an insurance claim?

Hope this works out for you!  Stuff like this is why I "waste" time standing in line at the PO to get a scan & receipt.

[simba6]

They can be very lax about scanning packages.   The risk is if it gets lost before it's scanned your out of luck.

[barcopper]

Even if I have vide and photo proof showing the USPS carrier picking up the packages and a "successful pickup" email? Seems crazy. 

[barcopper]

How long can it take to get scanned at the sorting center?

One of these packages is huge and heavy. The odds of both getting "lost" is slim. The only real possibility would be them being stolen, and I have proof that they are in USPS hands

[powell-memorabilia]

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@barcopper wrote:

How long can it take to get scanned at the sorting center?

One of these packages is huge and heavy. The odds of both getting "lost" is slim. The only real possibility would be them being stolen, and I have proof that they are in USPS hands

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If the package is lost or stolen, I don’t think that you are protected.  How would USPS know that those were insured?  How do they know that you paid for postage?  Even if they believe you, I doubt that there is a mechanism to pay out a claim on an item that their systems show was never in their hands.

[no_zero369]

eBay certainly won't accept "video evidence" as proof of anything.  their reply - it could have been doctored and no way to tell.

No idea what the USPS would do with that video proof.  I guess they may figure if you want to lie to scam something like the Government, and risk Federal Charges,  then so be it.  Might take your proof?  Then again, they could say, "No scan no pay out."

Just hope it gets through the process.

[ochoco-collectibles]

The Ring camera can be a great tool for many things, but I do not believe a shipper will honor it unless the actual package that was/is picked up can be verified.

[barcopper]

One of them is a very large, heavy package. The ebay and usps label match with what is on the footage. Also, how would USPS explain a successful pickup (proof is in the video and the email from USPS saying the pickup was successful) for those two tracking numbers that match the size and weight of the pickup? And then have no scans of any packages in my name (meaning that what did USPS pick up if they can't prove they picked up and scanned something else).

Just seems that I have a lot of irrefutable proof that these specific packages tied to these specific tracking numbers were picked up by a USPS employee, and is in USPS hands.

I will also obviously file a police report if the packages aren't delivered in the 2 day priority window and tracking isn't updated. 

I can't believe this has happened. 

[barcopper]

So how is USPS going to prove they picked up anything at all if they didn't scan anything at the pickup? The blame lies on them since they failed to scan anything.

If they can't prove they scanned something different how could they possibly tell me the packages I put out don't match the tracking?

Additionally, the measurements and weight of one of the packages is a very unique size and it easily matches up with the package in the video (which is dragging down the stairs by the way)

I just don't understand how video proof of them picking these packages up wouldn't hold up legally

[no_zero369]

Oh my.  I think you are getting yourself all worked up over what "might" happen.  All you can do right  now is wait and see if tracking eventually shows up.  When are the EDDs on those two shipments?  I'd sit back with an adult beverage and watch and wait for those dates before expending much energy.

Right now unless you find a lawyer familiar with USPS insurance claims, any opinions expressed here are just speculation.  Who knows how USPS will respond and what "evidence" they will accept until you are in the situation?  The "rules" might vary based on the person applying them, their knowledge, experience and temperament.

As far as ebay not taking videos as "proof" - no speculation there.  The collective experience of those posting here and perhaps even statements by the Blues indicate that video will not be accepted as "proof" of anything.  You can "not understand" all you want, but thems the facts as far as eBay is concerned.  I know you don't like it but you need to accept that.

I know it is fun to speculate, but it has a cost in negative energy, worry and other stuff.  I dunno, maybe I changed as I now just want to look at facts and respond to those.  I guess it is hard to have this perspective, but it has for me reduced stress.

But right now the facts are the items are not on your porch, they have valid prepaid labels and if they are in USPS possession a scan will eventually show up. 

[barcopper]

Sorry, I am definitely worked up. It has been a tough week. These were very expensive packages. My fault for not going to a post office and dropping them off, but I have never had any issues. Dozens and dozens of pickups where they were all scanned as they were picked up. Just seems almost too random that the only time I ship expensive, insured packages is the time they go unscanned for almost 24 hours. 

I spoke with the postmaster locally and they basically told me the driver must have forgot to scan, but that they should definitely have been scanned in at the hub by now. 

As far as video proof, I wouldn't be going through ebay. I'd be going through my USPS insurance and the police.  This wouldn't be Ebay's fault, it's the Post Office's fault. And I know for a fact that ring video footage does count as evidence in crimes (if it turns out that is what happened. But I'm not making that assumption just yet)

I just don't believe there is no recourse for USPS drivers or employees not scanning insured packages and then just having them go missing in the system...

Ugh. Definitely need an adult beverage!

[powell-memorabilia]

I don’t think that anyone is doubting that you had the packages collected.  However, we’re doubting that, if the packages are lost, you’ll have any reasonable recourse against the USPS.  You’d have a heck of a time figuring out what to do – because those at your local PO wouldn’t know how to trick the system (and shouldn’t even try), and anyone you call on the phone won’t be able to see your video, let alone piece together the information for an “ah-ha” moment. 

You can be right all day –  it doesn’t mean that you’d be reimbursed by a gov’t entity. 

[no_zero369]

@barcopper 

LOL!  You have my "permission" to call it a day, grab an adult beverage and chill a bit!  Hard work needs a reward!

I suspect this is going to work out in the long run. So put your feet up, relax and watch the circus from the sidelines.  Then as the EDD approaches you can spring into action as needed.

Sounds like you did the right thing talking to your PM, who is now aware of a problem and can fix it.  So good move there.

Hope you have a great weekend!  Enjoy the 'show" even if it is blank tracking for a bit!

GL!