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BIG PROBLEM: With Priority Mail.

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    JBTurnerJBTurner Posts: 72 ✭✭
    "So, label numbers are trackable."

    USPS Express Mail label numbers are track able....others are not... you are correct.



    "As I stated earlier, USPS is making an effort to provide more in-process tracking info available on-line for all trackable shipments in response to customer feedback on why they prefer FEDEX and UPS. They only promise to do it for express shipments. . . for now."

    What is the source of this information?


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    derrybderryb Posts: 38,555 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>The bar codes tell the automatic sorters which bin to put it into also at the regional sorting centers it's not all done by people any more people.image

    image >>


    And the bar codes also tells the system where the package is when it is automatically scanned. USPS has learned that this automatically uploaded info can be used to provide tracking info to the customer, resulting in continuosly improving on-line tracking for all trackable shipments.

    "A car is a tool that takes you from one place to another. Everything beyond that is a payment for other people's perception of you."

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    derrybderryb Posts: 38,555 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>"So, label numbers are trackable."

    USPS Express Mail label numbers are track able....others are not... you are correct. >>


    Definition of trackable: ability to be tracked. The presence of a barcode on a non-express mail label and the use of a scanner makes that barcode trackable. Such a tracking system is already in place as demonstrated by the current availability of on-line tracking for more than just express shipments.



    << <i> "As I stated earlier, USPS is making an effort to provide more in-process tracking info available on-line for all trackable shipments in response to customer feedback on why they prefer FEDEX and UPS. They only promise to do it for express shipments. . . for now."

    What is the source of this information? >>


    derryb conversation with his local postal supervisor/neighbor.


    Edited to add supporting documentation found at This website.:

    "The USPS is continuing to improve its tracking system, with the goal of providing up to 13 scans from the time a package is accepted to the time a package has been delivered. Tracking improvements are already underway, and we have many examples of pieces getting up to 10 scans. The USPS expects to have additional tracking system improvements in place by 2013, including real time scanning at the time of package delivery."

    "A car is a tool that takes you from one place to another. Everything beyond that is a payment for other people's perception of you."

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    VanHalenVanHalen Posts: 4,330 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>"So, label numbers are trackable."

    USPS Express Mail label numbers are track able....others are not... you are correct.



    "As I stated earlier, USPS is making an effort to provide more in-process tracking info available on-line for all trackable shipments in response to customer feedback on why they prefer FEDEX and UPS. They only promise to do it for express shipments. . . for now."

    What is the source of this information? >>



    All my USPS packages are tracked throughout shipment and to delivery. Have been for a couple years now since USPS started scanning at all points of contact to be competitive with UPS and FedEx.

    My latest shipment (printed via PayPal, this is NOT even Priority Mail):

    First-Class Mail®

    Notice Left August 08, 2012, 1:35 pm HERMOSA BEACH, CA 90254

    Out for Delivery August 08, 2012, 12:16 pm REDONDO BEACH, CA 90277

    Sorting Complete August 08, 2012, 12:06 pm REDONDO BEACH, CA 90277

    Arrival at Post Office August 08, 2012, 8:22 am REDONDO BEACH, CA 90277

    Depart USPS Sort Facility August 08, 2012 LOS ANGELES, CA 90052

    Processed through USPS Sort Facility August 08, 2012, 5:10 am LOS ANGELES, CA 90052

    Depart USPS Sort Facility August 07, 2012 CEDAR RAPIDS, IA 52401

    Processed at USPS Origin Sort Facility August 06, 2012, 9:46 pm CEDAR RAPIDS, IA 52401

    Dispatched to Sort Facility August 06, 2012, 5:56 pm DUBUQUE, IA 52001

    Acceptance August 06, 2012, 4:54 pm DUBUQUE, IA 52001

    Electronic Shipping Info Received August 06, 2012





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    derrybderryb Posts: 38,555 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>This USPS link explains tracking versus confirming.


    http://faq.usps.com/eCustomer/iq/usps/request.do?session={b3f833d0-e1df-11e1-70d5-000000000000}&amp;event=1&amp;view()=c{bed79ad0-2570-11df-c8ab-000000000000}&amp;objectId=&amp;eksObjectId=&amp;objectType=Case&amp;isJumpEnabled=false&amp;isContentJumpEnabled=false&amp;vendorKey=&amp;objTitle=&amp;versionId=9183&amp;searchProperties=type:natural&amp;naturalAdvance=false&amp;allStr=&amp;phraseStr=&amp;anyStr=&amp;noneStr=&amp;keywordStr=&amp;tTitle=&amp;topicFromSub=&amp;topicsORSubUrl=&amp;report(0000)=p{2d783b80-6974-11dd-e6c4-000000000000}&amp;bcobjectId={2adbb220-28a9-11e0-5c1d-000000000000}&amp;search=tracking&amp;topicAndSubtopic=Buying$ALL


    USPS Express mail = Only USPS Service that provides tracking. >>



    USPS Express mail = Only USPS Serivce that promises to provide tracking.

    From your link: "USPS may also provide users with additional scan on items that include confirmation of delivery, such as “processed”, “arrival at unit”, or “out for delivery.” However, the price of these lower-cost products does not include end-to-end visibility."

    Your link tells us that USPS currently promises tracking on express and promises proof of delivery for other types, when purchased. As I have stated USPS is making a concentrated effort to provide end-to-end visibility (tracking) to more than just express mail. Anyone that uses the USPS tracking website to check status of non-express shipments sees this on more and more shipments. USPS realizes that anything with a barcode is trackable; that they are already scanning barcodes automatically during shipment processing and that costs are minimal to upload that info to their website. They are voluntarily providing more and more on-line tracking info for non-express shipments and have a goal of implementing promised tracking on all trackable shipments.

    "A car is a tool that takes you from one place to another. Everything beyond that is a payment for other people's perception of you."

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    VanHalenVanHalen Posts: 4,330 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>The bar codes tell the automatic sorters which bin to put it into also at the regional sorting centers it's not all done by people any more people.image

    image >>


    And the bar codes also tells the system where the package is when it is automatically scanned. USPS has learned that this automatically uploaded info can be used to provide tracking info to the customer, resulting in continuosly improving on-line tracking for all trackable shipments. >>




    Yes, this is correct. All my shipments have been 100% tracked for about 2 years now. It's great. I buy postage through PayPal and ship in padded mailers for under $2 total if I don't buy insurance.
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    rooksmithrooksmith Posts: 1,344 ✭✭✭✭
    With the cutbacks, and now bankruptcy of the USPS workers retirement system, you might want to buy insurance.
    A while back I had a Priority mail (uninsured) that arrived opened, and contained nothing more than a metal candy tin. The sender didnt seal the package correctly, so it looks like someone got sticky fingers along the way. Sometimes the USPS uses third party delivery services (eg. UPS and FedEX) to transport packages. Theres a possiblity for theft there or at the freight airport.
    My postman says that the only way to guarantee delivery is to use EXPRESS (not Priority). With express, you can skip the insurance. And that can work out to be less than Priority with $200 insurance limit. If the package gets lost, someone is going to lose their job. I dont have stats to back that up, but thats what the Postal Carrier (Sr employee) recommended to me.
    “When you don't know what you're talking about, it's hard to know when you're finished.” - Tommy Smothers
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    grote15grote15 Posts: 30,140 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I ship many packages and have found that virtually every package these days is scanned at least a couple of times en route before
    delivery. In fact, sometimes a package is scanned all the way up TO delivery but then never scanned as actually
    delivered! Scanning applies for first class, priority mail--even media mail. Certainly it's not limited to Express Mail
    and is fully viewable on line at any time with the DC tracking number.


    Also, if you use stamps.com for shipping packages (as I sometimes do), going to the window to scan a package into "the system" is not required.
    After all, that's the main reason for using on-line postage in the first place, isn't it. OTOH, I would not try and "scam" the postal system
    either by pretending to mail a package and then trying to collect insurance as that is a felony and a federal offense. Submitting
    a package for scanning also doesn't mean the item is actually in the package as the clerk doesn't open the box to verify its
    contents. Here's the TOS from stamps.com regarding insurance claims:

    Stamps.com has made insuring your packages easier than ever: Post Office drop-off is not required, no special forms are required to fill out or attach to your mailpiece, and claims are conveniently made from your account history and are typically processed in just 7 to 10 days. All this, plus you'll save up to 40% over USPS rates when you insure your shipments with Stamps.com. For more information on Stamps.com insurance select from one of the following:

    Purchasing / Using Stamps.com Insurance
    Insurance Purchase History
    Cancelling an Insurance Purchase
    Filing an Insurance Claim
    Parcel Insurance Plan (PIP) End User License Agreement



    Edit to add: I hope your package turns up and am confident it will--a lot of packages are being delayed
    or misrouted of late but they do turn up eventually. I had a priority mail package take 10 days to travel
    3 states. Good luck!


    Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
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    BigABigA Posts: 2,715 ✭✭✭✭


    << <i> All my USPS packages are tracked throughout shipment and to delivery. Have been for a couple years now since USPS started scanning at all points of contact to be competitive with UPS and FedEx. >>



    Correct....My "non-trackable" packages have, for a few years, been easily followed (tracked) throughout their journey across the country. Type in the number and I can see the latest location and even get an email when it is delivered. No clue where the "you only can track Express Mail" idea came from. 1st class and Priority can be easily tracked 95% of the time....as previously stated it is almost all automatic

    Bar coded labels printed through PayPal.....scanned on acceptance at the USPS....and scanned at every point in the journey...delivery email sent to my phone. I would call that tracking but that's just me I guess.....
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    OPAOPA Posts: 17,161 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>http://faq.usps.com/eCustomer/iq/usps/request.do?session={9e69b5d0-e229-11e1-4391-000000000000}&amp;event=1&amp;view()=c{790f19d0-e9da-11e0-6c5a-000000000000}&amp;objectId=&amp;eksObjectId=&amp;objectType=Case&amp;isJumpEnabled=false&amp;isContentJumpEnabled=false&amp;vendorKey=&amp;objTitle=&amp;versionId=9183&amp;searchProperties=type:natural&amp;naturalAdvance=false&amp;allStr=&amp;phraseStr=&amp;anyStr=&amp;noneStr=&amp;keywordStr=&amp;tTitle=&amp;topicFromSub=&amp;topicsORSubUrl=&amp;report(0000)=p{ceff8d00-6974-11dd-e6c4-000000000000}&amp;bcobjectId={ceff8d00-6974-11dd-e6c4-000000000000}&amp;search=first class mail&amp;topicAndSubtopic=Buying$ALL

    "Delivery Questions

    Can I Track or Trace a First-Class Mailpiece?

    First-Class Mail cannot be tracked."


    What some people refer to as tracking is not tracking at all... only status of the mail piece which is not tracking.
    USPS Express Mail is the only track-able service.... >>



    As the saying goes: "If it walks, quacks & looks like a duck"...etc. Btw, I get the same status reports on my PayPal generated labeled First Class Parcel or Priority Mail, that I receive from my Express Mail generated ones.
    "Bongo drive 1984 Lincoln that looks like old coin dug from ground."
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    pf70collectorpf70collector Posts: 6,841 ✭✭✭
    For peace of mind I never ship anything over $300 Priority Mail. Always registered. Just more of a target for it being stolen above $300.
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    derrybderryb Posts: 38,555 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>For peace of mind I never ship anything over $300 Priority Mail. Always registered. Just more of a target for it being stolen above $300. >>


    And, at about $700-750 insured value it actually becomes cheaper!

    One big flag for thieves of non-registered mail is that additional insurance label if purchasing at the PO counter. Another is showing your higher postage amount on printed shipping labels.

    "A car is a tool that takes you from one place to another. Everything beyond that is a payment for other people's perception of you."

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    LindeDadLindeDad Posts: 18,766 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Biggest flag in shipping is putting "INSURED" on the outside of your package. There is cheaper insurance available that is not sold by the USPS and is not advertised on your shipping label.
    And yes there is a ability to not display the cost of the label at least on the eBay shipping.
    image
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    mrpotatoheaddmrpotatoheadd Posts: 7,576 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>For peace of mind I never ship anything over $300 Priority Mail. Always registered. Just more of a target for it being stolen above $300. >>


    And, at about $700-750 insured value it actually becomes cheaper! >>

    It used to, but not anymore. From the USPS website:

    $1300 coverage
    registered- $16.30
    insured- $15.85

    $1400 coverage
    registered- $16.30
    insured- $16.95
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    BryceMBryceM Posts: 11,930 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Registered mail is safest way to ship high value items but the drawback is that it can take 2 weeks or more in transit as only certain
    postal personnel can handle the package at each stop. If you have an antsy ebay buyer who doesn't have his coin within a week,
    you may very well find a paypal claim for INR before the package gets there. >>



    I agree, but with an item valuable enough to go registered, I don't blindly ship items without at least an e-mail communication with the buyer. A 10 second message can save hours of trouble.
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    grote15grote15 Posts: 30,140 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Registered mail is safest way to ship high value items but the drawback is that it can take 2 weeks or more in transit as only certain
    postal personnel can handle the package at each stop. If you have an antsy ebay buyer who doesn't have his coin within a week,
    you may very well find a paypal claim for INR before the package gets there.


    Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
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    LindeDadLindeDad Posts: 18,766 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Registered mail is safest way to ship high value items but the drawback is that it can take 2 weeks or more in transit as only certain
    postal personnel can handle the package at each stop. If you have an antsy ebay buyer who doesn't have his coin within a week,
    you may very well find a paypal claim for INR before the package gets there. >>



    Answer is Express flat rate plus a lower insurance rate up to $5000.00. All my items over $750.00 go that way and are usually there the next day.
    image
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    As of today, still no updates to my tracking. I am real scared.
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    derrybderryb Posts: 38,555 ✭✭✭✭✭
    It's very possible your buyer already received it and USPS just dropped the ball on proof of delivery. Contact your buyer and tell him you just wanted to make sure he is happy with the coin. If he informs you that he hasn't received it tell him you will look into it. I had the same problem with a registered shipment, it was delivered and signed for, but USPS never updated shipping info.

    If delivery mailman doesn't have a scanner he has the buyer sign a salmon colored slip. This slip goes back to the PO where it is supposed to be entered into the data base. These slips sometimes get lost.

    "A car is a tool that takes you from one place to another. Everything beyond that is a payment for other people's perception of you."

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    grote15grote15 Posts: 30,140 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I have had many occasions where the mailperson does not scan the item as delivered when it was actually delivered, too.

    Unfortunately, if you are in an ebay transaction, a dishonest buyer can claim INR and will win his case without your proof
    of delivery (and signature if it's over $250). I insure high dollar packages in this case not so much because I think the PO
    will actually lose the item (they VERY rarely do), but they DO forget to scan packages as delivered.

    Regrading the Express Mail suggestion above: I actually do use that method also for anything over 1K, because I
    also like the fact that it goes from point A to point B in 24 hours, but registered is still safer.


    Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
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    derrybderryb Posts: 38,555 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Unfortunately, if you are in an ebay transaction, a dishonest buyer can claim INR and will win his case without your proof
    of delivery (and signature if it's over $250). >>


    Which is why you don't want to alert the buyer that tracking shows it not delivered. Most buyers don't look at tracking after they receive their item. Keep an eye on his feedback, chances are you will see it soon.

    "A car is a tool that takes you from one place to another. Everything beyond that is a payment for other people's perception of you."

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    mrpotatoheaddmrpotatoheadd Posts: 7,576 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Keep an eye on his feedback, chances are you will see it soon. >>

    A buyer can leave feedback indicating the item arrived and the seller will still lose a PayPal dispute if there's no delivery confirmation and the buyer claims it wasn't received.
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    derrybderryb Posts: 38,555 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>Keep an eye on his feedback, chances are you will see it soon. >>

    A buyer can leave feedback indicating the item arrived and the seller will still lose a PayPal dispute if there's no delivery confirmation and the buyer claims it wasn't received. >>


    Only if the buyer knows there is no delivery confirmation. image

    "A car is a tool that takes you from one place to another. Everything beyond that is a payment for other people's perception of you."

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    mrpotatoheaddmrpotatoheadd Posts: 7,576 ✭✭✭


    << <i>Only if the buyer knows there is no delivery confirmation. image >>

    Pretty much my point. image
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    grote15grote15 Posts: 30,140 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>Unfortunately, if you are in an ebay transaction, a dishonest buyer can claim INR and will win his case without your proof
    of delivery (and signature if it's over $250). >>


    Which is why you don't want to alert the buyer that tracking shows it not delivered. Most buyers don't look at tracking after they receive their item. Keep an eye on his feedback, chances are you will see it soon. >>



    The honest buyers won't look at tracking, but they're not who you have to worry about--it's the scammers that will punch up USPS.com to check that tracking # on their own.


    Collecting 1970s Topps baseball wax, rack and cello packs, as well as PCGS graded Half Cents, Large Cents, Two Cent pieces and Three Cent Silver pieces.
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    BIG UPDATE! The coin was updated in the system as of today (Started on the 14th and as of today the 16th) a notice was left in the mailbox of the recipient. Wow! I am so relieved. I refunded him his money last night without there being any updated tracking and then all of a sudden today, everything was updated! we both came to the conclusion at the time that the coin was lost and everyone told me that it was the right thing to do, now we are just working on the honor system. He said he would give me the money if the coin ever arrived, well, now it did, so let's see if this pans out just like expected. Onto the next process!
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    AUandAGAUandAG Posts: 25,030 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Yep, good news. I'm sure things will still work out just fine.

    bobimage
    Registry: CC lowballs (boblindstrom), bobinvegas1989@yahoo.com
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    illini420illini420 Posts: 11,544 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>BIG UPDATE! The coin was updated in the system as of today (Started on the 14th and as of today the 16th) a notice was left in the mailbox of the recipient. Wow! I am so relieved. I refunded him his money last night without there being any updated tracking and then all of a sudden today, everything was updated! we both came to the conclusion at the time that the coin was lost and everyone told me that it was the right thing to do, now we are just working on the honor system. He said he would give me the money if the coin ever arrived, well, now it did, so let's see if this pans out just like expected. Onto the next process! >>



    I wouldn't pop open that champagne just yet... I'd wait until the guy actually gets the coin. So far, you just know a notice was left for a package... that notice could be for a damaged or even empty package.
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    BAJJERFANBAJJERFAN Posts: 31,616 ✭✭✭✭✭
    FWIW, I mailed a priority box from Ames, IA around 4 p.m. on thurs 08/16 and it was delivered in Omaha yesterday the 17th around noon.
    theknowitalltroll;
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    rooksmithrooksmith Posts: 1,344 ✭✭✭✭
    Instead of Priority next time use EXPRESS for the coins worth over $100. I use it because I know people who work at the USPS who tell me things.

    If an Express package is lost or stolen, someone is going to lose their job. Priority is all subcontracted out these days, thanks to Congress's mandate that USPS be profitable. (unlike any other government agency).
    “When you don't know what you're talking about, it's hard to know when you're finished.” - Tommy Smothers
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    SeattleSlammerSeattleSlammer Posts: 10,121 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Instead of Priority next time use EXPRESS for the coins worth over $100. I use it because I know people who work at the USPS who tell me things.

    If an Express package is lost or stolen, someone is going to lose their job. Priority is all subcontracted out these days, thanks to Congress's mandate that USPS be profitable. (unlike any other government agency). >>





    Hey buddy, ya can't just resurrect an old thread like this and act like no time has passed! image
    I've never (knock on wood) had a problem with Priority and I've used it a lot (knock on wood).
    Carry on.

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