Is USPS supposed to give me a tracking number automatically?

[archcommus]

I've made two Priority Mail shipments recently by physically going into the post office and both times I forgot to ask for a tracking number, and they never gave me one.

Tracking numbers are automatic without a fee, correct? Should I have to ask to get it?

The last I sent was my memory back to Corsair, I noticed they noted in the email to keep my tracking number. Is it alright I don't have one?

 

[HN]

Negative if you physically walk in. I think you have to ask for delivery confirmation which comes with the tracking number and that's a charge.
However, if you print your priority mailing label online, delivery confirmation (and tracking) is free.

**edit**
Ah, yes. it's not tracking like "package is here; here...;here..." but more delivered and confirmed. clarified by below.

 

[Reel]

Tracking is usually not available with USPS. However, you can get Delivery Confirmation which is the closest thing for most packages. It basically has 2 updates, sent and received. There are rarely and intermediate updates. You have to pay for the service, less than a dollar though.

If you don't have one now, it is too late. Just pray they don't give you a hard time and it arrives as expected.

 

[Baked]

Confirmation is free for all Priority Mail packages if you use USPS.com's Click-N-Ship service. You can buy the postage, print out the label, tape it to the package and drop it in the street corner mail bin for packages under a pound, or at the post office counter for packages over a pound.

Tracking is available only for US Postal Express service.

 

[jst0ney]

you can get tracking but it will cost you

 

[archcommus]

So the only thing I could get is delivery confirmation, not actual step-by-step tracking.

I physically went in this time and last time because I'm out of ink to print the labels. Last time I told myself I have to remember to get a tracking number next time; of course I still forgot.

I hope it gets to Corsair okay. Southwest PA to Fremont, CA, shipped Wednesday. Think it can make it by Friday? Would it be acceptable to call Corsair and ask if they received it?

 

[HonkeyDonk]

Originally posted by: archcommus
So the only thing I could get is delivery confirmation, not actual step-by-step tracking.

I physically went in this time and last time because I'm out of ink to print the labels. Last time I told myself I have to remember to get a tracking number next time; of course I still forgot.

I hope it gets to Corsair okay. Southwest PA to Fremont, CA, shipped Wednesday. Think it can make it by Friday? Would it be acceptable to call Corsair and ask if they received it?

relax, 99.999% of the time USPS makes correct deliveries.