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USPS Tracking Numbers

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Seekermeister

Golden Member
I'm waiting on a component, which the shipper claimed to have shipped on the 20th via first class mail. They gave me a tracking number, but when running it through the USPS tracking service, it only says that they have received an electronic notification that it was to be shipped, and that this was not a verification that it was. Everytime that I have dealt with tracking numbers before, it was on priority mail, not this way, and as far as I know, there is no real tracking of first class mail. If this is so, then what value is there in a tracking number of this sort?
 
The funny thing about the USPS delivery confirmation (aka tracking) is that everyone working at the post office knows it's useless.......especially compared to, say, UPS or FedEx tracking.......but no one in charge at the USPS will do anything to improve it! 🙁

Don't feel bad. I ordered some stuff from Buy.com early last week, and received notification on the 13th that it had shipped. A week later, it was STILL showing as just "electronic notification received", so I called my local PO to see if it truly was in their system. The gal came back to me a few minutes later, told me that Buy had pretty much shipped it last class (so much for free shipping!! it has some books in it, so they likely shipped it media mail), but it was in their system. I checked the number last night, and it's finally made it to Dallas (about 2 hours from me), and will hopefully make it here today. Otherwise, likely Tuesday. 🙂

My suggestion would be to call your local PO. They'll need the confirmation number, your name, mailing address, and maybe phone number (since it takes a few minutes to look it up, they might want to call you back with the info), but they should be able to tell you where the package currently is located. Hope that helps!! 😀
 
I've had packages already received and the USPS website still said that bit about electronic confirmation blah blah
 
I had a package magically travel from Kentucky (where it sat for 6-8 days) to my doorstep in NY via USPS without ever touching another sorting facility.
 
I'm not really interested in tracking down it's current location. I simply need to know if I have to be home to sign for it. The only reason that I can see for the shipper to use a confirmation number is to prove whether I received it or not...therefore requiring a signature. I have received a number of Priority Express packages with tracking numbers, and never had to sign for them. But then if it is merely a signature service, why do they even advise me of the number?
 
Originally posted by: Seekermeister
I'm not really interested in tracking down it's current location. I simply need to know if I have to be home to sign for it. The only reason that I can see for the shipper to use a confirmation number is to prove whether I received it or not...therefore requiring a signature. I have received a number of Priority Express packages with tracking numbers, and never had to sign for them. But then if it is merely a signature service, why do they even advise me of the number?
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It depends on whether the sender paid for signature confirmation. Plain ol' delivery confirmation simply means the carrier put it in your mailbox, or on your doorstep. Insured packages may also require signature.
 
Seekermeister, as far as I know, DC does not require a signature to obtain it. The postman just scans the DC barcode when he delivers the mail, marking it 'Delivered @ XX:XX time' and drops it off at the mailbox or whatever. The only thing requiring a signature from USPS is signature confirmation. The whole idea of Delivery Confirmation is something that shows that it was delivered so either you or the company/person sending it knows it arrived safely.

EDIT: Also, as Mermaidman said, some insured (by USPS) packages require a signature as well.
 
The last package sent to me was something like this, and the mail carrier was driving out of the complex as I drove in. I checked my mail box for the notification, but I assumed that they would redeliver it the next day...they didn't. I had to go to the Post Office to pick it up. That is something that I don't enjoy...especially at this time of year.
 
Did I say it was their fault? If the mail was predictable, I wouldn't mind. But, the delivery has varied between noon and 10 PM. And since there is no way to know which day that it will arrive, that could mean waiting for days. I don't have alot to do, but I do have better ways to spend my time.
 
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