USPS shipping issues

[cvpiftw]

Ive been shipping stuff flatrate and tape a address label on for some parts and this is the second ****ing time that they have sent it back and told me that its a invalid address when i know damned well it is.


Anyone have similar issues with USPS?

I think im going to go fedex all the time as of today


Im severely pissed right now and am glad im on vicodin keeping me somewhat calm right now. I hate USPS.

[MM03MOK]

Use the Zip Code Lookup at USPS. It'll tell you if an address is valid. If there's more than one zip code in a town, you need to have the right one or it won't be delivered.

http://zip4.usps.com/zip4/welcome.jsp

[Donny Carlson]

Use the Zip Code Lookup at USPS. It'll tell you if an address is valid. If there's more than one zip code in a town, you need to have the right one or it won't be delivered.

http://zip4.usps.com/zip4/welcome.jsp

That's not necessarily correct, though having an incorrect zip code increases the chances it will be returned as "no such address" if the street is similar to another one in a different zip code. Lots of times people look up the wrong zip code (the difference between, say, 35216 and 35215 is across town, and there are similar street names in each zip, i.e. Hampton Place or Hampton Drive). What happens is the mail item is sent to a place where someone manually looks up the zip code, then sends it to the correct zip code, or at least tries it at what is likely the correct zip. If it's not correct there, or the address is not in the USPS database, it's sent back as undeliverable. Just having a wrong zip code doesn't always mean automatic return of the mail item.

You advice was very good about looking up the zip code, however. What I recommend is using Click N Ship on the USPS website, which will tell you if the address is correct (and tells you the corrected address), calculates rates, and even prints a label. If you want to pay postage right then, it will print the paid postage on the label, even offers a discount for doing so. You can use plain paper for the label, or use an Avery label designed for use with USPS or UPS online shipping.

BTW, Fedex does not have better luck at it either. If they can't find the address, they send a notice in the mail and return the item within a couple of days. Also, they have no forwarding, so if they leave it at an address, unless whoever there takes it to Fedex with the correct address, you are screwed.

[MM03MOK]

What I recommend is using Click N Ship on the USPS website, which will tell you if the address is correct (and tells you the corrected address), calculates rates, and even prints a label.
That's cool! Thanks, Donny!

[rayjay]

I've had "issues" with an invalid address because my zip code is for PO Boxes only. So my physical street address is in another zip code even though the post office is litterly 400 feet away from my house. The funny thing is its UPS that always has the issue, not the USPS.

[Marauderman]

Donny is the "Man" who is in the know----if he don't we all are screwed.......

for that's his living....and why we turn to him for that knowledge---what he said is the facts man--just the facts...BTW--Great answer there Donny---I appreciate it!!...carry on.......

[Blackened300a]

I've had "issues" with an invalid address because my zip code is for PO Boxes only. So my physical street address is in another zip code even though the post office is litterly 400 feet away from my house. The funny thing is its UPS that always has the issue, not the USPS.

This is true! UPS said they wouldnt send to a PO box and I had a hell of a time trying to get hats and t-shirts out to you.

[rayjay]

This is true! UPS said they wouldnt send to a PO box and I had a hell of a time trying to get hats and t-shirts out to you.

I know, thats why I include my street addy with my PO Box. My UPS guy knows where I live :cool: I have to use the other zip code on our GPS because it doesn't recognize our actual zip code. Such is life out in the woods. :shake:

[Donny Carlson]

If there is a UPS store nearby (or any of the similar mailbox stores), these are a good choice to get both US Mail and UPS/Fedex parcels. There's one on my route. It has a physical address, so shipments there from UPS or Fedex are not a problem, plus they have post office box services similar to the USPS and can mail out stuff US Mail. I am probably going to rent one myself for a time while my living situation changes here in the next few months.

[rayjay]

Speaking of UPS, I'll be looking for those shiny CAs this afternoon at about 1240 hrs. :D