What is Automated Package Verification and who is impacted by the process?
Automated Package Verification (APV) streamlines how we check postage on certain packages with labels generated from Click-N-Ship® and PC Postage applications (PC Postage applications include Click-N-Ship, Endicia, Stamps.com. eBay, PayPal, Easy Post, and Pitney Bowes). Previously, the Postal Service only sent notifications to shippers when differences in package characteristics are detected.
Now, USPS® notifies shippers through Click-N-Ship® (CNS) or their PC Postage entity when differences in package characteristics are detected. USPS makes postage payment adjustments for affected items and these pieces are no longer subjected to the manual postage due process. Payment adjustments are facilitated through those platforms.
Notifications are sent via email from your PC Postage vendor or are displayed upon logging into the appropriate account, whether it is USPS Click-N-Ship or a shipping option like eBay that uses PC Postage.
To get more information on this new feature and how it affects you, please visit https://www.usps.com/business/verify-postage.htm. Scroll down the page to the “About Automated Package Verification” section. Customer service contact information is below.
How does this improve upon the postage due process?
USPS relies heavily on a manual postage due process. Mail with postage discrepancies is either returned to the senders/shippers to be corrected or delivered to its destination for the recipient/customer to pay the postage due. This process may delay shipments and/or your customer/recipient may have to pay extra, unexpected postage, which erodes the quality of the customer experience.
Why is USPS implementing an automated postage due process?
In addition to the reasoning mentioned above, implementing an automated postage due process helps us ensure we can maintain competitive and economical shipping prices for our customers.
How will I be notified?
USPS notifies shippers through Click-N-Ship® or their PC Postage entity when differences in package characteristics are detected. USPS has begun making postage payment adjustments for affected items and these pieces are no longer subjected to the manual postage due process. Payment adjustments are facilitated through Click-N-Ship and PC Postage platforms.
When does a postage difference occur?
Generally, a postage difference occurs when the package characteristics (e.g. weight, dimensions, zone, etc.) used for label creation do not match measurements of the actual package mailed as captured by USPS processing equipment. Most commonly, this is for one of the following reasons that results in a different mail class or rating category:
- Incorrect weight on label resulting in a price difference due to different rating or exceeding limitations for the class chosen.
- Incorrect dimensions vs those of the actual package shipped.
- Incorrect service or packaging entered for label creation vs actual service/packaging material used (e.g., First-class labels cannot be used on Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express packaging).
Tips to avoid postage fee shortages or overpayments are below.
How accurate is the automated package verification process?
The state-of-the-art mail processing network has been tested extensively. The equipment is checked daily for calibration of scales to ensure we get the most accurate information that will help us to best streamline your shipping experience.
Disputes and disagreements
If you believe you have received a notification from your PC Postage provider in error, please follow the instructions on the notice to submit a dispute. USPS may review all scan data relating to your piece in question, including image analysis, and, if such an error has occurred, USPS will work through our PC Postage partners to return the amount in question.
To submit a dispute:
Submit the required information to the APV Dispute Webform page at https://apvdisputes.usps.com. If you need assistance obtaining the information, please reach out to your PC Postage Entity/Vendor.
Required information:
-
- Shipper's First and Last Name
- Shipper's Email Address
- Shipper's Telephone Number with Area Code
- Revenue Assurance ID / USPS Adjustment ID Number (an unique number for each tracking number and is a 15-digit number currently with 5 possible leading zeroes, DO NOT include the zeroes when adding this information on the website).
- USPS Tracking Number / IMPB (Tracking Number begins with 94 - The IMPB is the last 4-digits of the USPS Tracking Number)
- Reason (i.e. Weight, Package, Zone, Dimensions, etc.)
Except for Click-N-Ship, USPS does not have access to any of these entities systems, nor any of their customer accounts. Below is a list of the PC Postage entities with their contact information, however we do not have any third-party vendors contact information:
- Click-N-Ship: 1-800-275-8777, 1-800-344-7779, (or) Click-N-Ship@usps.gov
- eBay: https://ebay.com/ - Click on “Help & Contact” at the bottom portion of their webpage (or) 1-866-540-3229
- EasyPost: Support@EasyPost.com
- Endicia: 1-800-576-3279
- PayPal: 1-888-221-1161
- Pitney Bowes: 1-844-256-6444
- Stamps.com: 1-855-889-7867 or 1-888-434-0055
How long will it take USPS to review my dispute? How can I check the status of my dispute?
USPS may review all scan data relating to your piece in question, including image analysis, and if such an error has occurred, we will work through our PC Postage partners to return the amount in question. Most responses can be expected in 2-5 business days, and at most 15 business days. The status of your dispute claim is available from your PC Postage provider and may be updated daily.
When will I receive my refund?
If your dispute is upheld you may be due a refund. All payments are processed by your PC Postage provider on behalf of USPS so please reach out to your PC Postage provider directly for questions regarding billing or your account.
Who do I contact with questions?
If you have questions about your notice or the postage due process, please:
APV customer service representatives are available as follows:
- Monday thru Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CT
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
- Holidays: Closed
If you have any questions about your Click-N-Ship® account, you can contact the Click-N-Ship Help Desk by:
- Email Us and click "USPS.com" as the reason for your email
- Phone at 1-800-344-7779
CNS customer service representatives are available as follows:
- Monday thru Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET
- Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET
- Sunday: Closed
- Holidays: Closed
For any questions about your PC Postage account, please contact your PC Postage® provider directly.
Tips to avoid postage fee differences
Label your package correctly
USPS provides a wide range of shipping options to help you meet your mailing needs. Make sure that the label you are using matches the packaging. For example, if you are using a Flat Rate box, you should also use a Flat Rate label. Or anything shipped in Priority Mail® packaging requires a Priority Mail label. Also, ensure you place the label on the long side of the box. Labels should not wrap over the ends or edges and all barcodes should face up in the same direction.
Measure weight and dimensions
When shipping using your own packaging, accurately measuring and entering weight and dimensions (length, width, and height) is essential to ensure postage is calculated correctly.
USPS® rounds up to either the next pound (lb) or ounce (oz). For example, if your package weighs 3 lbs 5 oz, it would be charged at the 4 lb-rate. If you have a USPS Ground Advantage® that weighs 7.3 oz, it must be charged at the 8 oz-rate. This applies to all mail classes — domestic and international.
You can find more information on proper shipping techniques at Parcel Size, Weight & Fee Standards.
Dimensional (DIM) weight may also apply to your packaging. DIM weight is determined by multiplying a package's length, width, and height and applying a volumetric divisor. See Parcel Size, Weight & Fee Standards for more information.
Double check the zone
If you are using PC Postage® software, verify that the origin (or “sent from”) address is up to date before printing the label. Please note USPS charges for zones, not by ZIP Code™. To get a zone chart for your ZIP Code, use the Zone Chart form found under the Postage Price Calculator. You can also refer to "What are the Zone Charts and how can I obtain one?" for more information.
