Lies the Post Office told me

Tales from the front-line of an average postal customer

[uspsprobs]

Confusion at Columbus Station

Customer: I've put the correct postage on this package, I just need a receipt.

Clerk: That is a waste of my time, I could be helping a customer. The line is long.

Customer: Yes, I know. I just waited in it...because I am a customer, and the service I need is a receipt.

Clerk: I'll make an exception this once, but I won't do it again.

Customer: ???

[uspsprobs]

Recycled International Tracking #'s

So this happened:

Sending a package from NYC to Toronto, ON. Purchased shipping online.

Made a mistake regarding the shipping date. Cancelled the purchase, received a refund, and purchased new shipping online.

Mailed the package.

2 Months later, online account is locked because my cancelled shipping was used and they want payment: their system shows the tracking number mailed a package from San Fransisco to Germany.....?

Called USPS no fewer than 5 times. Given the same explanation every time: "This happens all the time because we reuse tracking numbers, but I'll get it fixed for, here's a case number."

Gave up after a month and just created a new account, lost all my shipping history and address book. Still can't access the original account 5 months later.

[uspsprobs]

We discourage people from dropping off mail here, because we're understaffed.

- Rare words of truth from a Newkirk Clerk.

[uspsprobs]

If it won't fit in the box, you have to take it to Flatbush.

- Clerk telling an out of breath elderly man carrying a 32" TV box that he will have to travel 2 miles to a different post office because the box doesn't fit in the bulletproof package box (though it was clearly under the maximum shipping sizes: http://pe.usps.com/businessmail101/mailcharacteristics/minMax.htm, and it had a prepaid label)

[uspsprobs]

I can't give you a receipt unless you purchase tracking.

- Cooper Station Agent

[uspsprobs]

Shipping Boxes

Lie: You cannot reuse an Amazon.com box (because it says Amazon.com).

Truth: The only markings not allowed on a mail piece are those that may be confused with the zip code or indicate hazardous or restricted material.

Source: http://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/601.htm#1_0

[uspsprobs]

You can put a book over 13 ounces that is appropriately stamped in a mail box.

Nope: http://pe.usps.com/FRN/13_ounce_rule_Domestic.pdf

[uspsprobs]

Media Mail Misinformation

Lie: You cannot ship records with Media Mail

Truth: "Sound recordings, including incidental announcements of recordings and guides or scripts prepared solely for use with such recordings."

Source: http://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/173.htm#1113500

[uspsprobs]

If your package includes a receipt, it cannot be sent Media Mail.

- Yet another misinformed Postal Agent. (Per the USPS Guidelines: "One order form may be bound into the pages of a book.") http://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/173.htm#1113500

[uspsprobs]

Please don't throw away my tracking label

(Agent takes tracking label that has just printed out and throws it in the garbage)

Me: Can you please put that on my package?

Agent: You didn't pay for tracking, so this number isn't traceable online

Me: Yes, But it allows the package to be traced internally by the USPS system.

Agent: Yeah, well the number prints on the receipt.

Me: But if the label isn't on the package, it won't be tracked....?

Agent: Fine, but now I'll have to void this transaction and do it again.

[uspsprobs]

Just call 1-800-ASK-USPS

- Everyone all the time for things these people can't possibly do because they have zero authority and are just CSR's who can trace things and read policies off the website.

[uspsprobs]

What Insurance Covers

Lie: Insurance only covers lost, not damaged packages

Truth: "Insured mail purchased at a retail Post Office location, online through Click-N-Ship, a USPS-approved provider of PC Postage products or customer-generated integrated barcodes provides up to $5,000.00 indemnity coverage for articles that are lost, damaged or have missing contents"

Source: http://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/503.htm#1063624

[uspsprobs]

There is no guaranteed delivery for Express Mail.

Nope: http://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/113.htm#1135921

[uspsprobs]

Renting a PO Box shouldn't be harder than getting a Passport

Agent: You need to bring in a bill to prove your address

Customer: Here is my passport and driver's license--both show my current address.

Agent: People move, we only accept a current bill.

Customer: The website and this form in my hand only states that two forms ID are required, one must have a picture and one must have an address. These are listed as acceptable.

Agent: *shrug* I'm not responsible for the website or the form, but I'm not giving you a PO Box without a bill.

Source: http://about.usps.com/forms/ps1093.pdf

[uspsprobs]

There are no delivery guarantees for Express Mail purchased online

- Greeley Square Agent

[uspsprobs]

Not a lie, just stupidity

Package has stamps totaling correct value.

Clerk prints label for $0 postage and places sticker over return address.

Customer: Can you please not cover the return address?

Clerk: Where should I put it?

Customer: Literally anywhere else.

Clerk: There's no room... Fine, you do it. (Hands customer label, customer applies label.)

[uspsprobs]

If you place your mail on hold, we will still deliver your packages.

- MacDonald Post Office Supervisor claiming that there is no way to avoid having a pile of packages accrue outside one's door, even if mail is placed on hold (huh?)