posted on June 28, 2005 11:23:28 PM new
There appears to be a conflict between the definitions available at "PayPal Shipping with U.S. Postal Service Guide" and the "USPS Office Guide," regarding First Class Mail Parcel Service.
At the PayPal provided U.S. Postal Service -Print Your Label page, the Shipment Options has a note which states: "(the package)must be at least 3/4 of an inch at its thickest point and weigh 13 ounces or less. If not greater than 3/4 of an inch thick, the contents must be prepared in a strong and rigid container."
Further, on Page 1 of the "PayPal Shipping with U.S. Postal Service Guide," The First Class Mail Parcel Service is defined as: "Envelopes and small packages that are at least 3/4 of an inch at their thickest point and weigh 13 ounces or less. If not greater than 3/4 of an inch thick, the contents must be prepared in a strong and rigid container."
Now, at the USPS, their Official Guide and Official Computer System define First Class Mail Parcel Service as: "Envelopes and small packages weighing 13 ounces or less. Applies only to boxes or envelopes measuring at least 3/4 of an inch at thickest point."
Today, I had a 6x9 envelope, weighing 2oz, 1/8 inch thick, with strong stiffener, that was mailed 1st Class Mail Parcel Post, returned from Cleveland, Ohio, with postage due of $3.25. When I spoke with my local Postmaster, he agreed that my package met the PayPal requirements, but was returned because it did not meet the published requirements of the USPS. He remailed for me because the PayPal/USPS Guide appeared as official as his information.
posted on June 29, 2005 04:07:38 AM new"Today, I had a 6x9 envelope, weighing 2oz, 1/8 inch thick, with strong stiffener"
Methinks ye be misreading the regs...
They use a thickness guage to slip yer envelopes thru & measure...
That biz about a stiff one I read to mean: if your envelope ain't 3/4", use a stiff container (BOX)...
In the future, just throw a PEANUT in with yer items...
"I'm going to spend a lot of time on Social Security. I enjoy it. I enjoy taking on the issue. I guess, it's the Mother in me."—Guess Who? Washington D.C., April 14, 2005
posted on June 29, 2005 06:16:52 AM new
When I ship with DC, I tape two peanuts together. I measured them and it comes to 1" which satisfies the requirement without making the package heavier. Works great!
posted on June 29, 2005 11:12:05 AM new
In response to my request for clarification, the USPS wrote this morning:
Response (xxxxx) - 06/29/2005 11:23 AM
William,
Thank you for visiting our website. I appreciate you taking the time to let us know about the discrepancy between the "PayPal Shipping with U.S. Postal Service Guide" and the "USPS Office Guide." I apologize for the inconvenience you encountered as a result and we will do all we can to get the issue resolved.
I have forwarded your e-mail to our Publications Department. They will investigate the issue of incorrect information and make the necessary changes. They will contact you with more information in the next 1 to 2 business days.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can help you with anything else. Thank you for choosing the United States Postal Service.
posted on June 29, 2005 11:19:27 AM new
hmmm - sounds to me like a canned ebay response LOL - do CS people take classes to learn to pass the buck and/ or be non-commital or what??
-------------------------------------
