Postage due on ebay purchases???

[D. Bergin]

Originally Posted by steve B

Section quoted below is from the domestic mail manual - that huge book. Section 10.2.2
The problem with my piece was that it was less than 1/4 inch even though it was ridgid enough to be charged at parcel rates. Which is covered in sec 401.1 and that I won't quote here as it's more lengthy and complex than this bit. And that's a big part of why so few postal clerks actually understand the rules. For more just go to http://pe.usps.gov/text/dmm300/dmm300_landing.htm

I've had them look in the book often enough that the people at the branch office don't check anymore. The main office will, but I'm quite happy with my BA againt with them. I think they're 1 for 6.

Anyone here work for an antivenin lab? I'd love to have a box that live scorpions were mailed in. (sec 9.3.9)

Steve B

10.2 Basic Information
10.2.1 Description
Delivery Confirmation service provides the mailer with information about the date and time an article was delivered and, if delivery was attempted but not successful, the date and time of the delivery attempt. Delivery Confirmation service is available only at the time of mailing. No record is kept at the office of mailing. Delivery Confirmation service does not include insurance, but insurance may be purchased as an additional service (see 10.2.6). Some statutes and regulations governing the mailing of documents with legal significance may require the use of Certified Mail or Registered Mail rather than Delivery Confirmation. For mailings to APO/FPO/DPO destination addresses, Delivery Confirmation service may not always provide the mailer with online information regarding the date and time of an event scan.

10.2.2 Eligible Matter
[4-17-11] Delivery Confirmation is available for First-Class Mail parcels; all Priority Mail pieces (including Critical Mail); Standard Mail prepared as Not Flat-Machinable pieces or as machinable or irregular parcels (electronic option only); Package Services, Parcel Select, and Parcel Select Regional Ground parcels (electronic option only) under 401.1.0. For the purposes of using Delivery Confirmation with a Package Services or Parcel Select parcel, the parcel must meet these additional requirements:

a. The surface area of the address side of the parcel must be large enough to contain completely and legibly the delivery address, return address, postage, and any applicable markings, endorsements, and extra service labels.

b. Except as provided in 10.2.2c, the parcel must be greater than 3/4 inch thick at its thickest point.

c. If the mailpiece is a parcel under 401.1.0 and no greater than 3/4 inch thick, the contents must be prepared in a strong and rigid fiberboard or similar container or in a container that becomes rigid after the contents are enclosed and the container is secured. The parcel must be able to maintain its shape, integrity, and rigidity throughout processing and handling without collapsing into a letter-size or flat-size piece.

Thanks for posting that steve B.

Looks like section "c" is what gets overlooked occasionally, leading to some postage due claims.

I didn't see a 1/4" inch mention in there, but if that is what it goes by it's helpful to know. I know I pack my rigids much thicker then that, so it puts my mind at ease a bit.