When sending mail or packages via the traditional mailing system of the post office, you wonder if those things are safe or if they are being monitored, especially if sensitive materials are involved. These days though, a good mailing system may have to scan your package to be sure that they are not unwittingly delivering materials of mass destruction, you get the gist. Let us know about “Does USPS Scan Packages?”
The United States Postal Services (USPS) is no exception to this and scanning your package is the process that alerts you of the movement of your package from one location to another till it reaches its final destination. Although, not all mail and packages get fully scanned except if it has been flagged as suspicious. The scanning that all packages go through is the scanning of the USPS barcode mail pieces that give the full description of the package. This is done at every stop till delivery.
This article will give you an idea of why USPS scans your packages and how they keep your information safe.
Why Does USPS Scan Or X-ray Mail And Packages?
The main reason why the United States Postal Service scans packages is so that they can keep track of the shipment. Any other deep scanning like x-raying is to prevent unwitting transportation of materials that are dangerous to health or firearms for that matter. The USPS scans packages as a security measure to ensure the that public trusts its services. This is because of past incidences of weapons of mass destruction or even biohazard materials being transported through its services.
Also, packages are scanned if there have been reports of threats to a particular location. It is also to ensure the safety of its workers being exposed to materials that could affect their health.
How USPS Monitor Packages From Sending Location To Delivery?
This is alternatively called tracking. In other words, you can monitor the movement and progress of your package from pickup point to delivery.
As a means to compete with new and emerging postal services, the USPS uses the tracking system to help their customers monitor the progress of their package delivery. Though still a little bit slower than most delivery options, USPS is a reliable option.
This is how the USPS tracking works –
1. At the point of sending the package or mail, a tracking number or ID is given to you.
2. You can then use this tracking number on the USPS website to track your package.
3. If the package has to get to several stops before it eventually gets to you, the package barcode is scanned at each stop.
4. Usually, when the package says delivered, it means that it has been delivered at the nearest USPS mail office, not that it is in your home mailbox.
What It Means If Your Mail Or Package Has Not Been Scanned?
The only way to know if your mail or package has been scanned is that the progress is updated in the tracking process. However, if you have waited 24 hours and it seems like your package is not meant, it means the barcode has not been scanned at the next drop point. What does this mean and how can you rectify it? Here are some pointers.
- Your package was delivered after work hours or during the weekend. If this happens, your package will not be scanned until the next working day.
- If you ordered an item from an online store, the store may have provided you with a tracking number but has still not dropped off your purchase at the post office pick-up point. If this is the case, you have little or no control whatsoever over what happens. You just have to be patient or contact your online store to be sure they really did send the package. If they have, report to the USPS complaint service.
What Methods Does USPS Use To Secure Packages?
There are two methods that USPS use to make sure that the package they are delivering is not dangerous. These are x-raying and irradiation. It does not matter whether you put a ‘No X-raying or irradiating’ sign on a package. If you do that, it only makes the package more suspicious.
Once a package seems suspicious or there have been reports that there could be a threat to a certain area or region, it will definitely be x-rayed or irradiated.
When Is A Given That Your Package Will Be X-rayed Or Scanned At USPS?
There are two occasions when whatever package you sent will definitely be scanned, no matter how small it is. They are –
- You are sending it to a federal government agency,
- The package is being sent to areas with the following codes in Washington DC – 202, 203, 204, and 205, or
- Mails are sent to a city with a dense population or from one state to another.
Conclusion
Package scanning that USPS does is not necessarily the deep x-raying of sent content. They must however scan the barcodes to help them and you track the progress of your mail. Your mail only gets deeply scanned if it looks suspicious.
FAQ
- Is USPS a reliable mailing service to use?
Based on the fact that this post office network has been in operation for over two centuries, their services are perhaps the most reliable in the country. On top of that, their pricing is way cheaper than most mailing services out there.
- How fast is the USPS delivery service?
The speed of delivery depends on the sending option you go for. The standard mail can take up to 4 days, the priority mail can take between 1 to 3 days, while priority express mail takes between 1 to 2 days to get delivered. International mail may take longer though.
