fortyonerag
Well-known member
Having been involved in postal automation in a past life, I can say misdirected parcels are infuriating. I make no apologies for the USPS - not good enough, buuuuut....
.....it's worth considering what the sorter is trying to do next time you pack something.
The scanner has to read all 6 sides of the parcel. Different thickness parcels will have different focal planes and focus problems for the scanner lens. Glossy plastics create all kinds of problems with lens flare too.
The computer has to figure out handwriting and then compile all possible sortable bits of information into a priority file. This will include who sent it, where it's meant to go, and any other stuff that might be on the box like barcodes and writing (second hand boxes).
It will then direct the parcel to what it thinks is the highest priority (most likely) address. It does about 15,000 of these operations per hour, so misdirected parcels happen - but it's still not good enough. No excuses.
What can you do?
If you can, print the destination address on a computer printer in plain font and fasten securely on the parcel with lots of clear space around it. If no printer, use clear legible writing (something I can never seem to do) in the centre of the largest face of the parcel with lots of white space around it.
No labels around corners or addresses near edges.
Write the sender details much smaller than the destination.
If there are any old barcodes on the box, obliterate them so the sorter doesn't have to contend with data from something amazon sent you months ago.
If the parcel is portable, pack it so it can withstand a drop from the ceiling to the floor. The outlet chute on a sorter can entail a drop. If it has to be manually sorted it WILL be thrown a few yards.
This won't give you any guarantees, but should improve your chances while the USPS gets it act together.
P.S. I'm not affiliated with the USPS in any way.
.....it's worth considering what the sorter is trying to do next time you pack something.
The scanner has to read all 6 sides of the parcel. Different thickness parcels will have different focal planes and focus problems for the scanner lens. Glossy plastics create all kinds of problems with lens flare too.
The computer has to figure out handwriting and then compile all possible sortable bits of information into a priority file. This will include who sent it, where it's meant to go, and any other stuff that might be on the box like barcodes and writing (second hand boxes).
It will then direct the parcel to what it thinks is the highest priority (most likely) address. It does about 15,000 of these operations per hour, so misdirected parcels happen - but it's still not good enough. No excuses.
What can you do?
If you can, print the destination address on a computer printer in plain font and fasten securely on the parcel with lots of clear space around it. If no printer, use clear legible writing (something I can never seem to do) in the centre of the largest face of the parcel with lots of white space around it.
No labels around corners or addresses near edges.
Write the sender details much smaller than the destination.
If there are any old barcodes on the box, obliterate them so the sorter doesn't have to contend with data from something amazon sent you months ago.
If the parcel is portable, pack it so it can withstand a drop from the ceiling to the floor. The outlet chute on a sorter can entail a drop. If it has to be manually sorted it WILL be thrown a few yards.
This won't give you any guarantees, but should improve your chances while the USPS gets it act together.
P.S. I'm not affiliated with the USPS in any way.
Last edited:
