Anyone work for or have a lot of experience with shipping through USPS? Up and Up?

[VisualOddity]

So I have 2 lenses on the way via USPS (including the Canon 85/1.8! w00t!). These are from two different people, both shipped yesterday. Here are my questions (with explanation):

Person 'A' gave me tracking number that is all numbers, and I can see it on the USPS site. I was told it's a 'Delivery Tracking Number" by the seller, fine. It has been sitting in AL since mid-day yesterday, and should be here tomorrow. I really hope that happens! lol

Then, Person "B" sent me his tracking number (this is for the 85/1.8). He said it is an "Insurance Tracking Number". It is "IS ######### US", so completely different. He says this is because one is simply destination, and one is insurance. USPS agrees. Here's my issue.

I can see one, tracking wise, fine on the USPS site (Person A), but I cannot see any info for the other one (Person B). I shows as not being in the system.

I am asking here because I have gotten 2 different answers from USPS. Last night, a fellow there told me that it sounds valid, and I SHOULD be able to see data on the site. His system was down, so that was all he could give me. Today, the lady told me that I will NOT be able to see info. To further it, she said that while it sounds legit, she couldn't even tell me if it is actually in the system because they don't track them either. Seriously? What? She said that is an insured formatted number, but she couldn't even look to see if it is valid because they don't keep track of them. That has to be wrong, right? She said I could wait 21 days, then the seller can file a claim if I haven't received it. This is on a package that should be 2 day shipping!

Can anyone tell me how accurate this is, and if I have a way to see status now instead of just hoping he didn't screw me (I doubt it), and wait a few days? Even better, do any of you have a means of checking out the tracking number for me?

Just to clarify; I am not freaking out about it before it should even be here. I'm not saying he is anything other than honest. I am just wanting to know how accurate all of this is, and if I can see the package status, or even just if it is a valid tracking/insurance number that is actually in their process...


I appreciate any advice/explanation/help...

[ronocnikral]

that's the government for you. I had an aunt who just retired from the post office after 30 years and she says it's a miracle for anything to get places with the USPS.

I do think that in todays world, although I am not real saavy on the subject, to order everything and print it online. If your seller did that, they may have just not taken it to the post office yet or had it picked up. I don't think it registers until after they scan it for the first time.

don't know if it helps...I have found that I prefer UPS and FEDEX for anything I can't put a forever stamp on.

[VisualOddity]

Thanks! Yea, I prefer UPS. I sent the lens I sold to the guy Mon through FedEX at work, and I can see every hop, which is great. He went USPS because I wanted 2-day, and UPS was like twice the shipping price.

It was dropped off yesterday, so it should be in the system. What gets me is that she said she couldn't even look for ir, and that I wouldn't be able to see it online... :(

[Debbi]

The USPS tracking numbers are not really tracking numbers. As previously said, one is simply an insurance number. The other is a delivery confirmation number. It will show up in the USPS system but won't show real tracking on their system until delivered. USPS does not offer tracking - just delivery confirmation.

[photonewb]

USPS "tracking" is not the same as UPS tracking. They only show that it was delivered. They don't show scans everywhere it stops.

[djroga]

Both numbers should show AFTER delivery, grab a cool drink and enjoy the Texas heat. Start to worry if nothing shows up by the start of next week.....an item that USPS delivered here on Saturday showed in the system this morning. The numbers do come in handy should there be a problem later.

[VisualOddity]

Gotcha! Thanks guys...
I called again a few minutes ago. Someone finally confirmed that the "Insurance" number is in the system somewhere... That atleast makes me feel a *little* better... :)

[kimberley]

USPS SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tracking number is useless when its sitting on a shelf and they are to lazy to scan it...Ive had nothing but horrible service from usps and will avoid it at all cost...spend the extra 5 bucks and go woth UPS and fedex...USPS will burn you almost every time...

[donlaw]

I have used USPS a lot over the years for buying and selling on ebay and have never had a problem. Their system for tracking is never updated at the frequency you expect for UPS or FEDEX, but it does seem to work.

Proirity mail seems to always get delivered earlier than the estimated time.
I would suggest chilling out and being patient. As long as it is insured, you should have nothing to worry about.

[ggeen]

As mentioned here already, the USPS "tracking" number is really just a delivery confirmation number. The information will not be updated until aver 5PM on the date the item is delivered (according to the USPS web site). You will probably have the item in hand before the tracking number database gets updated.

[toverman]

I've had really good luck with the Postal Service, but I've never tried to use the non-tracking-number number to follow the package the way I do with FedEX and UPS.

My 85 f/1.8 is one of my faves. Enjoy it!

[VisualOddity]

Thanks everybody... I have my fingers crossed that the 85/1.8 will show up at work today, and the 18-55/IS at home... :)

[VisualOddity]

Sweet. It looks like the lesser of the 2 lenses I am waiting on has at least made it to my little town. I hope it will be there when I get home!

[mchong75]

Originally Posted by photonewb

USPS "tracking" is not the same as UPS tracking. They only show that it was delivered. They don't show scans everywhere it stops.

100% true.

So, don't expect to see detail trails of your shipment.

[HotHolly]

UPS has tracking, and USPS has delivery confirmation - they are NOT the same.

The person who told you that you cannot see step by step on one of the packages was correct. Only these services with USPS offer tracking:

Express Mail®
Global Express Guaranteed®
Express Mail International®
Priority Mail® International

PS - I hate UPS. They are not my friends in brown. They are evil minions who loose things and skip my store rather frequently, especially if there is rain. I hear they turn into chocolate milk if they get wet.