USPS PACKAGE TRACKING NUMBER TYPICAL SERIAL NUMBER
USPS PACKAGE TRACKING NUMBER TYPICAL CODE

The first is (like this case) if the number conveys more information than simply uniquely identifying something. u/Chimney_Imp has already given an answer specific to this question, but there are lots of reasons to have a long number in a situation like this.

USPS PACKAGE TRACKING NUMBER TYPICAL SERIAL NUMBER

For example, STC 349 is “Standard Post: Signature Confirmation.”ĩ12345678: Mailer ID- Essentially this is the shipper’s account number with USPS.ġ234567: Serial number for the specific package

USPS PACKAGE TRACKING NUMBER TYPICAL CODE

If we use an example tracking number of 420 123456789 45678 1234567 1, a breakdown of these specific segments is below:Ĥ20: - Routing code application identifierġ23456789: - 9-digit ZIP codeĩ2: Channel application identifier- used by Online/PC Postage/Meter Mailersġ23: 3-digit service type code (STC) which identifies the mail class, product, and any extra services. Each segment of the standard 22-digit tracking number means something specific for the post office’s systems to assist in routing and tracking of packages. The source is below, but the document is 444 pages long and isn’t exactly a page-turner.Īs has been discussed multiple times on this thread, the USPS (like any parcel carrier) doesn’t just number their packages 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. I’m paraphrasing as best as I can here from the USPS document. Also, much like the packages, I think the last thing you would want is to have card companies that distribute similar card numbers, could cause for all sorts of trouble.

The machines need an algorithm to easily distinguish, and rather than attach extra data like 'VISA' or whatever, its just broken down by the card number. You can usually tell what type of card a credit card is even if all you have is the numbers in front of you. Its basically the same reason that different credit card companies (mastercard, visa, amex) have different formats. I think there are a few cases where that isn't the situation, but if its generated by their internal systems, it almost always is. Of course anyone could probably sort just by seeing UPS, but it also makes it more distinguishable to computer systems, and in cases of like, lists and whatnot. Packages are handled by a lot of 3rd parties often, and this makes it a lot easier to immediately sort. If they figure out it is cheaper to ship through us, they will merely give us the package and pay us to take it for them. But no, that's not the prime reason, sometimes it IS easier for them to deliver to joe schmoe in his trailer park if it saves em on gas money. CCA's are city carriers who go on foot with the satchels.Ĭonsidering that we are the only ones allowed to service basically all private residences their letters and small stuff sent through our federal system, it means that UPS and FedEx can still deliver parcels and flats and whatnot. Others DO have actual rural areas they have to deliver to. My route for example doesn't even hit a 'rural' area, I deliver to about 4 major neighborhoods in my destinations. RCA's (my type) who deliver using the mail trucks you see out on the road. There are 2 main types of carriers out on the streets for the USPS. Let me start by saying that job title does not have any meaning to it as I live in Dallas. He just told me to scan it normally and that these come through every now and then. The labeling looked differently (because it was printed from a different place, I suspect) and there were USPS logos everywhere inside. I only know about it because I had to ask my trainer about it. Change in the law, the fact they were packed in sealed bags, or some sort of parcels that were legal. I don't know much about the contents and, if I remember correctly, the bags were sealed to prevent tampering. So I grabbed the bag, scanned it, tossed it in the truck, and moved on to the next package. The bags were clear but the bar code I was looking for was on the outside. But, really, I was too busy most of the time to get a good look at what was inside. I remember seeing the USPS logo on some the envelopes in there which is how I knew the origin. The USPS mail arrived in large clear plastic bags.

Usps package tracking number typical