Question
Does anyone know the reasoning behind this USPS rule???
"You can use Delivery Confirmation with:
First-Class Mail® Parcels - Envelopes and small packages weighing 13 ounces or less. Applies only to boxes or envelopes measuring at least 3/4” at thickest point."
I'm hoping there is some logical thought/reason behind this seemingly random rule...thought maybe someone on the boards had received an explaination from their local PO.
Answer
I was told by one of the local carriers and a postmaster that the 3/4" rule for DC was so that parcels that "look and feel" like letters won't get their scan missed.
Of course the local postal employees are about 378th down the line, so the actual reasoning could be entirely different.
An option to ¾" thickness is that the parcel is rigid and "won't change shape during transit".
This was pointed out to me on the ebay P/S boards some time ago along with the quote from the DMM. If I had to find it again, however... I may be a while!
IMO, it's a ridiculous rule... along with the numerous classes of postage depending on "what" you ship. Three things should be the deciding factor as to how much it costs to ship a parcel... how heavy, how fast, and how far.
</soapbox>
Answer
My post person said that if they didn't have the rule, almost all packages would have d/c and it would be almost impossible for them to scan all the mail. Nothing would ever get delivered.
Now how much truth there is to that I do not know.
Sometimes, like with patterns, I add a piece of bubble wrap or a few peanuts to make it meet the requirement.
Answer
Peachy, it IS a silly rule in my opinion. And Fiberguy, you're exactly right about your three factors that should determine how much it will cost to ship something. But then that's being logical about it, and we all know how logical the postal system is
NOT!
Answer
I'm pretty sure it's related to the semi-automatic postal sorting machines. But I'm not sure exactly what. Might be what FiberGuy said...
Answer
I was told by one of the local carriers and a postmaster that the 3/4" rule for DC was so that parcels that "look and feel" like letters won't get their scan missed.
That's what I was told, too. Basically they don't want DC items to "blend in" with the rest of the mail and not get scanned.
If I ship something that's not thick enough, I put some peanuts or a wadded-up piece of paper in the envelope to fluff it up.
Answer
It would be a horrible burden for the P.O. Everyone that mails anything first class would use it, especially if it caught on to use the SA for only $.14 and can you imagine having to scan every bill payment, letter, birthday card, etc. so someone could "prove" it was delivered and when. So a rule to "control" this has to be in place. Besides, for the other stuff they would prefer you pay for "Return Receipt" or "Registered". Otherwise, it's just not cost effective and they are a business.
Answer
I was told it was to keep it out of the machines and getting into the regular pile-so that the letter has to be HANDLED instead of machined and the DC noticed and scanned.
Originally Posted by goodworks1
I'm pretty sure it's related to the semi-automatic postal sorting machines.
Answer
I think it is for generating more revenue to the post office. You can only do DC on a first class letter via Priority Mail. If they do not have the thickness restriction, they will lose a ton of money.
Answer
I appreciate all of the input. I recently shipped an 8½x11 envelope first class with DC, forgot to put the cube in to get it to the required ¾"...PO charged the difference on the other end for Priority shipping; they had no trouble collecting the extra money...but then neglected to scan the package.
I can understand and even agree with what Loveofpast & Doobeedog posted about the burden if every first class envelope used DC. If indeed it is so it won't miss being scanned, I've had plenty of large (and small) items go unscanned. As for charging for Priority when it was sent First Class, to me that is just the PO gouging, why not just ignore the DC and deliver the item; which is what they did anyway after they collected their extra bounty!