USPS QR Code

Anish

November 14, 2023

The quick response code, or the iconic QR code, was first developed and introduced in Japan in 1994. However, the United States Postal Service (USPS) only introduced QR codes in 2019 through Label Brokers, which lets customers print labels bought online. 

With USPS Label Broker, eCommerce businesses people can give their customers a straightforward way to print outbound and return shipping labels.

In 2023, USPS started using QR codes on shipping labels as a 2D barcode. The new feature was well received that in just the first two months of the year’s first quarter, USPS scanned over 3.7 million packages using the new barcodes. 

So, what are the USPS QR codes for, and what features do they have that can benefit USPS customers? At the same time, how can the USPS Label Broker serve shippers and recipients in the United States?

This article explains USPS QR codes, what they are, and what they do. It provides added information about the USPS Label Broker and the Label Broker ID. 

Furthermore, this write-up tackles other problems associated with the USPS Label Broker service and questions about USPS QR codes. 

If you’re looking for a website where you can get the needed information about the more than 31,330 USPS retail offices in America, visit FindPostOffice.org. 

Our website helps you get contact information of the local post office near you, especially when you need to have your shipping labels printed using USPS QR codes. 

What Is a QR Code?

A QR code is a two-dimensional (2D) version of the barcode, which stores information as a square piece of black-and-white printed data encoded into a matrix of contrasting light and dark pixels. 

QR codes can store text, photos, and contact information through encoding, which can be read by most tablets and smartphones using operating systems like Android or iOS (iPhone operating system) with QR readers.

What Is a USPS QR Code?

The USPS QR code is a 2D barcode often used to track packages delivered by courier or mail. The U.S. Postal Service has started to use QR codes as a feature for its mobile application. 

This mobile app, which customers can install on their mobile devices, allows them to receive package notifications and track the delivery progress of their mailpieces from anywhere worldwide.

Things You Need to Know About a USPS QR Code

  • A QR code is a code that looks like a square matrix of light and dark pixels that store text, photos, or contact information. 
  • USPS Label Broker is a free service that uses QR codes to provide cost-saving convenience for customers when printing their shipping labels.
  • Most USPS locations can provide Label Broker services for American customers nationwide. 

What Will USPS QR Codes Do Exactly?

USPS has adopted QR codes to help continually improve its courier service to millions of Americans. These 2D barcode features make printing shipping labels and tracking package deliveries more convenient for customers. 

What Is a USPS Label Broker?

The USPS Label Broker is a new feature incorporating QR code technology to speed up the transfer of shipping label details and the tracking information process. 

USPS launched the USPS Label Broker, allowing eCommerce sites or small businesses to send outbound or return label QR codes to customers through email or the Postal Service’s official mobile app. 

The customers receive a Label Broker ID with a QR code, which they can bring to a post office near them and to be scanned. The encoded shipping label is then printed.

An Easy Label Printing for Online Shoppers

The Label Broker service helps small businesses and retail shippers buy USPS shipping labels online and turn them into a QR code, which can be brought to a post office for printing. 

The purpose of the Label Broker service is to make mailing easier for USPS customers who don’t have access to a printer. 

Already Have a Label Broker ID?

You can receive a USPS Label Broker ID via email or mail. Once you’ve received it, you can do the following:

  • You can open the Label Broker ID attachment from your email using your smartphone (Android device or iPhone). However, if you received the ID via mail, just ensure the QR code is present.
  • If you have the Label Broker ID in your phone or mail but don’t have a printer, head to the nearest post office to have the staff print your shipping labels. 
  • You can visit FindPostOffice.org to locate the post office near your location. 
  • You can print your shipping labels directly from USPS.com if you have a printer. Just go to the USPS Label Broker page.

What Label Broker Offers

Label Broker initially offered a quick way to print shipping labels even without a printer. However, aside from easy printing, this USPS service offers other features. 

Mobility

USPS Label Broker fits the growing demand for portability and mobility. The busy, on-the-go customer can manage their shipping label printing through QR codes sent to their smartphones. 

You can send or receive QR codes anywhere. This level of mobility fits well with eCommerce sites that focus on online shopping and transactions over the Internet. 

Convenience

Through USPS Label Broker, you can print your labels anytime you need. You can head to a local post office and print only when ready to ship your mail or package.

Choice

If you run an eCommerce site or an online business, your customers can print labels directly from the USPS website when they have printer access. It gives them a choice of when and how to generate their shipping labels.

Why Should You Care About the USPS QR Code?

A USPS QR code is a way to access your package information. The QR code serves as an additional security layer that you can use to track and monitor your mail or packages throughout the delivery process. 

Also, you can scan QR codes to get the following package information:

Who Can Benefit From This?

Any person using USPS services can benefit from USPS Label Broker ID and its QR code features. However, businesses that ship products may benefit the most. QR codes are helpful for return labels, especially those emailed to customers, which they can print themselves when needed. 

Aside from sending return labels, QR codes can also help peer-to-peer shipping when mailing outbound labels. Peer-to-peer shipping involves using independent carriers to deliver items, especially abroad. 

The Benefits of USPS QR Codes

The following are some of the benefits experienced by customers who have used USPS Label Broker and its QR code feature. 

It Helps in Tracking Packages

You can track your package’s delivery progress using USPS QR codes. The QR codes help deliver your package to your address on time, without any delay or hassle. 

It Is a Safe Way to Store Information About Packages

QR codes are relatively safe storage of package information because search engines can’t index this coded information. As a result, the package information stored in QR codes can’t be searched in Google or Bing. 

It Is Convenient

QR codes are also convenient because they can be scanned anywhere, especially if your phone has a QR reader installed. You can be anywhere globally and still can access the information sent to you via QR codes. 

It Provides Security to the Retailers

These codes help retailers receive and manage their package information securely. QR codes allow you to track your packages and get updates about the delivery progress anytime. 

It Helps in Reducing Fraud

The USPS QR codes, especially those provided by Label Broker, allow customers to check if their packages were delivered through their mobile devices. This feature lets customers easily report delivery-related issues, including non-delivery problems, whenever needed. 

How Do You Scan a USPS QR Code?

Anyone with experience using QR codes for daily transactions knows how simple the scanning process is. The ease of use is one of the reasons why QR codes have become popular nowadays. 

You only need to access your smartphone camera and use a QR code reader, and you’re done. However, if you don’t have the means to scan these codes, say a USPS QR code, you can head to a post office and scan it there. 

Scanning From Your Phone

Most iPhones and Android phones have QR code reading capabilities. You only need to open the phone’s camera, point it at a QR code, and it will automatically capture the image and save it as a photo in the gadget’s gallery. 

You don’t have to go through many online forms and provide information. You just point your camera, take a snapshot, and automatically extract the necessary information embedded in the QR code. 

Modern phones and gadgets have QR code reading capabilities, so you’ll quickly get used to QR code scanning. 

What Is a Web-Based QR Code Scanner?

A web-based QR code scanner lets you scan this code with your phone and extract the information stored in it. 

You can download this type of scanner online. Once installed, you must give the scanner’s website permission to access your gadget’s camera. Once done, you can start scanning your QR codes without any hassle. 

How to Track Packages From USPS

When you receive a QR code from a mailer, you can go to any USPS location and have it scanned. Once scanned, you can get the tracking information extracted from the code. 

After getting the tracking number, you can enter it into the USPS tracking system on its official website and get updated delivery information.

USPS: QR Codes Added to Collection Box Labels

USPS has added QR codes to all blue standard and Priority Mail Express collection box labels since 2020. These QR codes on collection boxes provide customers with local post office information. 

Scan the collection box’s QR code using your smartphone’s camera. You can also scan the code through the USPS mobile application, QR code scanning, and Informed Delivery application. 

USPS Informed Delivery is a free mailing service that lets you see the status of your package, provide instructions to the post office on handling your package, and notify you when your package arrives at the local post office. 

These notifications can come as pictures of your package as it arrived in a collection box or a local USPS facility near you. 

What Is the Label Broker Feature?

USPS Label Broker provides an easy-to-access method to print shipping labels almost from anywhere. 

The following sections show the different features of this USPS service. 

If You Want to Print Your Label at a Post Office Location, What Do You Need to Bring?

One of the best things about USPS Label Broker is that you don’t have to bring anything to the post office besides the QR code email or the code mailed to you by a shipper or the Label Broker ID. 

Can You Print a Label Broker Label at a Post Office Location and Then Take It Home?

No, you can’t. Label Broker labels should be attached to the package once you print it at a local post office. USPS designed the labels to attach to your parcel at the retail window.  

Can You Add Additional Services to a Label Broker Label?

No, you can’t. The USPS Label Broker service may only help you speed up shipping label printing via QR codes. 

Where Are Label Broker Printers and Locations?

Most post offices are capable of printing Label Broker labels. For more information about the different USPS retail locations in the country, visit FindPostOffice.org.

Can You Use the Label Broker Feature With the Click-N-Ship Application?

Yes, you can because the Label Broker feature is now a shipping option for Click-N-Ship customers. You can now print your Click-N-Ship labels at a post office location. 

Click-N-Ship is a service that lets customers create and print their labels online. This mailing service is available for printing labels for Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, and USPS Ground Advantage. 

However, Click-N-Ship is unavailable for First-Class Mail, First-Class Mail International, and package services. 

What Do You Need to Know About Using the Label Broker Feature in the Click-N-Ship Application?

  • Any domestic Click-N-Ship label you use is eligible if it doesn’t need a customs form.
  • You will get an email with a QR code to be shown at a Label Broker location for printing. 
  • You’ll get a separate email with a QR code for each label when buying multiple labels using Label Broker. 
  • Suppose when printing the label yourself during a Click-N-Ship checkout, you changed your mind. In that case, can go to the Click-N-Ship shipping history, check the label details, and request a Label Broker code. 
  • When you use the Label Broker option, it will not appear in the Click-N-Ship checkout. You can enter the Click-N-Ship shipping history label details and request a Label Broker code.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

  1. Can you print a shipping label from a QR code?

Yes, you can. However, you need to do the following steps:

  • Check the QR code you received and see if it has eight digits. If not, you can scan the code using a scanner. It will give you a URL (uniform resource locator) or a website address where the last eight digits are the code you need.
  • Once you get the eight-digit code, type it into the USPS Label Broker site. Add the corresponding ZIP (zone improvement plan) code and click download.
  • You’ll then get a file you can print at your local post office. 

  1. Will USPS print your label with a QR code?

Yes. All you need to do is bring your QR code to the nearest post office and have it printed. Most USPS locations have QR code scanning capabilities to cater to this specific need. 

  1. Can you use a QR code at a USPS kiosk?

Many customers say that most USPS self-service kiosks can’t scan QR codes. You have to bring the codes to the post office counter and have them scanned.  

  1. How do I check my USPS tracking number?

You can check your USPS tracking number in the following locations:

  • Sales receipt
  • Mailing receipt
  • Receipt from the self-service kiosk
  • eReceipt from email
  • Insurance under $500 or over $500 receipt

  1. Can you track a USPS package without a tracking number?

Yes, you can if you’ve signed up for USPS Informed Delivery service, which lets you see the tracking information on your account’s dashboard. 

Another way to monitor a package without a tracking number is via the PS Form 3849 or “We ReDeliver for you” notice. The PS Form 3849 is a notice left by a USPS carrier who made a delivery attempt, but no one was there at the address to receive the package. 

You can use the redelivery number included in that notice as an alternative for a tracking number to track packages. 

You only need to type the redelivery number into the box where you normally place the tracking number. Note that entering the redelivery number will return all tracking numbers associated with the delivery attempt. 

References

  1. USPS Label Broker
    https://www.usps.com/business/label-broker.htm
  2. Informed Delivery by USPS
    https://www.usps.com/manage/informed-delivery.htm
  3. Label Broker® Feature
    https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Label-Broker
  4. How to find your tracking number
    https://faq.usps.com/s/article/How-to-find-your-tracking-number
  5. Click-N-Ship® – The Basics
    https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Click-N-Ship-The-Basics