USPS Tracking eVS
admin
May 15, 2023
Did you know that in 2019, eVS (electronic verification system) handled an estimated 3.6 billion packages from 3,219 shippers? The revenue earned by USPS through eVS reached $9.8 billion, an 11% increase from 2018.
eVS (or e-VS) is short for an electronic verification system. This system uses electronic manifest files to process massive quantities of mail, helping mailers document and pay postage. The files are then transmitted to a Postal Service database.
How can eVS benefit high-volume package mailers and package consolidators? What types of mail or packages can be manifested using eVS? How does eVS tracking work with the different mailing formats provided by USPS, and how can you access tracking information?
This article explains eVS and USPS Tracking to help you manage your package deliveries. This write-up also discusses the different mailing formats that eVS can include and manifest, including tracking number rules and formats to help you access the system.
The electronic verification system provided by USPS helps customers with volume deliveries to speed up the delivery process. However, to qualify for eVS, you need to coordinate with the postal service through your local post office to determine whether your delivery volume meets the requirement.
Because you’ll be coordinating with the Postal Service nearest you, you’ll need an updated list of post office addresses where you can use eVS. FindPostOffice.org can help.
FindPostOffice.org provides a vast database of more than 31,330 post offices in the United States. You can access crucial information, like a post office’s address and phone number, to help you track and monitor the progress of your deliveries.
What Is eVS?
eVS, or electronic verification system, is an electronic version of the manual manifest process.
This system is designed for high-volume package mailers to help them manage postage and fees for multiple deliveries and take advantage of destination entry rates.
USPS eVS (Electronic Verification System)
The United States Postal Service (USPS) eVS allows high-volume package mailers to document and pay postage using electronic manifest files sent to a Postal Service database. Postage can also include special service fees.
Here is more information about the USPS eVS and the added benefits for individuals or businesses sending multiple packages.
Description
The USPS eVS integrates other business processes and systems involved in data collection and performance measurement. This electronic verification system makes it easy for customers to streamline their processes of sending packages through the Postal Service.
Benefits and key features of the USPS eVS include the following:
- You need only one national permit account for all mailing sites.
- You don’t need to pay for a permit imprint application.
- You don’t need to pay additional annual fees when migrating to eVS if your annual fees are current with an existing local permit at the time the eVS permit is opened.
However, note that annual permit fees apply if required for a mail class or if eligible at the time of the annual fee’s renewal.
- You can bypass traditional mail acceptance and verification processes at the Business Mail Entry unit.
- You can enter mail directly at the Origin or Destination facility.
- You’ll have flexible mail entry time with FAST (Fast Access and Shipment Tracking) appointments.
FAST is an initiative that improves drop-shipping and Origin Entry appointment scheduling processes that reduce dock waiting times.
- You don’t need to use PS Form 8125 for Drop Shipments or PVDS (Plant-Verified Drop Shipment Verification and Clearance) form.
- You’ll have additional account monitoring and mailing data reports through PostalOne!
PostalOne! is a web-based system that provides an electronic alternative to manual mailing processes for business mailers. This system streamlines mailing, payment, tracking and reporting for customers.
- eVS mailings are not subjected to verification at the Post Office or detached mail unit.
- Mailers have control over their mailpieces from preparation to the time they’ve delivered them to the post office.
- eVS eliminates paperwork by replacing hardcopy manifests, adjustment worksheets, and postage statements with electronic documentation.
- Mailers can monitor their package’s quality and make possible postage adjustments if needed.
You can also use eVS to pay postage and special service fees on domestic packages, such as USPS Marketing Mail machinable parcel mailing. On the other hand, Irregular USPS Marketing Mail packages can only be included in delivery unit mailings.
USPS Marketing Mail and Bound Printed Matter packages need price computations for each parcel. You can compute the price by determining each package’s price, piece rate, and IMpb (Intelligent Mail Package Barcode) non-compliance fee, if applicable.
USPS requires mailers to submit an electronic SSF (shipping services file) for any item with IMpb.
Track the Delivery of Your USPS Shipments
USPS provides high-volume mailers with a streamlined way to track multiple deliveries. Here is a look into the USPS tracking system.
What Is USPS Tracking?
USPS Tracking shows the current status of your package and location. You don’t need to pay fees to use the tracking system, as this service is provided whenever you pay postage for your mail or package. However, if you’re shipping USPS Marketing Mail bundles, you must pay a tracking fee.
Different USPS Status Meaning
There are many USPS statuses that you’ll encounter when using the online tracking system. However, the following are among the most commonly seen in your tracking.
- Pre-shipment: You get this status before your package gets scanned by USPS. The status you’ll typically get is “Label created, not yet in system.”
- In Transit: You’ll get the following statuses whenever the package moves from one location to another.
a. In Transit Arrival at Unit: The package arrived at a destination post office on the indicated date of delivery.
b. Departed USPS Facility: The package left the sorting facility.
c. Arrived at USPS Facility: The package arrived at a sorting facility.
d. Processed at USPS Destination Facility: The package was processed at a destination facility.
e. Arriving Late: The package arrived later than expected.
f. Outbound – Out of Customs: U.S. Customs released the package back to USPS for international delivery.
- Delivered or Arrived: You’ll get the following statuses when the package arrives or is delivered to an agent or facility.
a. Delivered: The package was delivered at the specified date and time of delivery.
b. Picked Up: The intended recipient picked up the package at the local post office.
c. Delivered to Agent: The package was delivered to an agent of the institution or residence of the recipient.
d. Available for Pickup: The package is ready for pickup at the post office.
- Delivery Attempt: You’ll get this status when a courier attempt to deliver the package.
- Alerts: Included in this type of status are Refused, Unable to Deliver, and Return to Sender.
How Does USPS Tracking Work?
The tracking system starts working when your package’s shipping label is scanned in a USPS facility.
You’ll get a mail or package barcode representing the tracking number designated to a mailpiece. You can use this tracking number to monitor the status of your package from the start of the delivery until the intended recipient receives the package you sent.
USPS Tracking Retail Label
These labels have barcodes and tracking number information that you stick to your envelope or package. Usually, the number is located under the barcode.
Label 400, USPS Tracking Label, Front
Label 400 is an electronic mail option that can also be used for retail. The USPS tracking number can be seen at the bottom of these labels’ barcodes.
Label 400 replaced Label 152 and electronic option Label 314. Commercial mailers who were using Label 314 for electronic option USPS Tracking or Delivery Confirmation are now using Label 400.
How Do You Access Tracking Information?
You can access the tracking information for the mailed item through several methods:
- USPS Tracking through USPS.com
- Informed Delivery
- Text or SMS (send a text to 28777 for tracking update)
- USPS Mobile app
- Phone (call 1-800-877-8339 for tracking information)
The ability to track delivery information in almost real-time can help shippers manage their items. They can use other services like the USPS Package Intercept service when they need to stop or redirect the delivery of a particular item.
U.S. Mail Tracking Official Website
USPS.com provides a tool to track your mail. USPS Tracking, which you can access by visiting USPS.com, helps shippers monitor the status of every delivery from its first scan to the last mile.
USPS Tracking Number Rules
The following are rules covering tracking numbers, their format, and where to find this string of numbers that correspond to your mailed item.
Where to Find the Tracking Number
You can get the tracking number from the following sources;
- Sales receipt
- Mailing receipt
- Online label records from postage purchases through Click-N-Ship or other services
- Barcode placed on the envelope or package
Remember that the following may not have tracking numbers:
- Postcards
- First-Class Mail letters and Flats
- Some USPS Marketing Mail items
What Does a Tracking Number Look Like?
A tracking number is a series of numbers linked to your mailpiece. This string of numbers is used to track packages in an online tracking system provided by USPS.
The following section will show the different tracking number formats you may see when mailing multiple packages using different USPS mail and package services.
USPS Service Label Formats
There are different label formats for tracking numbers for each mail service provided by USPS. Your tracking information is located on the part of the label with the item’s barcode. Here are the following mail services and their tracking number formats.
USPS Tracking
The tracking system provides end-to-end service for customers as they monitor the packages they send through shipping service providers.
A sample tracking number for mailed items is 9400 1000 0000 0000 0000 00.
Priority Mail
USPS provides an affordable shipping option based on weight and dimension. You also have the option to send items through Flat Rate Envelopes and Boxes. Deliveries with Priority Mail take one to three days.
A sample tracking number format for Priority Mail is 9205 5000 0000 0000 0000 00
Certified Mail
This mail service provides the sender with proof of mailing and delivery. You can have a copy of both these receipts, either a hard copy or an electronic version.
A sample tracking number format for Certified Mail is 9407 3000 0000 0000 0000 00.
Collect on Delivery
This mail service allows the sender to collect money from the recipient for fees associated with the mailing process and the delivered merchandise.
A sample tracking number format for COD is 9303 3000 0000 0000 0000 00.
Global Express Guaranteed
This mail service allows shippers to send USPS packages to international delivery addresses using USPS domestic deliveries with FedEx Express international transportation services.
An example of a tracking number format for Global Express Guaranteed is 82 000 000 00.
Priority Mail Express International
This mail service provides high-speed international deliveries of items, such as correspondence, packages, and bound printed matter, to more than 190 countries.
An example of a tracking number format for Priority Mail Express International is EC 000 000 000 US.
Priority Mail Express
This mail service provides speedy overnight mail and package delivery to domestic locations in the United States.
An example of a tracking number format for Priority Mail Express is 9270 1000 0000 0000 0000 00 and EA 000 000 000 US.
Priority Mail International
This mail service provides an affordable alternative to sending documents and merchandise to more than 190 countries.
A sample tracking number format for Priority Mail International is CP 000 000 000 US.
Registered Mail
This mail service provides an option most customers use when sending valuable documents. Registered Mail adds protection during transit and evidence of mailing and delivery.
A sample tracking number format for Registered Mail is 9208 8000 0000 0000 0000 00.
Signature Confirmation
This service is an add-on you can choose when sending mail. Service Confirmation informs the local post office that you require the recipient’s signature upon delivery and acceptance of the package.
A sample tracking number for Signature Confirmation is 9202 1000 0000 0000 0000 00.
Note that the tracking system can monitor other mail services like First-Class Packages, Library Mail, and Media Mail.
You use Media Mail to send different media types like CDs, DVDs, electronic storage devices, and books.
On the other hand, you use Library Mail when sending books, media material, and recordings on loan from or to be mailed to different academic organizations, museums, or public libraries.
What Type of Mail Requires a Signature?
Any mail that requires a signature is regarded as “accountable mail.” You have to pay an additional cost for this service.
The courier can’t complete the delivery without the recipient’s or an authorized individual’s signature upon receiving the item.
The types of mail that fall under the “accountable mail” category are the following:
- Adult Signature Required
- Adult Signature Restricted Delivery
- Insured Mail (insured for over $500)
- Collect On Delivery (COD)
- Registered Mail
- Postage Due and Return Postage Due
- Foreign Origin Mail with extra services
- Signature Confirmation service
- Restricted Delivery option
- Domestic Priority Mail Express service items unless the signature requirement is waived
- Return Receipt service
USPS Contact Information
You can get in touch with the following USPS contact information:
Customer Care Center
Email: USPS Customer Service
Call: 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777)
Technical Support
You can contact tech support for functionality issues regarding website applications and forms for the following services:
- Click-N-Ship
- File a claim
- The Postal Store
- USPS accounts
You can also inquire about technical guides and assistance with the abovementioned problems. You can call the representatives at 1-800-344-7779.
Domestic and International USPS Tracking
You can contact tracking support when you have inquiries about your package. You can call 1-800-222-1811.
Informed Delivery
You can contact Informed Delivery service if you want to purchase this feature. Informed Delivery is a feature that notifies you of any mail or package before its delivery to your address.
You can contact Informed Delivery support through this online form.
Stamps and Postal Store Orders
You can call this number when you need help with issues regarding stamps and other online merchandise available at the Postal Store. You can call 1-844-737-7826.
Free Shipping Supplies
You can contact Free Shipping Supplies when you need shipping materials and other items needed to package your item. You can call the representatives at 1-800-610-8734
eVS (Electronic verification service)
For more information about eVS, contact 877-264-9693 or email the representatives at eVS@usps.gov.
USPS Working Hours and Locations
Customer Care Center
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM ET
Saturday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM ET
Technical Support
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM ET
Saturday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM ET
Stamps and Postal Store Orders
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM ET
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and Postal Holidays
Free Shipping Supplies
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM ET
Saturday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM ET
The following are USPS addresses, but no email or contact numbers are available.
Consumer Advocate
Consumer Advocate USPS – Headquarters
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW
Washington DC 20260
Postmaster General
Postmaster General Louis DeJoy
USPS – Headquarters
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW
Washington DC 20260-0010
Board of Governors
Board of Governors
USPS – Headquarters
475 L’Enfant Plaza SW
Washington DC 20260-0004
Congressional Addresses
The Honorable (name)
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Senatorial Addresses
The Honorable (name)
U.S. Senate
Washington, D.C. 20515
Remember that USPS prefers addresses to be written in all caps and without punctuation. So, keep that in mind when sending your mail to these addresses.
1. USPS Shipment Tracking Management
If you have any questions regarding tracking, you can contact support through this online form. You can also call customer care support to get more information about your particular issue. (Note that the online form is only for domestic deliveries in the United States).
2. Multi-Language Support
Currently, the USPS website can support three languages; English, Spanish, and simplified Chinese. You can translate the content on the site by choosing your preferred language on the homepage.
About USPS (United States Postal Service)
The United States Postal Service traces its founding to when Benjamin Franklin became the first Postmaster General in 1775. Since then, the Postal Service has grown to become a mainstay courier service in the country.
Technology and innovation have bridged USPS into the 21st century and now extend its reach into foreign countries.
USPS is now a giant industry with 7.3 million employees, more than 230,000 vehicles, and handles 46% of mail deliveries worldwide. Furthermore, USPS.com got 2.3 billion visits in 2019, averaging six million visitors daily.
FAQS
- Where do I find my tracking number?
You can find the tracking number on your sales receipt, return receipt, online labels, and the barcodes attached to your mail or package.
- How do I parcel track with USPS Text Tracking?
You can send a text to 28777 and the tracking number as the content of your message. You’ll get a tracking update reply.
You can also visit your tracking account and register your phone number to receive tracking information through text updates.
- How can I leave delivery instructions?
You can give USPS instructions on how to deliver your package, where to send it, and who can receive the package. However, you need to ensure that your package is eligible for this service.
Mail or packages that are not eligible for Delivery Instructions service are the following:
- Packages left the post office for delivery
- Packages with a Hold Mail request
- Packages with a Forward Mail request
- Packages with a Delivery Signature request
- Packages with COD (Collect on Delivery) request
- Package with a USPS Package Intercept order
- Package with insurance for $500 or more
- Packages with APO (Army Post Office,) FPO (Fleet Post Office,) and DPO (Diplomatic Post Office) addresses
- How do I talk to a person in USPS customer service?
You can contact USPS Customer Care Center via 1-800-222-1811, 1-800-275-8777, or 1-800-ASK-USPS. You’ll hear an automated voice with instructions to follow. You can call during their operation hours (Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM and Saturday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM ET)
- Does USPS have a live chat?
USPS has an online form for inquiries, but the website doesn’t support live chat conversations.
- How can I successfully file an insurance claim with USPS?
The success of an insurance claim depends on evidence of insurance purchased by the shipper, proof of evidence, and proof of value. You can talk to USPS Customer Support for insurance claims.
- How many times will USPS attempt delivery?
USPS will provide second and final notices after the initial attempted delivery. The courier will make a final attempt, and if still undelivered, the package is returned to the post office and then sent back to the sender.
- Can I pick up my mail before it’s delivered?
You can pick up your mail once you are notified that your package arrived at the nearest post office in your location. If you need a database of post offices, you can visit FindPostOffice.org.
- Does USPS ship on Sunday?
Yes, USPS delivers Priority Mail on Sundays in major cities and high-volume locations.
- What’s the difference between Certified Mail vs. Registered Mail?
Registered Mail provides added security during the delivery of your package. On the other hand, Certified Mail provides proof of mailing and delivery.
- What does EE mean in USPS tracking?
Express Mail International has a 9-digit number barcode that starts with the letter “E” followed by another letter, like EE or ER. The tracking number ends with the letters “U.S.”
References:
- e-VS (Electronic Verification System)
https://www.usps.com/postalone/evs.htm - Electronic Verification System (eVS®)
https://postalpro.usps.com/shipping/evs - Facility Access and Shipment Tracking (FAST)
https://fast.usps.com/fast/main.action - USPS Tracking
https://usps-track.us/amp/ - DMM Revision: USPS Tracking/Delivery Confirmation Label Usage
https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2013/pb22357/html/updt_002.htm - USPS Package Intercept
https://www.usps.com/manage/package-intercept.htm - How to find your tracking number
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/How-to-find-your-tracking-number#where_find_tracking_number - USPS Tracking®
https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction_input?_gl=1wzesz3_gaMzc2NzQxMjE2LjE2NzM5MDU5OTM._ga_3NXP3C8S9V*MTY3MzkyNjc1Mi41LjEuMTY3MzkzMzIxMC4wLjAuMA.. - What is Priority Mail®?
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/What-is-Priority-Mail - What is Certified Mail?
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/What-is-Certified-Mail - Collect on Delivery
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Collect-on-Delivery#what_is_collect_on_delivery - What is Priority Mail International®?
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/What-is-Priority-Mail-International - What is Priority Mail Express®?
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/What-is-Priority-Mail-Express - What Is Global Express Guaranteed®
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/What-Is-Global-Express-Guaranteed - What is Priority Mail Express International®
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/What-is-Priority-Mail-Express-International - What is Signature Confirmation™?
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/What-is-Signature-Confirmation - What are Library Mail Service and Media Mail® Service?
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/What-are-Library-Mail-Service-and-Media-Mail-Service - USPS® Mail Requiring a Signature – Accountable Mail
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/USPS-Mail-Requiring-a-Signature-Accountable-Mail - Contact Us
https://www.usps.com/help/contact-us.htm - What is the best way to contact the United States Postal Service®?
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/What-is-the-best-way-to-contact-the-United-States-Postal-Service - How to Send a Letter or Postcard: Domestic
https://www.usps.com/ship/letters.htm - Postal history
https://about.usps.com/who/profile/history/ - What is USPS Text Tracking™?
https://www.usps.com/text-tracking/index-mobile.htm - Claims for Loss or Damage
https://about.usps.com/publications/pub370/pub370_v10_revision_012016_tech_013.htm - What are the Second and Final Notice and Return Dates for Redelivery?
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/What-are-the-Second-and-Final-Notice-and-Return-Dates-for-Redelivery - FAQ — Sunday Holiday Package Delivery
https://about.usps.com/news/electronic-press-kits/holidaynews/2014/pdf/hc2014_faqs.pdf - Frequently Asked Questions
https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2007/html/pb22215/kit.3.5.html