Save Time By Doing It Right
Automated Package Verification
To continue offering affordable shipping options, USPS® has streamlined how postage is checked on packages with Click-N-Ship® and PC Postage® labels. We are bringing new technology to help you accurately pay for shipping—with the intent that it will improve the shipping experience for both shippers and recipients.
USPS is committed to giving you the tools you need for an easy and seamless shipping experience. We've provided some tips below to help you understand the best practices for improving your shipping procedures and how to calculate postage correctly, so you're not overpaying or underpaying.
How to Calculate Postage Correctly
Weigh your item and round up
USPS® rounds up to either the next pound (lb) or ounce (oz). For example, if your package weighs 3 lbs 5 oz, it would be charged at the 4 lb-rate. If you have an item for shipping by First-Class Package® service that weighs 7.3 oz, it must be charged at the 8 oz-rate. This applies to all mail classes—domestic and international.
Select the right mail class
For example, First-Class Package® service can only be used for packages under 15.999 oz; anything over the weight limit must be shipped with Priority Mail® service. And domestic Regional Rate Boxes A and B have 15 and 20 lbs limits respectively.
Measure your package
Measure the length, width, and height of the package. Dimensional (DIM) weight may also apply to your packaging. DIM weight is determined by multiplying a package's length, width, and height and applying a volumetric divisor.1 DIM weight = (L X W X H)/194.
Label your package correctly
USPS provides a wide range of shipping options to help you meet your mailing needs. Make sure that the label you are using matches the packaging. For example, if you are using a Flat Rate box, you should also use a Flat Rate label. Or anything shipped in Priority Mail® packaging requires a Priority Mail label. Also, ensure you place the label on the long side of the box. Labels should not wrap over the ends or edges and all barcodes should face up in the same direction.
Double check the zone
If you are using PC Postage® software, verify that the origin address (or "sent from") is up to date before printing the label. Please note, USPS charges by zones. To get a zone chart for your ZIP Code™ use the Postal Calculator.
Calculate a Price
About Automated Package Verification
How is USPS® streamlining the automated package verification process? Expand Collapse FAQ question
We've invested in new technologies that automatically detect and correct package postage overpayments or underpayments, bringing USPS in line with industry standards.
How does this improve the manual postage due process? Expand Collapse FAQ question
Why is USPS implementing Automated Package Verification process? Expand Collapse FAQ question
Who is impacted by this process? Expand Collapse FAQ question
How will I be notified? Expand Collapse FAQ question
How accurate is the Automated Package Verification process? Expand Collapse FAQ question
Who do I contact with questions? Expand Collapse FAQ question
When does a postage difference occur? Expand Collapse FAQ question
What do I do if I disagree with the assessment by USPS? Expand Collapse FAQ question
How long do I have to submit a dispute? Expand Collapse FAQ question
How can I check the status of my dispute? Expand Collapse FAQ question
When will I receive my refund? Expand Collapse FAQ question
USPS applies DIM domestically, but the volumetric divisor is 194 and applies to Priority Mail® parcels larger than a cubic foot and going to zones 5-9.
Back to legal disclaimer 1