USPS Is No Longer Allowing The Use Of Stamps On Packages

Is there any truth to this rumor? Could it be the first step in discontinuing the production of stamps? Thanks! Wolf-==-

It would help if you'd provide a source for this "rumor". It sure seems unlikely or else what are stamps for? You pay the gov't for a service, then they refuse to perform that service? I kinda doubt it. Maybe someone is thinking of the way postal clerks immediately, without ever even asking if you want stamps on a package, reach for their postage printing device.

Again, without a source, I certainly can't evaluate this claim.

I think the only restriction is that you can't use stamps on packages over 13 ounces and just drop them in a box. Stamps are valid no matter what, but if over 13 ounces, stamped packages have to be presented to a clerk, in person.

This has been the case for over a decade. The clerk told me it's a security measure. Apparently, using stamps requires you to bring the package in person to the post office. My carrier wouldn't even let me hand him the package at my own house.

There are new restrictions:

https://www.linns.com/news/us-stamp...-and-letters

Perfectly sensible, it seems to me.

I think this is a not very well thought out rule that will make modern postage stamps less desirable over time and will lessen the % of FV one can sell discount postage for online if use is restricted or make cumbersome.

It's quite obvious the goal is to have a traceable visual record of everyone who mails packages only with stamps. I have no problem with that, but in this era of convenience and technology, people are less enthused about standing in often long lines at the post office. I think the USPS should implement technology to where customer who wants to mail packages with only stamps on them can create an account online where their identity is verified via a photographic government ID (e.g. state ID, driver's license, passport, etc..). The customer can then print out a tracking number with a unique identifier that links the package to the specific customer and they can also pay any difference between the total cost to mail and the amount of affixed postage. Also have a disclaimer that the customer is solely responsible for the contents of the package and bears all liability, etc.. Postal Carriers will know by a unique (e.g. color coded, or other distinguishing characteristic etc.) mailing label with tracking number that the package has been authenticated and is traceable to a specific customer.

I would gladly sign-up for a this service to where I am authenticated via a photographic government ID. It would increase sales of higher denominated stamps and basically be a win-win situation for USPS (via increased postage stamp sales) and the consumer.

Better safe than sorry.

"This modification was made out of an abundance of caution and to provide optimal security for Postal Service employees, customers, transportation networks, facilities and the U.S. mail," the Postal Bulletin said in an announcement headlined "Delivery Operations."

I cannot imagine that the new regulations impact much mail. The only time that I receive such items with stamps is when they are from stamp related individuals/firms. I can see the demise of the Priority Mail rate stamps though at some point.

Much ado about not very much. @Torin's proposed solution would take USPS customers to where they would go mad to where they couldn't mail a package. To say nothing of the burden it would place on carriers trying to confirm with color coded tracking labels to where delivery would be slowed even further. Got me to where I can't read this thread any more.

Thanks for the link, rogdcam.

We don't have this, although you aren't supposed to put larger packages into pillar boxes, as they go into a different sorting stream. The main problem is getting the thing into the box in the first place. There are several boxes near me, but only one has an aperture wide enough to take A4, which is a standard envelope size.

Bud: My proposal would encourage more mailings and lead to higher revenue for the USPS, while making things more convenient for customers. It seems counterintuitive that there are so many stamp issues, yet the USPS makes their use more cumbersome. If a customer can create an account online and pay with a credit card to create a shipping label for a package online, why can't a label be created online for stamped mail, wherein the person is verified so where it doesn't become anonymous mail.

If these regulations are truly about security, then why not require all packages whether paid for online or with stamps to be handed over in person at a post office, where the clerk asks you 10 security related questions about it.

<sarcasm> A simple solution, require postage stamps on every email!!!

Cuts down on spam, helps philately, puts money in the pockets of struggling postal systems. Win-win-win. </sarcasm>
Don

Would scanning the stamps and attaching them to the email work?

Just saw this... explains why I can't mail certain ebay packages out in certain towns anymore...