Skip to main content

USPS Automated Package Verification (APV)

Updated

General

Disputes

 

General

What is APV?

Automated Package Verification or APV is a USPS program designed to verify that the correct postage has been paid on domestic parcels (international TBD). If the postage amount is underpaid, a debit will be made to cover the difference. If the postage amount is overpaid, a credit will be made accordingly. Properties considered are:

  • Package weight, dimensions, type of packaging used (i.e. USPS expedited packaging - Flat rate box with USPS UPC barcode)
  • Origin, destination ZIP codes (used to determine Zone calculation)
  • Duplicate label used
  • Refunded label used

This is a USPS program that applies to postage prepared and tracking labels generated using a PC Postage provider, such as EasyPost.

 

Does APV take into account my discounted rates?

Yes. APV takes into account your specific discounted rates when recalculating the postage amount that should have been paid for a parcel.

 

When does a postage difference occur?

Generally, a postage difference occurs when the package characteristics (e.g., weight, dimensions, zone, etc.) entered when the label is created do not match the measurements of the actual package mailed as captured by USPS processing equipment.

 

How am I notified of postage differences? 

If you have webhooks set up, EasyPost will send a `ShipmentInvoice` event as notification that your EasyPost balance has been adjusted. You can also request a ShipmentInvoice report to view your discrepancies (see help guide). 

 

What are the most common discrepancies?

The most common reasons for postage discrepancies include:

  • Incorrect weight on label resulting in a price difference due to different rating or exceeding limitations for the class chosen (i.e.moving from First Class to Priority Mail).
  • Incorrect dimensions versus those of the actual package shipped
  • Incorrect service or packaging entered for label creation versus actual service/packaging material used (e.g., First-Class™ labels cannot be used on Priority Mail® or Priority Mail Express® packaging).
  • Package claimed at First Class 13 oz., but actually weighs 1.5 lbs. should be mailed as Priority as First Class Mail has a 15.999 oz. limit. Additional information on pricing of mail classes can be found at USPS DMM notice 123. 
  • Package claimed as an expedited package (i.e. Flat Rate Envelope, Flat Rate Box) must be mailed with proper packaging.

 

How can I avoid discrepancies?

  • Make sure your scales are accurate and calibrated daily.
  • Round up, not down
  • Make sure you understand different between regular weight parcel and DIM weight parcel
  • Provide length, width, and height measurements; not just weights - providing this information will help avoid dimensional weight issues and support dispute process when needed

 

Disputes

What if I disagree with the adjustment?

You can file a dispute with the USPS directly. Email VerifyPostageHelp@usps.gov with the following information:

  • Package Barcode (Tracking) Number – Full Tracking Number
  • EasyPost Package Dispute ID (known as Revenue Assurance ID at USPS)
    • This can be found in the shipment invoice report or webhook (see help guide)
  • Reason For Dispute
  • Contact information (name, email, and phone number)

EasyPost is notified once the Disputes are processed by USPS. Upon acceptance of the dispute by USPS, EasyPost will refund the original APV invoice to your account.

 

How long do I have to submit a dispute?

You have 60 days from the EasyPost APV adjustment date to file a dispute with USPS for a given transaction.

 

What if I want to appeal the USPS dispute decision?

You have additional 30 days from the EasyPost APV adjustment date to appeal one-time against a dispute decision with USPS for a given transaction.

Related articles