[D. Bergin]

Originally Posted by steve B

The packages go through machines too.

Tracking isn't supposed to be available on anything that's under 3/4 of an inch thick, unless it's priority. Even stuff ridgid enough to be classed as a package can't have tracking under 3/4 inch.

There's the letter sorter, flats sorter, package sorter.......Not much human work aside from loading the machines.
I'm not sure about the flats and package machines, but the machines that do letters handle as many as 30,000/ hour.

Private carriers aren't really any better.

Steve B

Rigids under 3/4 inches can indeed be shipped with tracking. I'm not sure why some Post Offices and others keep disputing this:

From USPS regs:



1.0 Basic Information
1.1Description

Delivery Confirmation service provides the mailer with information about the date and time an article was delivered and, if delivery was attempted but not successful, the date and time of the delivery attempt. Delivery Confirmation service is available only at the time of mailing. No record is kept at the office of mailing. Delivery Confirmation service does not include insurance, but insurance may be purchased as an additional service (see 1.6). Some statutes and regulations governing the mailing of documents with legal significance may require the use of Certified Mail or Registered Mail rather than Delivery Confirmation.
1.2Eligible Matter

Delivery Confirmation is available for First-Class Mail parcels defined in C050 as machinable (with no minimum weight), irregular, or outside parcels; for all Priority Mail pieces; for Standard Mail pieces subject to the residual shape surcharge (electronic option only); and for Package Services parcels defined in C050 as machinable, irregular, or outside parcels. For the purposes of using Delivery Confirmation with a First-Class Mail parcel or a Package Services parcel, the parcel must meet these additional requirements:

a. The surface area of the address side of the parcel must be large enough to contain completely and legibly the delivery address, return address, postage, and any applicable markings, endorsements, and special service labels.

b. Except as provided in 1.2c for machinable parcels, the parcel must be greater than 3/4 inch thick at its thickest point.

c. If the mailpiece is a machinable parcel under C050 and no greater than 3/4 inch thick, the contents must be prepared in a strong and rigid fiberboard or similar container or in a container that becomes rigid after the contents are enclosed and the container is secured. The parcel must be able to maintain its shape, integrity, and rigidity throughout processing and handling without collapsing into a letter-size or flat-size piece.