[TikTok Shipping - Standard Delivery] USPS Order Fulfillment Warehouse SOP

Please note: In alignment with industry standards, package status is considered "In Transit" only when it receives an official Acceptance Scan (A-scan) from the carriers, confirming that the package has been physically handed over and inducted into the carrier network.
Creating Manifest or scanning Scan form does not represent a successful handover and will not trigger an “In Transit” status.

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Read before Processing

If you have a pickup from USPS or you drop off to a USPS location and you have multiple packages to hand over, please ensure to comply with the following procedures:

1. Identify the Package Types

You need to identify HAZMAT package from Non-HAZMAT by the bold letter on the upper left corner of the label.

2. Separation Process

Separate all HAZMAT packages from all other packages.

• HAZMAT Handling: Place all identified HAZMAT packages into designated "HAZMAT" containers, with a placard marked with "HAZMAT" on the side of each container.
• non-HAZMAT Handling: Place non-HAZMAT Ground Advantage packages into separate containers

3. Final Handover

Declaration: Inform the USPS carrier driver or clerk that you are handing over a container with HAZMAT.
Reference

• Label Printing for Hazmat and Dangerous Goods - https://seller-us.tiktok.com/university/essay?knowledge_id=4516526753564458
• USPS Shipping Safety guide - https://www.uspsdelivers.com/hazmat-shipping-safety/#step-1-3
• HAZMAT Shipping Tutorial - https://www.uspsdelivers.com/hazmat-shipping-safety/?_gl=1*
• Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail - https://pe.usps.com/text/pub52/welcome.htm
• Lithium Battery Shipping with USPS - https://dl.kwcdn.com/upload-common/usps_lithium_battery_shipping/1e7fafd8-2eed-4382-82bd-1bdfaa0cc776.pdf
• Domestic Hazardous Materials Warning Labels and Markings - https://dl.kwcdn.com/upload-common/hazardous_materials_labels/71911d33-983c-494d-8fea-cec4f7eea2a2.pdf

Packing

• Put it in your mailbox for carrier pickup.
• Drop it in a blue collection box or Post Office lobby drop-off box.

USPS will scan at least one package from each drop off. This Origination (OS) Scan will capture the time stamp of the drop off and serve as proof that you dropped off the packages.
Once unloaded, packages will be staged for processing on the next package sorting shift. All packages will be scanned when they are processed at the sorting facility.

Appointment Scheduling

Pick-up Schedule

• If you have the existing pick-up schedule with USPS, please keep the current one and coordinate with USPS as usual.
  • If you don't have an existing pickup schedule with carriers, you can create on demand pickup via USPS website, or create recurring pickup schedule if you register an account on USPS.com.
• The packages need to be palletized for pickup.
• If the packages are not picked up due to labeling and packaging issues, please re-print the labels or re-pack the packages. Refer to packaging and labeling SOP for the best practice.

Important Considerations

• Same-day cancellations need to be communicated with carriers directly by cut-off time:
  • USPS cut-off time: 5am (local time)
• Ensure rescheduling is done one working day prior to the pickup and that the change applies to the correct date.

• Proper Label & Package Shipments: Ensure all packages have shipping labels and meet packaging & labeling guidelines.
• Be Ready at Pickup Time: Keep packages in an accessible area prior to pick up time.
• Check Carriers Pickup days:

USPS: Available Monday through Saturday, excluding national holidays.

Issue Escalation & Rescheduling

• For any issues or rescheduling needs, contact the carriers directly, and provide the below information:
  • Shop name
  • Warehouse address
  • Local dispatch office

Package loading and handover

Pre-Handover Preparation

Package Verification

• Ensure all packages meet labeling and packaging requirements
• Check for any restricted or prohibited items per carrier regulations.

Labeling Requirements:

• Print the shipping label using the designated label printer.
• Shipping labels must be clear, legible, and securely attached to a flat surface on the package.
• Barcodes should be easily scannable, without folds, wrinkles, or obstructions.
• Ensure that special handling labels (e.g., fragile, perishable, hazardous materials) are correctly applied when necessary.

Packaging Requirements:

• Use transport-worthy boxes or poly bags appropriate for the shipment contents.
• Ensure internal cushioning (bubble wrap, foam, packing peanuts) is used for fragile items.
• Seal all openings securely with high-quality packing tape to prevent tampering or damage.
• Avoid excessive empty space inside the package to prevent items from shifting during transit.
• Packages must comply with carrier packaging guidelines to prevent rejection or delays.

Package Loading Process

Loading Guidelines

• Arrange packages in a stable and organized manner to prevent damage.
• Group packages by destination, size, weight category and carrier for efficient handling.
• Must be palletized or floor load.

Carrier Handover ChecklistBefore handing over shipments:

• For USPS pickup: a manifest form is recommended, and please ensure the pickup driver scans the form.

Issue Escalation & Resolution

If any issue arises during the loading or handover process:

1. Communicate immediately with the carrier representative.
2. Document the issue with photos, timestamps, and shipment details.

Compliance & Penalties

• Non-compliance with package loading and handover SOPs may result in service suspension.
• Repeated issues leading to carrier escalations may lead to removal from the shipping service.
• Sellers must maintain records of compliance for audits and dispute resolution.

Carrier packaging guidelines

USPS Packaging guidelines:https://www.usps.com/ship/packages.htm