USPS Order Processing: Warehouse Operations SOP

On this page:

1. Order fulfillment operating procedure guide
2. Drop off at USPS stations
3. USPS pickup appointment
4. Issue escalation and resolution
5. Compliance and penalties

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Important Information

1. Before shipping orders via TikTok Shipping, please review this guide carefully. All USPS packages shipped under the Standard Delivery and Collection by TikTok (CBT) must comply with USPS shipping standards.
2. 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. Creationg Manifest or scanning Scan form does not represent a successful handover and will not trigger an “In Transit” status.
3. If you have a pickup from USPS or you drop off at a USPS location and you have multiple packages to hand over, please ensure you comply with the corresponding requirements.
4. Effective July 12, 2026, USPS will introduce a $50 Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) non-compliance fee and a $7.50 handling fee for packages. You will be responsible for these fees if USPS determines your package is non-compliant and assesses the charges. Please consult the operations manual for USPS hazardous materials shipping specifications.
   • For more information on hazardous materials policies, please refer to our detailed guide.
   • To learn how to list hazardous materials products in your TikTok Shop, please check our practical guide.
   • Please continue to comply with TikTok Shop's labeling requirements for hazardous materials and limited-quantity hazardous materials. Please refer to our operations guide for instructions on printing hazardous materials shipping labels, managing split orders, and other frequently asked questions.

Order fulfillment operating procedure guide

1. Before shipping via TikTok Shipping, you must strictly adhere to warehouse packing and shipping standards; please refer to the <How to Fulfill Orders from a Seller Warehouse> for details.
2. You must distinguish between hazardous materials (HAZMAT) and non-hazardous materials (Non-HAZMAT) packages based on the bold letter identifier in the top-left corner of the package label. Merchants must ensure that the storage, handling, labeling, and transportation of hazardous materials comply with all applicable laws and regulations. Merchants are responsible for determining whether their products are classified as hazardous materials and for ensuring compliance with transportation and labeling requirements. Please refer to the <Dangerous Goods Compliance Requirements)> to ensure product information is correctly maintained in the system, and follow the <Hazmat Order Handling for TikTok Shipping> to process shipments correctly.

3. For USPS packaging guidelines, please visit: https://www.usps.com/ship/packages.htm. Please check the carrier's official website for the latest packaging specifications.

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Drop off at USPS stations

If you wish to drop off your package at a USPS location, please follow the guidelines below:
Preparing for Drop-off

• If your package is less than half an inch thick and weighs under 10 ounces, you may drop it off using the following methods after properly affixing the shipping label:
  • Place it in your mailbox for the mail carrier to collect.
  • Deposit it into a blue collection box or a drop-off bin in the post office lobby.
• If your package exceeds half an inch in thickness or weighs more than 10 ounces, you must take it to the post office counter and hand it to a staff member for processing.

Package Scanning and ProcessingUSPS performs an "Origination Scan" on at least one package from each drop-off to record the time, serving as proof that you have submitted the package.
After the package is unloaded, it awaits the next scheduled sorting run. All packages are scanned during processing at the sorting center.
Important NotesIf your package exceeds half an inch in thickness or weighs more than 10 ounces:

• If placed in your mailbox for pickup, the mail carrier will not collect it.
• If deposited into a blue collection box or a post office lobby drop-off bin, the package will be returned to you.

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USPS pickup appointment

If you wish to schedule a USPS pickup service for your package delivery, please follow the guidelines below:

Pickup Arrangements

• If you already have a standing pickup schedule with USPS, please maintain your current arrangement and coordinate with USPS as usual.
  • If you do not yet have a standing pickup schedule with the carrier, you can request an on-demand pickup via the official USPS website or register for a USPS account to set up a recurring pickup schedule.
• Packages must be palletized for pickup.
• If a package is not picked up due to issues with the shipping label or packaging, please reprint the label or repackage the item. Please refer to the Packaging and Labeling Guidelines for best practices.

Important Notes

• To cancel a pickup for the same day, you must communicate directly with the carrier before the cutoff time:
  • USPS cutoff time: 5:00 AM local time.
• Ensure that any changes to the pickup time are made at least one business day in advance and verify that the new date is correct.

Best Practices for a Smooth Pickup

• Compliant Labels and Packaging: Ensure all packages have shipping labels attached and meet packaging and labeling specifications.
• Prepare Packages for Pickup: Place packages in an easily accessible location prior to the scheduled pickup time.
• Verify Carrier Pickup Schedule:
  • USPS: Pickup service is available Monday through Saturday, excluding national holidays.

Issue escalation and rescheduling

• If you encounter any issues or need to change pickup arrangements, please contact the carrier directly and provide the following information:
  • Store name
  • Warehouse address
  • Contact details for the local delivery office

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Issue escalation and resolution

• If any issues arise during loading or handover, communicate immediately with the carrier's representative.
• Document the details of the issue, including photographs, timestamps, and shipment information.

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Compliance and penalties

• Failure to adhere to operational guidelines for package loading and handover may result in the suspension of services.
• Frequent violations leading to escalated complaints from carriers may result in removal from the shipping service.
• Sellers must properly maintain compliance records for audit and dispute resolution purposes.