Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – SpiderShip.com’s US Postal Service Program
How does a customer ship a package?
In order for a customer to receive the USPS discount, the customer must process their USPS shipment via the online Rater. A customer will simply enter the Origin Zip, Destination Zip, weight, and package type to generate quotes for all the USPS services offered by USS.
How does a customer track a package?
Click the Track button in the Rater or visit www.usps.com and enter the tracking number. Both Express and USPS Priority Mail come with free online tracking through our system. “Delivery Confirmation” is the same as online tracking.
Can customers place packages in USPS Drop Boxes?
Yes. Packages addressed within the US and Territories can be placed into a dropbox but must fit inside. Express packages should be placed in a USPS Express mail dropbox.
Will SpiderShip.com be able to integrate into customers’ ecommerce, Quickbooks, or other internal software programs?
Yes. An Application Programming Interface (API) has been created for several IT environments and is currently being BETA tested.
How will customer invoicing work?
Customers can receive traditional invoices via email or paper and whatever payment terms you wish to extend. However each shipment must be pre-paid into an account or at the time of shipment via a customer’s credit card, a franchisee/agent’s credit card, or Google Checkout. Customers will also be able to click on an Invoicing tab to view invoice detail and make payments.
How can a customer process inbound shipments?The customer can create the postage label through the Rater and then email or fax it to the sender.
Are there shipment processing methods outside of Webship? What type of printers can be used with Webship for USPS discounts and packages?
Shipments need to be processed through Webship or through any customer system that has been linked to the system so the customer receives the proper USPS discounts and the franchisee or agent receives revenue credit. Any printer can be used that has the ability print a 4×6 or larger label.
What days are considered non-delivery Days?
Government recognized holidays and Sundays, unless Sunday service is requested.
Will franchises have local contacts at the USPS?
Yes. SpiderShip.com will distribute contacts for each agent and franchise so that you can make contact locally.
What are the package pickup options for the customer?
1. Carrier Pickup allows you to tender all your USPS packages to the mail carrier at their normal pickup time for free. The service is available in most zip codes nationwide.
2. Pickup on Demand allows you to schedule a customized late pickup time for your USPS packages for a charge of $15.30 per day.
What phone numbers can I call for help?
1. General Questions: 800-ASK-USPS
2. Track and Confirm Customer Service: 800-222-1811: M-F – 7:30am – 10:30pm EST, Sat/Sun/Holiday – 9:00am – 8:00pm EST
3. Other questions: contact United Shipping Solutions at 866-744-7486
What service guarantees does the USPS offer?
Express Mail Guarantee – This product carries a money back guarantee if the service commitment is not met. Express packages are delivered to the addressee the next day by 3 pm (in some places, the guarantee is by noon) if the package makes it to the Post Office by the cutoff time. Otherwise, the package will be delivered the second day by 3 pm.
USPS Priority Mail – This product does not have a money guarantee but it is a 1-2 day service with a small percent of packages arriving on the 3rd day.
Where can my customer get supplies? What supplies are available?
Customers can obtain supplies from usps.com, the local post office, or their local USS rep. Supplies are free and take 2 weeks to arrive if ordered from the USPS website.
Can the customer use their own packaging and just apply a USPS label?Yes, as long as the packaging meets the USPS packaging guidelines.
Can you import a customer address book into Webship?
Yes, we can import CSV or Excel formats. Simply ask the USS IT department get in contact with the customer’s IT Manager to expedite this process.
Does USPS get a signature upon the delivery of a package?
For Express Mail shipments, the USPS will automatically get a signature unless the sender requests a “Waiver of Signature”. For Priority Mail shipments, the USPS does not automatically obtain a signature. However, the customer can purchase “Signature Confirmation” for $1.95 if a signature is required.
Will a residential shipment be left without signature?
If a signature is required then the package will not be left at the residence or in the mailbox. If the no one is home, we will leave a pink colored notice in the mailbox notifying the consignee that a parcel is being held at their local post office for pickup.
Does the customer need to sign a contract? Is there a minimum required number of shipments?
SpiderShip.com does not require its customers to sign a contract to use the USPS services through our company. There is no minimum number of shipments required to ship with webship.
Is there a weight limit or size limit for USPS packages?
Length + girth combined cannot exceed 108 inches and the weight cannot exceed 70 lbs.
Is the customer charged by weight and zone like FedEx/UPS?
For standard shipping, yes. However, flat rates products are charged a flat rate regardless of weight or zone. Zone charts can be viewed at http://postcalc.usps.gov/Zonecharts/.
Can the customer print labels before the ship date?
Yes. The customer can print postage labels up to three days in advance. They must mail the packages on the day the postage indicates.
Does the customer need a scale to weigh all shipments?
If the customer uses the flat rate products, no scale is required. All other parcels are charged based upon weight so a scale would be recommended.
Can packages be insured?
Yes. The customer will be able to insure packages up to $500 through the rater at the time of shipment either through the USPS or through Stamps.com. This process is currently being finalized in the rater. Customers can insure for $500-5000 by visiting a post office. The customer cannot combine United States Postal Service® insurance purchased online with insurance purchased at a Post Office facility.
1. Express Mail Insurance*
Offers up to $100 insurance coverage included in price of postage with the following limits:
1. $100 for merchandise
2. $100 for document reconstruction
3. $15 for cash
Additional insurance coverage may be purchased for up to $5,000 for merchandise only.
Note: Use of Waiver of Signature will void insurance indemnity
2. USPS Priority Mail Insurance*
Insurance may be combined with Delivery Confirmation and Signature Confirmation. Available for merchandise only (i.e. you cannot insure correspondence).
EXPRESS MAIL - INSURANCE
INSURANCE COVERAGE DESIRED Fee
$0.01-$100.00 $0.00
100.01-200.00 $0.75
200.01-500.00 $2.15
500.01-5,000.00 $2.15 + $1.40 for every $500 or fraction thereof
Express Mail merchandise maximum coverage: $5,000.
Document reconstruction maximum liability: $100.
ALL OTHER PACKAGES – INSURANCE
INSURANCE COVERAGE DESIRED Fee
$0.01-$50 $1.75
50.01-100 $2.25
100.01-200 $2.75
200.01-300 $4.70
300.01-400 $5.70
400.01-500 $6.70
500.01-600 $7.70
600.01-5000 $7.70 + $1.00 per $100 or fraction thereof
Maximum coverage: $5,000
To suggest your own question about USPS Discounts please ask the question through our contact form.
