# Paying for packages: manifests, eVS and USPS Ship

Shippers pay package postage by sending USPS a manifest, an electronic Shipping Services File that lists each package's weight, size and postage.[^1] [USPS Ship](https://postalref.com/products/usps-ship.md), which replaced eVS, charges that postage to the shipper's Enterprise Payment Account.[^2][^1] It then compares each package's measured weight and size with the manifest, and charges or refunds the difference.[^3]

Updated November 5, 2026. 75 sources.

## Questions

### How do I get a refund for a USPS shipping label?

A [PC Postage](https://postalref.com/guides/paying-postage.md) user asks its provider to refund a label with a tracking number, electronically and within 30 days of printing.[^4] The provider grants or denies the request by USPS criteria and may charge for processing it, and the user must destroy a refunded label.[^4] A shipper on [USPS Ship](https://postalref.com/products/usps-ship.md) sends an Unused Label Refund Request within 60 days of the mailing date, and a qualifying request pays a 10% fee.[^5][^6]

### How do I cancel a USPS shipping label?

A label made with the USPS [Domestic Labels API](https://postalref.com/guides/shipping-apis.md) can be canceled before its mailing date, with the API's Cancel Label endpoint, `/label/{trackingNumber}`.[^7][^8] The API calculates each label's postage and generates its Shipping Services File.[^8] A label in a Shipping Services File that was charged to the Enterprise Payment Account but never shipped gets an Unused Label Refund Request instead.[^5]

### How do I create a USPS manifest?

A shipper creates a manifest in a Shipping Services File: one Header Record, then one Detail Record 1 for each package.[^9] After label and file certification, the shipper sends it by [Parcel Data Exchange](https://postalref.com/products/parcel-data-exchange-pdx-api.md), Secure File Transfer Protocol or Electronic Data Interchange Internet Applicability Standard 2.[^10][^11] Online, PC Postage and meter shippers should create PS Form 5630, Shipment Confirmation Acceptance Notice, a printed manifest form for a group of prepaid packages.[^12]

### How does USPS know the weight on the manifest is correct?

USPS Ship compares each manifest with the weight and dimensions that USPS mail processing equipment captures, and reprices packages that fall outside a tolerance.[^3] USPS does not publish that tolerance.[^13] USPS Ship uses internal algorithms that give priority to scans from the most accurate mail processing equipment.[^13]

### Do I have to change my Shipping Services Files to move from eVS to USPS Ship?

No: moving from [eVS](https://postalref.com/products/evs.md) to USPS Ship changes neither the content nor the transmission of the Shipping Services File.[^14] A shipper moving from eVS keeps its Mailer IDs, Customer Registration IDs and permit numbers.[^15][^16] A new shipper may have a permit number assigned during onboarding if it chooses to use permits.[^16]

### What causes a USPS manifest to be rejected?

USPS Ship rejects a package it can't auto-correct, such as one with an invalid rate ingredient or tracking number, or a wrong record length.[^17] After a non-pricing rejection, the shipper resends the fixed record in a Tracking and Postage file, Electronic File Type `1`, with the same tracking number.[^17][^18] After a pricing rejection, the shipper sends a type `4` file with the corrected field, the same tracking number and the same Electronic File Number.[^17]

### How do I dispute an unmanifested package charge?

A shipper disputes an unmanifested charge in the USPS Ship Disputes and Refund Requests service, with documentation showing why it shouldn't apply.[^13] Disputes of monthly adjustments, unmanifested ones included, are filed between the 9th and the 14th of the month.[^15] Corrections sent by 11 p.m. ET on the 7th avoid the charge.[^15]

### Can I pay for USPS Ship with a credit card?

No: USPS Ship accepts only ACH, while USPS APIs accept credit cards.[^15] USPS Ship charges postage through the [Enterprise Payment System](https://postalref.com/products/enterprise-payment-system.md) to an ACH debit or prefunded account, on the day it processes the manifest.[^16][^1]

## How it fits together

USPS requires the [Intelligent Mail package barcode](https://postalref.com/products/impb.md) for all tracking and extra services on domestic packages.[^10] Each [package label](https://postalref.com/guides/package-labels.md) carries it, following the Parcel Labeling Guide's specifications.[^19] The shipper also sends USPS each package's data in a Shipping Services File, with a detail record for every package.[^20][^21] Before its first live file, the shipper certifies its labels and files in a test environment.[^22]

[Product Tracking and Reporting](https://postalref.com/products/ptr.md) receives each file and returns a confirmation/error/warning file that shows any rejected records.[^23] eVS, the Electronic Verification System, let parcel shippers document and pay postage with electronic manifest files.[^24] Shippers began using it in 2005, and USPS introduced [USPS Ship](https://postalref.com/products/usps-ship.md) to replace it in 2022.[^25][^24][^2] USPS Ship takes payment through the Enterprise Payment System, the USPS payment processing platform.[^26]

USPS Ship prices each package from attributes captured on mail processing equipment, and samples only packages entered at delivery units.[^26][^27] eVS checked postage by sampling packages and computing a postage adjustment factor for each mail class.[^24][^28] For domestic PC Postage and Click-N-Ship labels, the [Automated Package Verification System](https://postalref.com/products/automated-package-verification-apv-system.md) captures postage discrepancies automatically, reducing manual postage due collection.[^29] USPS also charges fees on packages whose data fail quality checks, and on large packages.[^30][^31]

Shippers follow prices and adjustments in online reports and [IV-MTR](https://postalref.com/products/iv-mtr.md) data feeds.[^27] They dispute adjustments and ask for refunds through the USPS Ship Disputes and Refund Requests service.[^32][^5]

## The manifest

A Shipping Services File is the electronic file that holds a shipper's manifest and payment information, at least one manifest to a file.[^21] Each manifest is a Header Record followed by a Detail Record 1 for each package.[^9] Further detail records add information about a package, such as customs data for international shipments.[^9] The Header Record holds the shipper's [master Mailer ID](https://postalref.com/guides/business-accounts.md) and the Electronic File Number, which identifies the transmission.[^9][^21]

The manifest gives each package's rate ingredients, the details that set its price, such as weight, dimensions and zone.[^33] USPS Ship accepts the file in version 1.6, 1.7 or 2.0.[^1] Versions 1.6 and 1.7 use fixed-length fields, and version 2.0 separates fields with pipes.[^20] Every record but the last ends with a carriage return and a line feed.[^20] Publication 205 lists every valid combination of rate ingredients.[^1]

USPS Ship handles Priority Mail Open and Distribute shipments, which use Priority Mail to carry other classes of mail to delivery units and processing facilities.[^16][^34] USPS doesn't expect USPS Ship to change cubic prices, which depend on a package's zone and volume instead of its weight.[^16][^35] As of January 6, 2026, USPS Ship can't apply incentive price discounts, such as the [catalog incentive](https://postalref.com/guides/promotions.md).[^14][^36] Parcel presorts of identical weight and size, sent through Parcel Data Exchange, are measured like any other package.[^16] USPS still checks that their pieces qualify for presort.[^16]

A Negotiated Service Agreement is a contract between USPS and one mailer.[^37] As with eVS, a shipper can set up its agreement's rates for USPS Ship in Program Registration.[^16] Program Registration opens from the Online Enrollment service on the Business Customer Gateway.[^38]

Records that fail an edit for a required field are rejected as errors and listed in the [confirmation/error/warning file](https://postalref.com/guides/package-tracking.md).[^39] The shipper corrects them and resends only those records in a Corrections file, type `4`, under the original Electronic File Number.[^39][^40]

> A Shipping Services File must contain accurate, electronic information that represents the physical package traveling in the Postal Services network.[^20]

**Must.** The file must describe each package as it really is when it travels through USPS.

- **Manifest**: “A manifest consists of one Header Record and one or more D1 Records.”[^9]
- **Header Record**: “This is the first record in the Shipping Services File that identifies the mailer information and Electronic File. Number (EFN).”[^21]
- **Detail Record 1**, also called D1: “A D1 Record represents a single mailpiece.”[^9]
- **Detail Record 2**, also called D2: “The Shipping Services File Detail Record 2 contains fields needed for specific products (such as Hold for Pickup), and must be used for domestic packages when applicable.”[^41]
- **Rate Ingredients**: “The details in the manifest file used determine the price of the package; these ingredients include mail class/product, weight, processing category, dimensions and zones as needed by mail class/product.”[^33]
- **Shipping Services File**, also called SSF, Shipping Service Files: “The electronic file containing all manifest and payment information.”[^21]
- **Electronic File Number**, also called EFN: “Electronic File Number uniquely identifies the transmission of an electronic manifest, and must be unique for a period of 120-days. It is located in the header record of the Shipping Services File.”[^21]
- **Publication 205**, also called Electronic Verification System (eVS) Business and Technical Guide: “This publication is designed for shippers and software developers using or planning to use the Electronic Verification System (eVS®) for manifesting parcel mail.”[^42]

## Certification and testing

Certification tests a shipper's barcoded labels and electronic file against USPS specifications, and tests the file's transmission to USPS.[^43] Software vendors, consolidators and solutions providers certify their software by showing it meets the Intelligent Mail package barcode requirements.[^44] For eVS certification, a provider sent at least 100 sample labels with PS Form 5052 and a test file of at least 1000 records.[^19] The first records in the test file had to match the sample labels.[^19] A consolidator's customers who print labels with its pre-certified software can begin mailing without more label certification.[^44]

Shippers test their Shipping Services files in the Product Tracking and Reporting Testing Environment for Mailers, for certification or a file version upgrade.[^22] It gets every production software change, but holds no production data.[^22] A shipper uses the same Mailer ID and login there as in production.[^22]

For eVS, test files went on to the PostalOne! system's [Test Environment for Mailers](https://postalref.com/products/test-environment-for-mailers.md), where eVS produced postage statements.[^45] eVS's Mailer ID Report listed each Mailer ID certified for the shipper's account and the date its label certification took effect.[^46]

A shipper moving from file version 1.3 or 1.4 to a later version completes certification again.[^10] USPS encourages shippers that use [USPS APIs](https://postalref.com/guides/shipping-apis.md) with USPS Ship to start testing in the API testing environment, CAT.[^16]

- **USPS Tracking Electronic Services Certification**: “Certification will test your barcoded labels and electronic file to ensure they meet our specifications, and will test the transmission of the electronic file to USPS®.”[^43]
- **Product Tracking and Reporting Testing Environment for Mailers**, also called PTR TEM: “The Postal Service offers a Test Environment for Mailers (TEM) to support new and existing USPS customers who require testing of their electronic files as part of the file/label certification process or upgrading to new file versions for Shipping Services.”[^22]
- **eVS TEM**: “eVS manifest files received in the PTR TEM are processed and routed to the PostalOne! TEM, where eVS generates postage statements and all corresponding reports.”[^45]
- **Mailer ID Report**: “Lists all MIDs and effective date of label certification that are certified for use with the shipper’s eVS or PRS account.”[^46]

## Checking the postage

USPS Ship checks packages by census: it compares each manifest with what processing equipment measures, such as weight and dimensions.[^47] It makes the comparison once the package is delivered, or 7 days after its last physical scan if no delivery scan comes.[^17] It charges shortfalls and refunds overpayments as census adjustments.[^47][^13] For a package that claims a destination entry price, USPS Ship also compares where it was first scanned with the entry facility its manifest claims.[^3]

USPS samples packages entered at delivery units at random, except at sites with an Automated Delivery Unit Sorter, a sorting machine.[^48][^49] Sampled packages may pay more postage if they exceed the Statistical Quality Assessment of 1.5%.[^48]

eVS, which USPS Ship replaced, checked postage by sampling.[^24][^2] USPS sampled packages at destination facilities and delivery units, and Package Postage Validators on [sorting systems](https://postalref.com/guides/mail-processing.md) in delivery units added samples.[^50] For each mail class, eVS divided the sampled packages' postage by the postage USPS recalculated from those packages' manifest records, giving the postage adjustment factor.[^28] When it showed underpayment of more than 1.5%, USPS charged the shortfall on the whole month's manifest postage for that class.[^51]

The Automated Package Verification System calculates each postage adjustment it finds and sends it in a file to the label's vendor.[^52] That vendor is the customer's [PC Postage](https://postalref.com/guides/paying-postage.md) provider or Click-N-Ship.[^29] The vendor pays or collects the amount and lets the customer dispute it.[^52]

> Shippers are required to pay the correct postage based on weight and physical dimensions.[^3]

**Must.** A shipper must pay the postage that each package's actual weight and dimensions call for.

- **census adjustments**: “Any differences found may result in a postage adjustment are referred to as “census adjustments.””[^47]
- **Statistical Quality Assessment**, also called SQA, Statistical Quality Adjustment, Statistical Quality Analysis: “Packages entered at DDU sites (excluding ADUS sites) will be randomly sampled for validation and may be assessed additional postage if they exceed the Statistical Quality Assessment (SQA) of 1.5%.”[^48]
- **Package Postage Validator**, also called PPV, Postage Package Validator, Package Postage Validation: “New sampling methods have been added to eVS through census attributes for full network volume and Package Postage Validators (PPV) for Destination Delivery Unit (DDU) volume.”[^24]
- **Census Attribute validation**: “uses weight, dimensions, packaging, and entry location information collected during processing to validate package prices”[^25]
- **Postage Adjustment Factor**, also called PAF: “a method to apply an error rate determined from handheld scanner samplings to the entire population of mailings within a calendar month”[^53]
- **Automated Package Verification (APV) System**, also called APV, APV System, Automated Postage Due: “In an effort to automate, streamline, and create a better customer experience, the USPS has built the Automated Package Verification (APV) System to capture postage discrepancies.”[^52]

## Quality and size fees

USPS checks a shipper's packages in four quality categories.[^30] For three of them, Package Quality Noncompliance fees apply when the share of packages that pass a category's checks falls below its threshold.[^54] The fee's earlier name, IMpb Noncompliance, is the one eVS used.[^55][^56]

| Category | Compliance threshold |
| --- | --- |
| Address Quality | 90%[^30] |
| Manifest Quality | 94%[^30] |
| Barcode Quality | 98%[^30] |
| Hazmat Quality | 100%[^30] |

The fee for Address, Manifest and Barcode Quality is $0.25 for each noncompliant package, and the Hazmat Quality fee varies by product.[^30] For Hazmat Quality, every package must follow the [hazmat](https://postalref.com/guides/mailability.md) packaging rules or pay the fee.[^54] The fees apply once to a package, by the category with the most noncompliant packages.[^54] USPS Ship collects them on the 16th of the following month.[^3]

Address and Manifest Quality are measured at the package's first Arrival at Post Office scan, so the file must reach USPS before that scan.[^30] Barcode Quality is measured at the first physical scan or when the manifest record arrives.[^30] Shippers can see their Package Quality Noncompliance triggers in the confirmation/error/warning file.[^54]

The Arrival at Post Office scan, as Product Tracking and Reporting records it.

### PTR Domestic Scan Event `07`

- Extract description: ARRIVAL AT UNIT
- USPS.com wording: Arrived at Post Office
- What it means: The item has arrived at the local Post Office on the day indicated and is scheduled for delivery. Usually, if the item arrives before 9:30 am, it will be delivered that day; if after 9:30 am, on the next business day

PTR Domestic Scan Events, October 2026.[^57]

Nonstandard fees apply to packages of four products when they are longer than 22 inches or larger than 2 cubic feet.[^31]

- Priority Mail Express
- Priority Mail
- Parcel Select
- USPS Ground Advantage

The length fee has two tiers, over 22 inches and over 30 inches, and a cube fee applies over 2 cubic feet.[^58][^59] A dimensional noncompliance fee applies when a package over 22 inches or 1 cubic foot has missing or wrong dimensions in the file.[^59] The amounts are in the USPS price list, Notice 123.[^58][^60]

The extra service codes for nonstandard packages.

| Code | Extra service |
| --- | --- |
| `879` | Nonstandard Characteristics |
| `881` | Nonstandard Dimension Length > 22” |
| `882` | Nonstandard Dimension Length > 30” |
| `883` | Nonstandard Cubic Dimension > 2 cubic feet |
| `884` | Nonstandard Dimension Length > 22” and Cubic Dim > 2 cu ft |
| `885` | Nonstandard Dimension Length > 30” and Cubic Dim > 2 cu ft |
| `886` | Nonstandard Characteristics and Cubic Dim > 2 cu ft |

7 codes in the Extra Service Codes, Pub 199 Appendix J Table 7, where Code is 879 or 881 or 882 or 883 or 884 or 885 or 886.

- **Package Quality Noncompliance fee**, also called IMpb non-compliance fees: “Mailers are assessed Package Quality Noncompliance fees on products when noncompliant pieces exceed the threshold for one of the Package Quality Noncompliance categories.”[^30]
- **Address Quality**, also called AQ: “Address Quality - Checks for a timely address that validates to a unique 11 Digit DPV”[^30]
- **Manifest Quality**, also called MQ: “Manifest Quality – Checks for a timely manifest file that passes critical validation criteria”[^30]
- **Barcode Quality**, also called BQ: “Barcode Quality – Checks the barcode in the manifest and passes critical validations”[^30]
- **Hazmat Quality**, also called HQ: “Hazmat Quality – Checks the package contains all the correct Hazmat compliance elements”[^30]
- **Nonstandard Fee**: “Nonstandard fees and requirement for dimensional data disclosure applies to Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, Parcel Select, and USPS Ground Advantage packages under the following conditions: • Length is greater than 22” (length is the longest package dimension), or • Length is greater than 30”, or • Cubic volume is greater than 2 ft3”[^31]

## Reports, disputes and refunds

USPS Ship shows package, transaction and adjustment details in online reports and [IV-MTR](https://postalref.com/products/iv-mtr.md) data feeds.[^27] A package is priced about 2 minutes after USPS receives the file, and its price then appears on the Pricing Notification data feed.[^17] The online reports open from USPS Ship Reports on the Business Customer Gateway.[^61] Most download as CSV or Excel files, but none through an API.[^61] Reports can't be customized or sent on a schedule, but data feeds can, weekly or monthly.[^61]

The USPS Ship Data Dictionary describes each data feed's fields.[^62] Alerts about its latest features and additions go out on the Industry Alert mailing list, which a shipper joins by writing to `IndustryAlert@usps.gov`.[^14]

The Manifest Variance Report shows packages whose manifest postage differs from the postage USPS calculates from that manifest.[^13] It also comes as an IV-MTR data feed.[^13] The Census Verification Report shows differences found later, from scans as the package moves through the network.[^13] Both show each package's dimensions and weight, but the Census Verification Report only after a census adjustment.[^61] The Pricing Notification and Outbound Transaction Payment Details data feeds also carry dimensions and weight, and the Census Attributes feed does after a census adjustment.[^61]

For invoices, a typical outbound shipper can combine the Outbound Transaction Payment Details and Census Attributes data feeds to get each package's final postage.[^61] Outbound Transaction Payment Details covers only manifested transactions, and [Details Domestic Outbound](https://postalref.com/guides/paying-postage.md) covers all of them.[^61] USPS Ship's Transaction Details Report differs from the Enterprise Payment System's Transaction History Report.[^61] Shippers that moved from eVS no longer receive the eVS Postage Statement Extract, and USPS encourages them to use IV-MTR data feeds instead.[^15] Outbound Transaction Payment Details doesn't have the same format as that extract.[^61]

Disputes, joint reviews and unused label refunds all go through the USPS Ship Disputes and Refund Requests service on the Business Customer Gateway.[^32][^63][^5] A dispute challenges an adjustment already charged, and a USPS analyst decides whether to refund it.[^32] A joint review request asks USPS to review an assessment that is still pending.[^63] USPS Ship's checks run before and after a dispute, since its logic is continuous.[^15] A shipper should take recurring scan problems to its USPS sales representative, who can work with USPS Operations to resolve them.[^13]

Refund requests for adjustments must be submitted within 60 days of the original billing.[^32] A manifest refund request counts the 60 days from the transaction, and a census refund request from the adjustment.[^15] For returns, USPS Ship counts the 60 days from the payment date, not the manifest date.[^15]

USPS Ship refunds an overpayment it finds in the package's scans in near real time, usually after the delivery scan.[^13][^15]

A month's adjustments in USPS Ship, settled in the month after.

1. By 11 p.m. ET on the 7th, the shipper sends corrections for duplicate and unmanifested packages.[^15]
2. From the 9th to the 14th, the shipper files disputes and joint reviews of the monthly adjustments.[^15]
3. On the 16th, USPS Ship charges the monthly adjustments to the Enterprise Payment Account.[^15]

- **Manifest Variance Report**: “displays a list of packages and the difference between manifested postage and USPS calculated postage.”[^64]
- **Census Verification Report**, also called Census Verification Online Report, Census Report: “displays a list of packages that include census errors due to incorrect packaging, weight, dimensions, entry/zone discrepancies.”[^65]
- **Pricing Notification**: “Includes the IMpb and rate elements that were used to price the package.”[^66]
- **Census Attributes**, also called Census Attributes IV-MTR data feed: “Includes a list of packages charged additional postage due to a mismatch between the pricing elements from the manifest and from processing for packaging, weight, dimensions, or entry/zone.”[^62]
- **Outbound Transaction Payment Details**, also called OTPD, Outbound Transactions Payment Details: “Displays a list of individual package charges that were aggregated into a single EPS transaction; updating to include ACH withdrawal amount; include Third Party Billing (TPB) Indicator, TPB CRID, TPB Company Name.”[^67]
- **Unused Label Refund Request**: “Shippers can submit an Unused Label Refund Request through the USPS Ship Disputes and Refunds application for labels that were included in a Shipping Services File and charged to the EPA but not actually shipped.”[^5]
- **USPS Ship Reports**, also called USPS Ship reports portal: “USPS Ship data is available to shippers through external online reports.”[^68]
- **USPS Ship Disputes and Refund Requests service**, also called USPS Ship Disputes and Refunds: “Shippers can initiate disputes for adjustments that were applied and charged through USPS Ship by accessing the USPS Ship Disputes and Refund Requests service on the BCG.”[^32]
- **Joint Review Request**: “The Joint Review Request process allows the user to provide information pertaining to their dispute and attach supporting documentation.”[^69]

## What goes wrong

A package that USPS scans without a manifest is unmanifested.[^70] USPS Ship matches scans to manifests up to 120 days old, and keeps trying until the 7th of the following month.[^71] Then it charges postage for the package.[^71] When over 4% of a shipper's packages in a mail class are unmanifested, [USPS Ship](https://postalref.com/products/usps-ship.md) charges a fee on each of them.[^72]

A package whose tracking number repeats within 120 days is a duplicate, and the shipper pays for every duplicate.[^21][^73] [USPS Ship](https://postalref.com/products/usps-ship.md) charges published prices for duplicates, after a second review confirms they are truly duplicates.[^48]

In [eVS](https://postalref.com/products/evs.md), a package whose rate ingredients gave no valid price went into the Manifest Error Report.[^60] The shipper could resubmit manifests through the 10th of the following month to pay for it correctly.[^60] [USPS Ship](https://postalref.com/products/usps-ship.md) corrects such errors automatically where it can, and treats the rest as unmanifested until a corrections file is processed.[^74][^71] A package it can't correct shows as an error in the Package Errors and Warnings report.[^17] Once USPS scans the package, it appears on the Unmanifested report, where the shipper can correct it.[^17]

A correction must be processed by 11 p.m. ET on the 7th, and USPS encourages sending it 24 hours early.[^17] Resending a whole accepted file makes USPS Ship charge postage for every parcel in it, so only corrected records go back.[^40]

A destination entry package is mis-shipped when its first scan is at neither the entry facility its manifest claims nor a site downstream of it.[^3][^75] A first physical scan downstream from the claimed entry facility logs no error.[^48] A package priced for [sectional center facility](https://postalref.com/guides/mail-entry.md) entry and first scanned at a delivery unit in that facility's service area keeps its price.[^13]

[USPS Ship](https://postalref.com/products/usps-ship.md) reprices a mis-shipped package as Ground Advantage Full Network and charges the higher of that price and the manifested one.[^75] In [eVS](https://postalref.com/products/evs.md), a mis-shipped delivery unit parcel paid the difference between its manifested postage and the USPS Ground Advantage single-piece price.[^73][^60]

## Index: 84 entries

### Extra service (1)

- [Nonstandard Fee](https://postalref.com/guides/package-payment.md#fees)

### Programs (2)

- [USPS Ship Pilot](https://postalref.com/products/usps-ship.md#terms)
- [USPS Tracking Electronic Services Certification](https://postalref.com/products/impb.md#certification)

### Systems (11)

- [Automated Package Verification (APV) System](https://postalref.com/products/automated-package-verification-apv-system.md)
- [Census Attributes](https://postalref.com/guides/package-payment.md#disputes)
- [Electronic Verification System](https://postalref.com/products/evs.md)
- [eVS TEM](https://postalref.com/guides/package-payment.md#certification)
- [Manifest Search](https://postalref.com/?q=Manifest%20Search)
- [Pricing Notification](https://postalref.com/guides/package-payment.md#disputes)
- [Pricing Notification and Census Attributes IV-MTR data feeds](https://postalref.com/?q=Pricing%20Notification%20and%20Census%20Attributes%20IV-MTR%20data%20feeds)
- [Product Tracking and Reporting Testing Environment for Mailers](https://postalref.com/guides/package-payment.md#certification)
- [Reports Menu link](https://postalref.com/?q=Reports%20Menu%20link)
- [USPS Ship](https://postalref.com/products/usps-ship.md)
- [USPS Ship Disputes and Refund Requests service](https://postalref.com/guides/package-payment.md#disputes)

### Files (52)

- [Census Verification Report](https://postalref.com/guides/package-payment.md#disputes)
- [Damaged/Missing Barcode Report](https://postalref.com/?q=Damaged%2FMissing%20Barcode%20Report)
- [DDU Confirmation Services Mis-shipped Report](https://postalref.com/?q=DDU%20Confirmation%20Services%20Mis-shipped%20Report)
- [Delayed Transportation Report](https://postalref.com/?q=Delayed%20Transportation%20Report)
- [Destination Entry Eligibility Report](https://postalref.com/?q=Destination%20Entry%20Eligibility%20Report)
- [Detail Record](https://postalref.com/?q=Detail%20Record)
- [Detail Record 2](https://postalref.com/guides/package-payment.md#manifest)
- [Duplicate PIC Assigned to Multiple Packages](https://postalref.com/?q=Duplicate%20PIC%20Assigned%20to%20Multiple%20Packages)
- [eVS Monthly Account and Sampling Summary](https://postalref.com/?q=eVS%20Monthly%20Account%20and%20Sampling%20Summary)
- [eVS reports](https://postalref.com/?q=eVS%20reports)
- [eVS Sampling Compliance Report](https://postalref.com/?q=eVS%20Sampling%20Compliance%20Report)
- [Float Report](https://postalref.com/?q=Float%20Report)
- [Full Extract](https://postalref.com/?q=Full%20Extract)
- [Header Record](https://postalref.com/guides/package-payment.md#manifest)
- [IMpb Noncompliance Report](https://postalref.com/?q=IMpb%20Noncompliance%20Report)
- [Ineligible Content Report](https://postalref.com/?q=Ineligible%20Content%20Report)
- [Mail Class Detail Report](https://postalref.com/?q=Mail%20Class%20Detail%20Report)
- [Mailer ID Report](https://postalref.com/guides/package-payment.md#certification)
- [Manifest](https://postalref.com/guides/package-payment.md#manifest)
- [Manifest Detail Error Report](https://postalref.com/?q=Manifest%20Detail%20Error%20Report)
- [Manifest Header Error Report](https://postalref.com/?q=Manifest%20Header%20Error%20Report)
- [Manifest Search Report](https://postalref.com/?q=Manifest%20Search%20Report)
- [Manifest Summary](https://postalref.com/?q=Manifest%20Summary)
- [Manifest Summary Report](https://postalref.com/?q=Manifest%20Summary%20Report)
- [Manifest Variance Report](https://postalref.com/guides/package-payment.md#disputes)
- [Manually Entered Barcode Report](https://postalref.com/?q=Manually%20Entered%20Barcode%20Report)
- [Missing Manifest Summary Report](https://postalref.com/?q=Missing%20Manifest%20Summary%20Report)
- [Monthly Account Summary](https://postalref.com/?q=Monthly%20Account%20Summary)
- [Monthly Sampling Summary](https://postalref.com/?q=Monthly%20Sampling%20Summary)
- [Outbound Transaction Payment Details](https://postalref.com/guides/package-payment.md#disputes)
- [Package Quality Noncompliance Report](https://postalref.com/?q=Package%20Quality%20Noncompliance%20Report)
- [Package Summary](https://postalref.com/?q=Package%20Summary)
- [Partial Extract](https://postalref.com/?q=Partial%20Extract)
- [Postage Discrepancy Report](https://postalref.com/?q=Postage%20Discrepancy%20Report)
- [Postage Payment Extract](https://postalref.com/?q=Postage%20Payment%20Extract)
- [Postage Sampling Adjustment Worksheet](https://postalref.com/?q=Postage%20Sampling%20Adjustment%20Worksheet)
- [Postage Statement Daily Summary Report](https://postalref.com/?q=Postage%20Statement%20Daily%20Summary%20Report)
- [Postage Statement Detail](https://postalref.com/?q=Postage%20Statement%20Detail)
- [Postage Statement Summary Report](https://postalref.com/?q=Postage%20Statement%20Summary%20Report)
- [Postage Statement Variance Report](https://postalref.com/?q=Postage%20Statement%20Variance%20Report)
- [Presort Eligibility Exception Report](https://postalref.com/?q=Presort%20Eligibility%20Exception%20Report)
- [PTR/eVS Confirmation/Error/Warning Summary Report](https://postalref.com/?q=PTR%2FeVS%20Confirmation%2FError%2FWarning%20Summary%20Report)
- [Reconciled Samples Report](https://postalref.com/?q=Reconciled%20Samples%20Report)
- [Reconciliation Extract](https://postalref.com/?q=Reconciliation%20Extract)
- [Sampled Incorrect Packaging Report](https://postalref.com/?q=Sampled%20Incorrect%20Packaging%20Report)
- [Shipping Services File](https://postalref.com/guides/package-payment.md#manifest)
- [Short-paid Report](https://postalref.com/?q=Short-paid%20Report)
- [Transaction Details Report](https://postalref.com/?q=Transaction%20Details%20Report)
- [Unmanifested Records Report](https://postalref.com/?q=Unmanifested%20Records%20Report)
- [USPS Ship Reports](https://postalref.com/guides/package-payment.md#disputes)
- [Variance](https://postalref.com/?q=Variance)
- [Weight Discrepancy Report](https://postalref.com/?q=Weight%20Discrepancy%20Report)

### Identifier (1)

- [Electronic File Number](https://postalref.com/guides/package-payment.md#manifest)

### Terms (17)

- [Address Quality](https://postalref.com/guides/package-payment.md#fees)
- [Barcode Quality](https://postalref.com/guides/package-payment.md#fees)
- [Carriage Return Line Feed](https://postalref.com/?q=Carriage%20Return%20Line%20Feed)
- [census adjustments](https://postalref.com/guides/package-payment.md#verification)
- [Census Attribute validation](https://postalref.com/guides/package-payment.md#verification)
- [CP](https://postalref.com/?q=CP)
- [Duplicate packages](https://postalref.com/products/evs.md#terms)
- [Hazmat Quality](https://postalref.com/guides/package-payment.md#fees)
- [Joint Review Request](https://postalref.com/guides/package-payment.md#disputes)
- [Manifest Errors](https://postalref.com/products/evs.md#terms)
- [Manifest Quality](https://postalref.com/guides/package-payment.md#fees)
- [Package Postage Validator](https://postalref.com/guides/package-payment.md#verification)
- [Package Quality Noncompliance fee](https://postalref.com/guides/package-payment.md#fees)
- [Postage Adjustment Factor](https://postalref.com/guides/package-payment.md#verification)
- [Statistical Quality Assessment](https://postalref.com/guides/package-payment.md#verification)
- [Unmanifested eVS Fee](https://postalref.com/products/evs.md#terms)
- [Unmanifested packages](https://postalref.com/products/evs.md#terms)

## Sources

[^1]: [Guide to USPS Ship](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-08/Guide%20to%20USPS%20Ship_08042026.pdf#page=7), page 6: “Customers may create and submit a manifest file (SSF version 1.6, 1.7, or 2.0) including rate ingredients (weight, dimensions, packaging, entry) postage, and payment method for each package to USPS via PDX, SFTP, or AS2. … USPS Ship transactions are applied to the customer’s Enterprise Payment Account (ACH Debit or Pre-funded account) on the day the manifest is processed. … Details for manifest creation can be found in USPS Publication 199. The complete list of valid rate ingredient combinations can be found in USPS Publication 205.”

[^2]: [PostalPro: Electronic Verification System (eVS®)](https://postalpro.usps.com/shipping/evs): “eVS has been replaced with USPS Ship.”

[^3]: [Guide to USPS Ship](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-08/Guide%20to%20USPS%20Ship_08042026.pdf#page=8), page 7: “Captured attributes are compared to claimed attributes to determine if there are postage differences between the manifest and physical package. If differences are identified, a postage adjustment is generated, and the shipper is charged or refunded for the difference in postage. … Origin, Network Distribution Center (NDC), and Sectional Center Facility (SCF) entered packages will be validated through census verifications based on attributes captured on Mail Processing Equipment (MPE). … Captured weight and dimensions will be compared to manifested values to check for accuracy; if weights or dimension values fall outside a configurable tolerance, captured values will be used in repricing. … USPS Ship validates the location at which a package is first scanned on any USPS equipment is correct based on the entry discount and entry location claimed in the manifest for any destination entry prices claimed. … Shippers are required to pay the correct postage based on weight and physical dimensions. … Postage for Package Quality Noncompliance will be collected on the 16th of the following month.”

[^4]: [DMM 604: Postage Payment Methods and Refunds](https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/604.htm): “Requests for refund of PC Postage indicia that contain a valid PIC are provided as follows: … Requests must be submitted by authorized users to their provider electronically in accordance with procedures available from their provider. … Requests must be initiated for within thirty (30) days of printing the indicia. … The PC Postage system provider grants or denies a request for a refund for PC Postage indicia using established USPS criteria. … The provider may, at its discretion, charge for processing a refund request. … If a postage refund is granted, the original physical shipping label must be destroyed by the authorized user.”

[^5]: [Guide to USPS Ship](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-08/Guide%20to%20USPS%20Ship_08042026.pdf#page=36), page 35: “Shippers can submit an Unused Label Refund Request through the USPS Ship Disputes and Refunds application for labels that were included in a Shipping Services File and charged to the EPA but not actually shipped.”

[^6]: [USPS Ship Unused Outbound Labels Refund Request Fact Sheet](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2023-08/USPS%20Ship%20Unused%20Label%20Refund%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf#page=1), PDF page 1: “Unused Label Refund Requests must be submitted within 60 days of the original mailing date. … A processing fee of 10% is assessed for requests that qualify for a refund.”

[^7]: [API Tech Sheet](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-06/USPS%20APIs%20Tech%20Sheet%20.pdf#page=1), page 1: “Cancel labels prior to mailing date”

[^8]: [API Tech Sheet](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-06/USPS%20APIs%20Tech%20Sheet%20.pdf#page=2), page 2: “Cancel Label (/label/{trackingNumber}) … The API calculates postage based on package attributes, applies rate, ensures product availability, standardizes addresses and generates the required Shipping Services File ensuring USPS compliance.”

[^9]: [Publication 199: Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation Guide for Confirmation Services and Electronic Payment Systems](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-07/Pub%20199_v35_07022026.pdf#page=38), page 39: “A manifest consists of one Header Record and one or more D1 Records. … A D1 Record represents a single mailpiece. D2, D3/G1, and D4/G2 provide additional information about that mailpiece. … The Shipping Services File includes Detail Record 3 and Detail Record 4 to support data required by US Customs for international shipments. … The Header Record contains the Transaction ID and Mailer’s MID (confirmation services) or mailer’s master MID (USPS Ship). … A D1 Record represents a single mailpiece.”

[^10]: [Publication 199: Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation Guide for Confirmation Services and Electronic Payment Systems](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-07/Pub%20199_v35_07022026.pdf#page=29), page 30: “Customers must complete label and file certification to upgrade to the IMpb. … The Postal Service requires the use of the Intelligent Mail package barcode for all tracking and extra services for domestic packages and letter and flats mailings with extra services. … This section also provides information for existing Shipping Services customers who are transitioning from Shipping Services File Version 1.3 or 1.4 to Shipping Services File Version 1.6, 1.7 and 2.0. Customers making this transition must complete the Shipping Services certification process again.”

[^11]: [Publication 199: Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation Guide for Confirmation Services and Electronic Payment Systems](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-07/Pub%20199_v35_07022026.pdf#page=69), page 70: “Customers must transmit their Shipping Services Files to PTR using one of the following communication protocols: 1. Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) 2. Electronic Data Interchange Internet Applicability Standard 2 (EDIINT AS2) 3. Parcel Data Exchange (PDX)”

[^12]: [Publication 199: Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation Guide for Confirmation Services and Electronic Payment Systems](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-07/Pub%20199_v35_07022026.pdf#page=36), page 37: “Printed Manifest Forms Used When Entering Mail … PS Form 5630, Shipment Confirmation Acceptance Notice (SCAN) … Online/PC Postage/meter mailers who submit a Shipping Services File are strongly encouraged to create a PS Form 5630 that is linked to a group of prepaid packages.”

[^13]: [USPS Ship Frequently Asked Questions](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-01/20260106_USPS_Ship_FAQs_0.pdf#page=4), page 4: “Yes, USPS Ship has a tolerance which we cannot publish. … We have internal algorithms to make sure we prioritize the information from the most accurate MPEs. … Select the “USPS Ship Disputes and Refunds” service in Business Customer Gateway and provide supporting documentation as to why you believe you shouldn’t be charged for the unmanifested piece. … USPS Ship refunds overpaid packages as part of census in addition to collecting shortpaid. … The Manifest Variance Report will only show packages where the manifest calculated postage differs from what we received on the manifest (Shipping Services File). … The Manifest Variance Report is based upon any postage differences in the initial manifest submission vs what USPS Calculated. The Census Report is based upon any postage differences from data (Entry, zone, packaging, dimensions, weight) from the scans as the package works through the postal network. … Yes, it is available as a data feed. … You are welcome to dispute anything you feel to be inaccurate, and you should escalate concerns you have to your sales rep who can work directly with the Operations team to resolve recurring issues. … The overpayment will be determined from the scans from MPE, and if those scans tell us the weight is less than you manifested, we will refund you (as long as the refund is within threshold). … As long as the DDU it was scanned at was within the SCF’s service area the piece would retain the SCF discount (not be adjusted to a DDU rate).”

[^14]: [USPS Ship Frequently Asked Questions](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-01/20260106_USPS_Ship_FAQs_0.pdf#page=1), page 1: “You will not need to make any changes to the content or the transmission of the SSF. … Updated January 6, 2026 … For up-to-date alerts please subscribe to the Industry Alert mailing list by contacting IndustryAlert@usps.gov.”

[^15]: [USPS Ship Frequently Asked Questions](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-01/20260106_USPS_Ship_FAQs_0.pdf#page=5), page 5: “If you migrate over from eVS you can use your same MIDs and CRIDs. … File Disputes/Joint Reconciliation for monthly adjustments (Unmanifested, Duplicates, Package Quality Noncompliance, and SQA) between the 9th and the 14th of the month. … Duplicate and unmanifested corrections must be submitted by the 11 p.m. ET on the 7 th of the month to avoid charges. … No. While USPS APIs accept credit cards, USPS Ship will only accept ACH. … Migrating mailers will no longer receive the eVS payment complete file (PSE – Postage Statement Extract). You are encouraged to use IV-MTR data feeds in place of this. … Both, as the USPS logic is continuous. … Manifest and Census refund requests can be submitted at any time up to 60 days from the transaction (Manifest) or adjustment (Census). … Yes, USPS Ship starts the 60-day count from the payment date rather than the manifest date. … If we see that you have overpaid, we will see it in the census, and you will get a near-real time refund. We generally trigger the census off of the delivery scan. If a refund is submitted through USPS Ship Mailer Review the TSLC is 45 days. … Monthly adjustments (Unmanifested, Duplicates, Package Quality Noncompliance, and SQA) are charged to the customer’s EPA on the 16th of the month.”

[^16]: [USPS Ship Frequently Asked Questions](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-01/20260106_USPS_Ship_FAQs_0.pdf#page=6), page 6: “Customers migrating from eVS will carry over their eVS permit numbers to USPS Ship. … New mailers may have permit numbers assigned in the onboarding process if they choose to use permits. … Payments will still be collected via EPS. … Yes, and we can handle them right now. … It shouldn’t have an impact. … Just like with any other piece, we should get a reading for both that will be identical or very similar dimensions and weights. … We will still do a verification to see if the pieces qualify for presort – just like we do today. … The same processes that exist today for eVS to get NSA rates and merchant rates exist within USPS Ship – you will still need to work that in Panorama or Program Registration (ProgReg). … Customers are encouraged to start in the API testing environment (CAT) for testing: https://developerscat.usps.com/.”

[^17]: [USPS Ship Frequently Asked Questions](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-01/20260106_USPS_Ship_FAQs_0.pdf#page=3), page 3: “The following issues could cause a package to be rejected: invalid rate ingredients, invalid EFN, invalid tracking number, invalid barcode construct code, invalid file version, wrong H1 record length, wrong D1 record length. … A package that can’t be auto-corrected, and therefore can’t be priced, is rejected and shows up now on the Package Errors and Warnings (PEW) online report or IV-MTR data feed as an error. … If your package was rejected for a non-pricing reason (e.g. invalid EFN, invalid tracking number, wrong H1 record length, etc.), you can fix what's wrong and send a file Type 1 with the same tracking number and same or different EFN. … If it was rejected for a pricing reason, you must correct the field and send a file Type 4 with the same tracking number and EFN and the corrected pricing ingredient(s). … Once the package is delivered*, we use all the scan data from our Mail Processing Equipment (MPE) to do the comparison. … In the few cases where we don't get a delivery scan, we assume delivery 7 days after the last physical scan, and at that time do that same processing. … The package is priced in approximately 2 minutes. … Once the SSF (*.manifest) is sent and the package is priced (based upon the manifest), its price will appear on the Pricing Notification data feed based upon their subscription settings (ranging from 1 minute to monthly). … If we get a scan for the package, it shows up on the online Unmanifested Report as “Unmanifested”, and we are working on getting “Manifest Rejected” added to the report. … On USPS Ship, any remaining manifests with errors that were not fixed with the new autocorrection feature will appear on the Unmanifested report where you can correct them. … The Verify Service would need to process the manifest by 11PM ET on the 7th. Mailers should plan to submit the corrected manifest at LEAST several hours before that time to allow the documentation to flow through the various applications. 24 hours prior is encouraged.”

[^18]: [Publication 199: Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation Guide for Confirmation Services and Electronic Payment Systems](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-07/Pub%20199_v35_07022026.pdf#page=39), page 40: “Type “1” (Tracking and Postage File)”

[^19]: [Quick Guide to Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Vendor Certification](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2017-08/786_QuickGuidetoIMpbCert.pdf#page=2), PDF page 2: “The USPS Parcel Labeling Guide, available on PostalPro, includes all IMpb shipping label specifications including the approved IMpb barcode specifications and placement of required markings for individual mail classes and extra services. … Submit a minimum of 100 sample labels for certification with PS Form 5052. … Submit a test Shipping Services File(s) with a minimum of 1000 records to validate your communication process and manifest content for compliance with eVS requirements. … The initial records in your file must match each of the IMpb labels submitted for certification.”

[^20]: [Publication 199: Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation Guide for Confirmation Services and Electronic Payment Systems](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-07/Pub%20199_v35_07022026.pdf#page=35), page 36: “Customers shipping packages containing confirmation services or any extra services barcodes must transmit package-level data to USPS via a Shipping Services File. … Shipping Services File versions 1.6 and 1.7 are fixed-length. Version 2.0 is pipe-delimited. … Line feed and carriage return characters are needed at the end of every record except the last record of the Shipping Services file. … A Shipping Services File must contain accurate, electronic information that represents the physical package traveling in the Postal Services network.”

[^21]: [Publication 199: Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation Guide for Confirmation Services and Electronic Payment Systems](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-07/Pub%20199_v35_07022026.pdf#page=473), page 474: “There must be a detail record for every package in the mailing. … The electronic file containing all manifest and payment information. A Shipping Services File must contain a minimum of one manifest. … Electronic File Number uniquely identifies the transmission of an electronic manifest, and must be unique for a period of 120-days. It is located in the header record of the Shipping Services File. … This is the first record in the Shipping Services File that identifies the mailer information and Electronic File. Number (EFN). … The electronic file containing all manifest and payment information. … Multiple package(s) with the same Tracking Number used within the 120-day window.”

[^22]: [Publication 199: Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation Guide for Confirmation Services and Electronic Payment Systems](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-07/Pub%20199_v35_07022026.pdf#page=28), page 29: “The Postal Service offers a Test Environment for Mailers (TEM) to support new and existing USPS customers who require testing of their electronic files as part of the file/label certification process or upgrading to new file versions for Shipping Services. … Software and database changes made to the production environment are also applied to TEM. TEM includes all database tables used by the production manifest and extract processes. The database tables included in TEM do not contain production data. … Customers will be able to use the same MID and Login ID in both the TEM and Production environments.”

[^23]: [Publication 199: Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation Guide for Confirmation Services and Electronic Payment Systems](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-07/Pub%20199_v35_07022026.pdf#page=17), page 18: “The confirmation/error/warning file contains information regarding the processing of Shipping Services File records by the Product Tracking and Reporting system (PTR). Customers should carefully review the confirmation/error/warning file to confirm that no records have been rejected (errors) and that any problems with the data (warnings) are corrected and resubmitted.”

[^24]: [Publication 205 Electronic Verification System (eVS®) Business and Technical Guide](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-07/eVS_pub205_July_2024_0.pdf#page=10), page 2: “eVS allows parcel shippers to document and pay postage by transmitting electronic manifest files to the eVS database, which is part of the PostalOne!® system. … 2022 USPS Ship is introduced, shippers begin migration from eVS to USPS Ship … eVS uses destination sampling to capture sampling data used to monitor postage and preparation accuracy. … New sampling methods have been added to eVS through census attributes for full network volume and Package Postage Validators (PPV) for Destination Delivery Unit (DDU) volume.”

[^25]: [Publication 205 Electronic Verification System (eVS®) Business and Technical Guide](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-07/eVS_pub205_July_2024_0.pdf#page=9), page 1: “Shippers began using eVS in 2005 primarily for Parcel Select mailings. … uses weight, dimensions, packaging, and entry location information collected during processing to validate package prices”

[^26]: [PostalPro: USPS Ship](https://postalpro.usps.com/shipping/ppc): “USPS Ship utilizes the Postal Service’s payment processing platform Enterprise Payment System. … USPS Ship leverages upgrades to existing Mail Processing Equipment (MPE) to provide detailed package attributes and the ability to price each package individually.”

[^27]: [Guide to USPS Ship](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-08/Guide%20to%20USPS%20Ship_08042026.pdf#page=4), page 3: “Limiting sampling to delivery unit entered packages … Individual package level details, transaction details, and adjustment details are available for review and download through customizable Informed Visibility® Mail Tracking & Reporting (IV®-MTR) data feeds and USPS Ship online reports in CSV and Excel formats.”

[^28]: [Publication 205 Electronic Verification System (eVS®) Business and Technical Guide](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-07/eVS_pub205_July_2024_0.pdf#page=44), page 36: “A separate postage adjustment factor (PAF) is calculated for each mail class/product sampled by dividing the total postage for the samples by the total postage recalculated by the Postal Service for the corresponding package records in the shipper’s manifest file.”

[^29]: [Automated Package Verification (APV) FAQs (PostalPro, Oct 4, 2019; .docx converted to HTML)](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2019-10/2019.10.04.APV_%20External%20Doc%20V1.2.docx): “APV was built to help automate, streamline, and create a better customer experience by capturing certain postage discrepancies with domestic PC Postage /Click-N-Ship Indicia labels only. … The APV system reduces the need for packages paid via Click-N-Ship or PC Postage to have additional postage collected manually through the postage due process on the pieces detected automatically. … USPS® notifies the vendor, either Click-N-Ship® or the PC Postage entity, when differences in package characteristics are detected.”

[^30]: [Publication 199: Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation Guide for Confirmation Services and Electronic Payment Systems](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-07/Pub%20199_v35_07022026.pdf#page=18), page 19: “Mailers are assessed Package Quality Noncompliance fees on products when noncompliant pieces exceed the threshold for one of the Package Quality Noncompliance categories. The Package Quality Noncompliance Categories are: Address Quality, Manifest Quality, Barcode Quality and Hazmat Quality. … Address Quality - Checks for a timely address that validates to a unique 11 Digit DPV 90% AQ … Manifest Quality – Checks for a timely manifest file that passes critical validation criteria 94% MQ … Barcode Quality – Checks the barcode in the manifest and passes critical validations 98% BQ … Hazmat Quality – Checks the package contains all the correct Hazmat compliance elements 100% HQ … The Package Quality Noncompliance fee for AQ, BQ and MQ is currently $0.25 for each non-compliant item that falls below the threshold. The Package Quality Noncompliance fee for HQ varies by product. … Package Quality Noncompliance for the Address and Manifest categories is based on the data provided in the Shipping Services File and is measured at the time of the first Arrival at Post Office (AAU) scan. The Shipping Services File and address information must be transmitted timely and received by the Postal Service before the AAU scan event. … Package Quality Noncompliance for the Barcode category is measured based on the first physical scan event or receipt of the Shipping Services File manifest record. … Mailers are assessed Package Quality Noncompliance fees on products when noncompliant pieces exceed the threshold for one of the Package Quality Noncompliance categories. … Address Quality - Checks for a timely address that validates to a unique 11 Digit DPV … Manifest Quality – Checks for a timely manifest file that passes critical validation criteria … Barcode Quality – Checks the barcode in the manifest and passes critical validations … Hazmat Quality – Checks the package contains all the correct Hazmat compliance elements”

[^31]: [Publication 205 Electronic Verification System (eVS®) Business and Technical Guide](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-07/eVS_pub205_July_2024_0.pdf#page=193), page 185: “Nonstandard fees and requirement for dimensional data disclosure applies to Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, Parcel Select, and USPS Ground Advantage packages under the following conditions: • Length is greater than 22” (length is the longest package dimension), or • Length is greater than 30”, or • Cubic volume is greater than 2 ft3”

[^32]: [Guide to USPS Ship](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-08/Guide%20to%20USPS%20Ship_08042026.pdf#page=28), page 27: “Shippers can initiate disputes for adjustments that were applied and charged through USPS Ship by accessing the USPS Ship Disputes and Refund Requests service on the BCG. … A USPS Analyst reviews the dispute to determine if it is valid and should be approved. If the dispute is approved, then the shipper’s EPS Account will be refunded. … Refund requests for adjustments must be submitted within 60 days of the original billing.”

[^33]: [Publication 205 Electronic Verification System (eVS®) Business and Technical Guide](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-07/eVS_pub205_July_2024_0.pdf#page=190), page 182: “The details in the manifest file used determine the price of the package; these ingredients include mail class/product, weight, processing category, dimensions and zones as needed by mail class/product.”

[^34]: [Publication 199: Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation Guide for Confirmation Services and Electronic Payment Systems](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-07/Pub%20199_v35_07022026.pdf#page=112), page 113: “Priority Mail Open and Distribute (PMOD) allows mailers to expedite the transportation of other classes of mail to delivery units and mail processing facilities using Priority Mail.”

[^35]: [Publication 205 Electronic Verification System (eVS®) Business and Technical Guide](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-07/eVS_pub205_July_2024_0.pdf#page=22), page 14: “Cubic prices are not based on weight. Instead, they are charged by zone and by the cubic volume of the mailpiece.”

[^36]: [USPS Ship Frequently Asked Questions](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-01/20260106_USPS_Ship_FAQs_0.pdf#page=7), page 7: “USPS Ship does not have the capability to offer incentive price discounts.”

[^37]: [Publication 32: Glossary of Postal Terms](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2016-04/pub32_glossary.pdf#page=147), page 143: “A customized and mutually beneficial contractual agreement between USPS and a specific mailer (customer or organization).”

[^38]: [Publication 199: Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation Guide for Confirmation Services and Electronic Payment Systems](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-07/Pub%20199_v35_07022026.pdf#page=27), page 28: “Within the Business Customer Gateway (BCG), users may access Program Registration via the Online Enrollment service.”

[^39]: [Publication 199: Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation Guide for Confirmation Services and Electronic Payment Systems](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-07/Pub%20199_v35_07022026.pdf#page=77), page 78: “Records that fail the edits for a required field are rejected as errors. Records that fail the edits for non-required fields are listed as warnings but are processed and stored. All errors and warnings as well as the field(s) in error are provided in the Confirmation/Error/Warning file. … All corrected records must be sent in a Shipping Services File version 1.6 or 1.7/2.0 with the Electronic File Type of “4 – Corrections”. The Electronic File Number of the original file containing the records in error must be used in the “corrections” file.”

[^40]: [Publication 199: Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation Guide for Confirmation Services and Electronic Payment Systems](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-07/Pub%20199_v35_07022026.pdf#page=79), page 80: “If entire file was accepted, do not resubmit entire file, or USPS Ship will charge postage for all parcels in the file. Resubmit only those records that must be corrected.”

[^41]: [Publication 199: Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation Guide for Confirmation Services and Electronic Payment Systems](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-07/Pub%20199_v35_07022026.pdf#page=45), page 46: “The Shipping Services File Detail Record 2 contains fields needed for specific products (such as Hold for Pickup), and must be used for domestic packages when applicable.”

[^42]: [Publication 205 Electronic Verification System (eVS®) Business and Technical Guide](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-07/eVS_pub205_July_2024_0.pdf#page=3), PDF page 3: “This publication is designed for shippers and software developers using or planning to use the Electronic Verification System (eVS®) for manifesting parcel mail.”

[^43]: [PostalPro: USPS Tracking Electronic Services Certification](https://postalpro.usps.com/certifications/delivery-confirmation-electronic-services-certification): “Certification will test your barcoded labels and electronic file to ensure they meet our specifications, and will test the transmission of the electronic file to USPS®.”

[^44]: [Quick Guide to Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Vendor Certification](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2017-08/786_QuickGuidetoIMpbCert.pdf#page=1), PDF page 1: “Software vendors, consolidators and solutions providers that wish to participate in certification for the Intelligent Mail® Package Barcode (IMpb) and Shipping Services File (SSF) are asked to demonstrate their compliance with current IMpb requirements. … This process allows the Consolidator’s customers printing labels with Pre-certified software to begin mailing without additional Label Certification steps.”

[^45]: [Publication 205 Electronic Verification System (eVS®) Business and Technical Guide](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-07/eVS_pub205_July_2024_0.pdf#page=41), page 33: “eVS manifest files received in the PTR TEM are processed and routed to the PostalOne! TEM, where eVS generates postage statements and all corresponding reports.”

[^46]: [Publication 205 Electronic Verification System (eVS®) Business and Technical Guide](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-07/eVS_pub205_July_2024_0.pdf#page=64), page 56: “Lists all MIDs and effective date of label certification that are certified for use with the shipper’s eVS or PRS account.”

[^47]: [USPS Ship Tech Sheet](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-01/USPS%20Ship_Tech%20Sheet_V2.pdf#page=3), page 3: “Postage is validated by comparing the weight, dimensions, entry, and packaging provided in the manifest to the pricing elements (weights, dimensions, etc.) measured during processing. Any differences found may result in a postage adjustment are referred to as “census adjustments.” … Any differences found may result in a postage adjustment are referred to as “census adjustments.””

[^48]: [Guide to USPS Ship](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-08/Guide%20to%20USPS%20Ship_08042026.pdf#page=9), page 8: “Packages entered at DDU sites (excluding ADUS sites) will be randomly sampled for validation and may be assessed additional postage if they exceed the Statistical Quality Assessment (SQA) of 1.5%. … Duplicate packages receive published pricing. … Packages will receive a second level review process that verifies the pieces are truly duplicates. … To address concerns over rerouted packages, if a package’s first physical scan is downstream from the claimed entry facility, no error will be logged.”

[^49]: [Postal Bulletin 22557: cover story, holiday 2020 (Oct 22, 2020)](https://about.usps.com/postal-bulletin/2020/pb22557/html/cover.htm): “20 Automated Delivery Unit Sorters (ADUS). … We have also expanded operational capacity with new equipment:”

[^50]: [Publication 205 Electronic Verification System (eVS®) Business and Technical Guide](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-07/eVS_pub205_July_2024_0.pdf#page=43), page 35: “The collection of sampling data takes place at destination network distribution centers (DNDCs), destination auxiliary service facilities (DASFs), destination sectional center facilities (DSCFs), and destination delivery units (DDUs). … PPV was added to many Passive Adaptive Sorting Systems (PASS) in delivery units. These samples are combined with other samples taken at the DNDC’s, DASF’s, and DSCF’s and used to calculate Postage Adjustment Factor (PAF).”

[^51]: [Publication 205 Electronic Verification System (eVS®) Business and Technical Guide](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-07/eVS_pub205_July_2024_0.pdf#page=45), page 37: “If the results of the monthly sampling indicate that total manifest postage for the mail class/product sampled — as recalculated by the Postal Service for the sampled packages — is underpaid by more than 1.5% (that is, the PAF is greater than 1.015), the Postal Service assesses additional postage due by multiplying total recalculated manifest postage for the month by the PAF multiplier (the PAF minus 1).”

[^52]: [PostalPro: Automated Package Verification (APV) System](https://postalpro.usps.com/shipping/automated-package-verification-system): “After detecting discrepancies and calculating the postage adjustment, the system submits a file to Vendors with data to support postage adjustment. … Vendors pay or collect the adjustment amount and enable customers to dispute postage adjustments. … In an effort to automate, streamline, and create a better customer experience, the USPS has built the Automated Package Verification (APV) System to capture postage discrepancies.”

[^53]: [Seamless Acceptance: Mailer Fact Sheet](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-10/Seamless%20Acceptance_%20Mailer%20Fact%20Sheet%20_%20PostalPro%20v4.pdf#page=2), PDF page 2: “a method to apply an error rate determined from handheld scanner samplings to the entire population of mailings within a calendar month”

[^54]: [Publication 199: Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation Guide for Confirmation Services and Electronic Payment Systems](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-07/Pub%20199_v35_07022026.pdf#page=19), page 20: “Three of the quality categories (AQ, BQ and MQ) will be assessed against performance thresholds. … Package Quality Noncompliance fees will be applied only once for packages and mailpieces that fall below the threshold percentages currently in place. … There are no thresholds for Hazmat Quality, all packages must follow proper Hazmat packaging rules or be subject to noncompliance fees. … The category that yields the greatest count of noncompliant pieces will be used to determine the Package Quality Noncompliance fees. … Mailers can also view their Package Quality Noncompliance triggers in their Shipping Services Confirmation/Error/Warning Report.”

[^55]: [Publication 199: Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation Guide for Confirmation Services and Electronic Payment Systems](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-07/Pub%20199_v35_07022026.pdf#page=14), page 15: “Modified IMPB Noncompliance to Package Quality Noncompliance”

[^56]: [Publication 205 Electronic Verification System (eVS®) Business and Technical Guide](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-07/eVS_pub205_July_2024_0.pdf#page=51), page 43: “Shippers are assessed IMpb non-compliance fees for commercial competitive products when non-compliance pieces exceed the threshold for one of the IMpb Quality Compliance categories.”

[^57]: [PTR Domestic Scan Events and Descriptions](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-10/PTR%20Event%20Descriptions_October%202026.pdf#page=4), PDF page 4: Event: 07; Extract description: ARRIVAL AT UNIT; USPS.com wording: Arrived at Post Office; Status category: In Transit; What it means: The item has arrived at the local Post Office on the day indicated and is scheduled for delivery. Usually, if the item arrives before 9:30 am, it will be delivered that day; if after 9:30 am, on the next business day; Starts the clock: No; Stops the clock: No

[^58]: [Publication 205 Electronic Verification System (eVS®) Business and Technical Guide](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-07/eVS_pub205_July_2024_0.pdf#page=25), page 17: “Length Fee is based on the length and entry point of the package. The length fee is based on parcels that are greater than 22 inches and less than 30 inches, and for parcels greater than 30 inches. … Non-standard fees are identified in Notice 123.”

[^59]: [Publication 205 Electronic Verification System (eVS®) Business and Technical Guide](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-07/eVS_pub205_July_2024_0.pdf#page=26), page 18: “Cube Fee is charged on packages that are greater than 2 cubic feet. … Dimensional Noncompliance Fee is levied on packages greater than 1 cubic foot or with a length of greater than 22 inches if the customer did not provide dimensions in the SSF or provided inaccurate dimensions.”

[^60]: [Publication 205 Electronic Verification System (eVS®) Business and Technical Guide](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-07/eVS_pub205_July_2024_0.pdf#page=48), page 40: “If the eVS shipper and/or eVS analyst can identify the intended postage rate that is appropriate based on package details, the appropriate and corresponding postage from the current published Notice 123 Price List is assessed for those packages. … In the event a rate ingredient combination does not produce a valid price, the PICs for these packages are placed into the Manifest Error Report. Shippers may resubmit manifests during the current month through the 10th of following month to correctly pay for these packages. … Each mis-shipped destination delivery unit (DDU) parcel is charged the difference between the manifested postage and the USPS Ground Advantage single-piece price, as defined in the Domestic Mail Manual.”

[^61]: [USPS Ship Frequently Asked Questions](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-01/20260106_USPS_Ship_FAQs_0.pdf#page=2), page 2: “Log into the Business Customer Gateway (BCG). Click ‘Shipping Services’ and select “Get Access” next to USPS Ship Reports. … Yes, most can be downloaded to CSV or Excel. They are not downloadable via API. … No. Only data feeds are customizable; however, you can do whatever you wish with the data once you download to SV or Excel. … Reports are not automatically emailed. You may subscribe to receive data feeds weekly or monthly in IV-MTR. … The Manifest Variance Report includes this information, but you will only see the Manifest Variance Report if there is a variance between the manifest submitted and USPS Ship calculated rates. … The online Census Verification Report and the Census Attributes data feed will show dimensions and weight if there is a census adjustment. … In data feeds, the Pricing Notification data feed and the Outbound Transactions Payment Details (OTPD) data feed both have dimensions and weight. … A typical outbound customer could use a combination of the Outbound Transaction Payment Details and Census Attributes data feeds to get final postage for a package. … OTPD is only for manifested transactions. Details Domestic Outbound includes all transactions. … No, they are different. … Do the Outbound Transaction Payment Detail and eVS Postage Statement Extracts have the same formats? A: No.”

[^62]: [Guide to USPS Ship](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-08/Guide%20to%20USPS%20Ship_08042026.pdf#page=26), page 25: “Detailed data field descriptions for each data feed can be found in the USPS Ship Data Dictionary. … Includes a list of packages charged additional postage due to a mismatch between the pricing elements from the manifest and from processing for packaging, weight, dimensions, or entry/zone.”

[^63]: [Guide to USPS Ship](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-08/Guide%20to%20USPS%20Ship_08042026.pdf#page=33), page 32: “Shippers can initiate a Joint Review for a pending assessment by accessing the USPS Ship Disputes and Refund Requests service on the BCG.”

[^64]: [Guide to USPS Ship](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-08/Guide%20to%20USPS%20Ship_08042026.pdf#page=19), page 18: “displays a list of packages and the difference between manifested postage and USPS calculated postage.”

[^65]: [Guide to USPS Ship](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-08/Guide%20to%20USPS%20Ship_08042026.pdf#page=16), page 15: “displays a list of packages that include census errors due to incorrect packaging, weight, dimensions, entry/zone discrepancies.”

[^66]: [Guide to USPS Ship](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-08/Guide%20to%20USPS%20Ship_08042026.pdf#page=27), page 26: “Includes the IMpb and rate elements that were used to price the package.”

[^67]: [USPS Ship Package Data Feeds](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2025-11/USPS%20Ship%20Package%20Data%20Feeds_Tech%20Sheet.pdf#page=2), page 2: “Displays a list of individual package charges that were aggregated into a single EPS transaction; updating to include ACH withdrawal amount; include Third Party Billing (TPB) Indicator, TPB CRID, TPB Company Name.”

[^68]: [Guide to USPS Ship](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-08/Guide%20to%20USPS%20Ship_08042026.pdf#page=12), page 11: “USPS Ship data is available to shippers through external online reports.”

[^69]: [Publication 205 Electronic Verification System (eVS®) Business and Technical Guide](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-07/eVS_pub205_July_2024_0.pdf#page=186), page 178: “The Joint Review Request process allows the user to provide information pertaining to their dispute and attach supporting documentation.”

[^70]: [Publication 199: Intelligent Mail Package Barcode (IMpb) Implementation Guide for Confirmation Services and Electronic Payment Systems](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-07/Pub%20199_v35_07022026.pdf#page=475), page 476: “Packages for which the USPS has scan events and no associated manifest are considered unmanifested.”

[^71]: [Guide to USPS Ship](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-08/Guide%20to%20USPS%20Ship_08042026.pdf#page=10), page 9: “USPS Ship will associate every package scan from Mail Processing Equipment (MPE) to a package manifest up to 120 days in the past. … USPS Ship will attempt to match manifest records to unmanifested warnings until the 7th of the following month. … If no match is found, the unmanifested warning will be upgraded to an unmanifested error and postage will be collected. … If a manifest is submitted and fails validations, the packages submitted in the manifest will be considered unmanifested until a corrections file addressing the errors is processed.”

[^72]: [Guide to USPS Ship](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-08/Guide%20to%20USPS%20Ship_08042026.pdf#page=11), page 10: “USPS Ship calculates the percentage of unmanifested packages (unmanifested ratio) for the combination of CRID, Program (Outbound), Mail Class, Month and Year for each shipper to determine if the shipper’s unmanifested packages are above the threshold (initially set to 4%). … If the unmanifested ratio is above the threshold, then an unmanifested fee will be applied to all unmanifested packages.”

[^73]: [Publication 205 Electronic Verification System (eVS®) Business and Technical Guide](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2024-07/eVS_pub205_July_2024_0.pdf#page=47), page 39: “Shippers are responsible for payment of all duplicate packages. … Parcels deposited by an eVS shipper at an incorrect entry facility are termed “mis-shipped” parcels and are handled as follows:”

[^74]: [eVS/USPS Ship Comparison Fact Sheet](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2023-06/evs%20USPS%20Ship%20Comparison-final.pdf#page=1), PDF page 1: “Errors that can’t be auto-corrected are flagged as Unmanifested.”

[^75]: [USPS Ship Misshipped Tech Sheet](https://postalpro.usps.com/mnt/glusterfs/2026-03/USPS%20Ship%20Misshipped%20-%20External%20Tech%20Sheet.pdf#page=1), PDF page 1: “If the ZIP Code of the first scan event does not match the expected dropship location nor any downstream sites, then a Misshipped error is logged. … When a Misshipped error is logged, USPS Ship will also reprice the package as Ground Advantage Full Network. … The higher of the two prices will be charged, so that the shipper does not potentially receive a discount for a Misshipped package.”

---

Unofficial. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the United States Postal Service. This is https://postalref.com/guides/package-payment as Markdown.