postalref

Return labels and return services

A business gives its customers prepaid USPS return labels, and the business, not the customer, pays the postage for each package that comes back. USPS Returns prices each returned package and charges the business at the delivery scan. Parcel Return Service lets a shipper collect returns in bulk, and Bulk Parcel Return Service brings back USPS Marketing Mail parcels.

Updated November 6, 202659 sources

Questions

Can I give a return package to a USPS driver or put it in a mailbox?

Yes: USPS Returns packages, USPS Ground Advantage Return among them, can go back with the carrier by Package Pickup or in a blue collection box. Package Pickup, formerly Carrier Pickup, lets a customer leave certain postage-paid mailpieces in the home mailbox for the carrier, free on a regular delivery. Consumers may also hand Parcel Return Service parcels to Postal Service personnel.

How long is a USPS return label good for?

A USPS Returns label does not expire, under the service's user guide of October 10, 2019. The business that issued it pays for every processed package that carries its Mailer ID in the barcode. A Parcel Return Service shipper also pays for parcels that arrive with its labels after its authorization is cancelled.

How long does a USPS Ground Advantage return take?

A USPS Returns package sent by USPS Ground Advantage Return takes 2 to 5 days. As of USPS's fiscal year 2025, USPS Ground Advantage delivers in 2 to 5 days across the continental U.S., without a guarantee. Priority Mail Return takes 1 to 3 days, and Priority Mail Express Return 1 to 2 days.

How do I create a USPS return shipping label?

A business makes its customers' return labels with the Merchant Returns API, the free Merchant Return website, or its own or a vendor's software. USPS must certify a USPS Returns label before the business hands it out. The customer gets the label from the business, with the product or online.

How much is a USPS return label?

The customer pays nothing: the business that issued the label pays the return postage, at published commercial prices or its own contract prices. Postage is set by the package's weight and the zone between its origin and delivery ZIP Codes, at the commercial prices of its class: Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail or USPS Ground Advantage. As of October 4, 2026, a USPS Ground Advantage commercial parcel of up to 4 ounces cost $7.33 in zone 1 and $8.95 in zone 8. A Priority Mail commercial package of up to half a pound cost $9.44 in zone 1 and $16.07 in zone 8. The business's account is charged at the delivery scan, or 14 days after the last scan.

Can USPS print a shipping label without a QR code?

Yes: with USPS Label Broker, a customer prints a label from its QR code or its Label Broker ID, at a Post Office or on USPS.com. At the retail counter, the retail associate prints and applies the label, so the customer needs no printer. A merchant sends a label to Label Broker through the Merchant Returns API.

What does a USPS return label look like?

A USPS Returns label is 4x6, 4x4 or 3x6 inches and is addressed directly to the business that issued it. It carries a service banner such as Priority Mail Return and an Intelligent Mail package barcode with the business's Mailer ID. Its postage imprint reads NO POSTAGE NECESSARY IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES.

What is an NDC in USPS Parcel Return Service?

Parcel Return Service's NDC is the Return Network Distribution Center, or RNDC: a network distribution center designated as a pickup location for its parcels. RNDC was also a Parcel Return Service price until January 17, 2016, when USPS discontinued it to simplify the product. Parcel Return Service shippers pick their parcels up at Return Delivery Units and Returns Processing Facilities.

How can I void return shipping labels before they have been scanned?

USPS Ship, USPS's package platform for postage payment, doesn't need return labels voided: it does not charge for them until they have been scanned. USPS Returns charges the business's Enterprise Payment System account at the delivery scan, or 14 days after the last scan. A merchant can void a label it stored in USPS Label Broker through the Merchant Returns API, so it can no longer be printed.

How it fits together

A business gives its customers prepaid labels from one of USPS's return services. USPS Returns labels send a package back by Priority Mail Return, Priority Mail Express Return or USPS Ground Advantage Return. Parcel Return Service is for shippers that collect their returns in bulk at postal facilities. Bulk Parcel Return Service brings back USPS Marketing Mail parcels that USPS can't deliver or that addressees open and remail.

The label reaches the customer with the product, online or at a Post Office. The Merchant Returns API and the free Merchant Return website let a merchant's customers make labels from the merchant's own site. USPS Label Broker serves customers without a printer: a Post Office prints the label for them.

The customer sends the package at a Post Office, by Package Pickup or in a collection box. USPS delivers a USPS Returns package directly to the business. Parcel Return Service shippers pick their parcels up at two kinds of postal facility, Return Delivery Units and Returns Processing Facilities.

The business, not the customer, pays the return postage. USPS Returns charges the business at the delivery scan. Parcel Return Service takes postage from the shipper's manifests, and Bulk Parcel Return Service charges for each parcel returned.

Return services

A merchant qualifies for USPS Returns with at least 10,000 returns a year, counted across any mix of eligible mail classes. Its labels send packages by one of three return services, set by the service type code in the label's barcode.

USPS built USPS Returns as an automated way to verify and pay for the returns of two returns products, Merchandise Return Service and Scan Based Payment. It replaces manual postage and fee assessments. Under its user guide of October 10, 2019, Merchandise Return Service customers had to move to the USPS Returns label. USPS had retired Merchandise Return Service by July 14, 2022.

Parcel Return Service is a national program for return parcels that runs on electronic manifests. Its shippers need a Negotiated Service Agreement, and its parcels can't carry extra services. The traditional program is moving into USPS Ship, on a date USPS decides.

Bulk Parcel Return Service starts on the outbound parcel: a USPS Marketing Mail parcel goes out with an endorsement for the service on its label. When USPS can't deliver it, or the addressee opens and remails it, the parcel goes to a designated postal facility.

A service type code for each of the three USPS Returns services.

IMpb Service Type Code List, Appendix I
CodeDescriptionMail classExtra service codes
019Priority Mail ReturnPM452
020USPS Ground Advantage Return: Up to 15.999ozFC452
022USPS Ground Advantage Return: One Pound or MoreFC452
796Priority Mail Express ReturnEX452, 981

4 codes in the IMpb Service Type Code List, Appendix I, where Code is 019 or 020 or 022 or 796.

Priority Mail Return Service

Also called MR, Priority Mail Return

“USPS Returns services include labels for Priority Mail Return service, Priority Mail Express Return service, and USPS Ground Advantage Return service.”

Parcel Return Service

Also called PRS, Parcel Returns Services, Parcel Select Return Service

“is a national program that enables return parcel business with the Postal Service using electronic technology.”

USPS Returns

“allows merchants to provide a pre-printed, postage paid return label for their customers to return merchandise.”

Negotiated Service Agreement

Also called NSA, Negotiation Service Agreements

“A customized and mutually beneficial contractual agreement between USPS and a specific mailer (customer or organization).”

Return labels

A business makes its own return labels, with software it buys or builds, or with the Merchant Returns API. The labels go out with the product or are printed online. The National Customer Support Center certifies Parcel Return Service labels before they go out.

Must
USPS Returns label standard sizes are 4x6, 4x4, or 3x6 and must be certified by the USPS for use prior to distribution.

A USPS Returns label comes in one of three standard sizes, and USPS must certify it before the business hands it out. Any other size needs written approval from the National Customer Support Center.

Each USPS Returns label carries an Intelligent Mail package barcode with the merchant's Mailer ID. A business that opens a USPS business account in the Business Portal gets one Returns Mailer ID beside two outbound ones.

The Merchant Returns API makes single or bulk labels as PDF, TIF or PNG images in a merchant's own application. The free Merchant Return website makes labels with no programming, embedded in the merchant's site or reached directly. The API can also email the label to the customer.

USPS Label Broker serves customers without a printer. A merchant's API request stores the label in Label Broker, which returns a unique code for it, the Label Broker ID. The merchant texts or emails the customer that ID, which shows on a smartphone as a QR code with 8 to 10 characters below it.

The customer shows the Label Broker ID at a Post Office, and the retail associate prints and applies the label. The customer can also print it without a clerk, at a Self-Service Kiosk in a Post Office or on USPS.com's Label Broker print page. Label Broker's terms require the customer to ask for Label Broker delivery first.

With USPS Label Delivery, USPS delivers a label to a customer's home or business address for a per-label fee. The fee is $1.65 a label as of July 12, 2026. USPS Label Delivery has its own extra service code, 415.

Extra service codes for USPS Label Delivery and the two return services.

Extra Service Codes, Pub 199 Appendix J Table 7
CodeExtra service
415USPS Label Delivery
420Parcel Return Service
452USPS Returns

3 codes in the Extra Service Codes, Pub 199 Appendix J Table 7, where Code is 415 or 420 or 452.

A return label may also carry the merchant's references, such as a return merchandise authorization number or an inventory barcode. It may carry a QR code that links to USPS's package pickup page.

National Customer Support Center

Also called NCSC, National Customer Service Center

“An organization that provides information, services, and products (e.g., address management software programs such as the City State product, zone charts, directories, testing of ZIP+4 code or delivery point code address matching software) that improve addressing quality for mailings that qualify for certain prices.”

USPS Merchant Return website

“Each merchant enrolled is automatically provided (free of charge) a website for their customers to generate return labels.”

return merchandise authorization

Also called RMA, Return Merchant Authorization

“Return Merchandise Authorization (also known as “package information” or “packageInfo”. Maps to “Customer Reference 1” in the shipping services file.”

Intelligent Mail Package Barcode

Also called IMpb

“An IMpb is the USPS-developed barcode that can be read by automated parcel-processing equipment and scanning devices and consists of a data string that generally follows the GS1-128 specification.”

Mailer Identifier

Also called MID, Mailer IDs, Mailer Identification, Mailer Identification Number, USPS Mailer ID

“MID is a unique 6- or 9-digit number that identifies the mailer or the mailer’s client.”

Sending returns back

A customer sends a return at a Post Office, by Package Pickup or in a collection box. With a QR code the business preprinted on the label, the customer can request a free pickup or find a Post Office. Parcel Return Service parcels can also be handed to Postal Service personnel.

Must
Written instructions must be provided with the label that, at a minimum, directs the customer to do the following:

A business that gives out USPS Returns labels must give the customer written instructions with each label. At a minimum, the instructions must tell the customer how to address and attach the label and how to mail the package.

The written instructions tell the customer to follow these steps.

  1. The customer prints their name and address in the return address area, if not preprinted.
  2. The customer attaches the label flat on the largest side, with no tape over barcodes.
  3. The customer removes or crosses out other addresses, barcodes and price markings.
  4. The customer mails it at a Post Office, a collection box or with the carrier.

USPS delivers a USPS Returns package directly to the business and prices it individually. The business can sign up for a notice when a package enters the mail. Each Merchant Returns API label has a barcode that tracks on USPS.com.

Parcel Return Service shippers, or consolidators working for them, pick their parcels up at Return Delivery Units and Returns Processing Facilities. USPS notifies the shipper when parcels wait at a Return Delivery Unit, and the shipper picks up from a Returns Processing Facility on a schedule. Parcels left too long at a Return Delivery Unit flow back to the Returns Processing Facility.

For USPS Ship, the Return Sectional Center Facility, or RSCF, has been renamed the Returns Processing Facility. Parcel Return Service's price categories still use the RSCF name as of July 12, 2026.

Bulk Parcel Return Service parcels wait at a designated postal facility for the mailer to pick up, or USPS delivers them.

Returns Processing Facility

Also called RPF, RSCF, Return Processing Facilities, Return Processing Facility, Return Sectional Center Facility

“PRS parcels are picked up by consolidators or shippers at Return Delivery Units (RDU) or Return Processing Facilities (RPF – formerly RSCF: see note).”

Return Delivery Unit

Also called RDU, return delivery unit(s)

“(1) A postal facility such as a Post Office, station, or branch designated as a pickup location for Parcel Return Service parcels. (2) (capitalized) A price for Parcel Return Service parcels retrieved by the permit holder or agent at a delivery unit.”

Package Pickup

“A service that allows customers to leave certain types of postage-paid mailpieces at a business, in the home mailbox, or at the front door for carriers to collect on their regularly scheduled delivery routes. Pickups, which can be scheduled by telephone or online, are available at no additional charge when the carrier collects the pieces while making a regular delivery.”

collection box

Also called letter box

“A four-footed, free-standing blue-painted street box that is used by the public to deposit outgoing prepaid letters, flats, and lightweight parcels. It has a rounded top and a protective opening cut in near the top that pivots to open and close to receive and protect the items. Each box is secured with special security lock called an arrow lock. The box has a uniform appearance and a nationwide identification system that shows USPS logo, type of service, and collection times provided at each box. In addition to the standard size box, there are larger boxes for high-volume areas, a Priority Mail Express box, and a relay box.”

Paying for returns

The business pays the return postage, so the customer sends the package back without paying.

USPS Returns prices each package from the weight, dimensions and mail class USPS collects as it moves through the network. It uses published commercial prices or the business's contract prices. The business pays through its Enterprise Payment System account, charged at the delivery scan or 14 days after the last scan. The business's Enterprise Payment System data feeds include one for returns, Details - Network Returns. USPS Ship does not charge for return labels until they have been scanned.

Parcel Return Service prices depend on the postal facility where the shipper picks the parcels up. The shipper sends a manifest within 72 hours of pickup, and USPS deducts the postage it calculates from that file. Parcel Return Service has no annual permit or account maintenance fees.

Bulk Parcel Return Service charges a per piece fee for each parcel returned, not postage, whatever the parcel weighs. The fee is $4.80 as of July 12, 2026. The permit has no annual fee. USPS deducts the per piece charges from the mailer's advance deposit account.

Enterprise Payment System

Also called EPS, Electronic Payment System, EPS system, Enterprise System

“allows customers to pay for Postal products and services through a single account, called the Enterprise Payment Account (EPA).”

commercial price

“(1) A general term that distinguishes postage prices such as presorted or automation prices available to mailers who meet various preparation requirements and minimum volumes versus retail prices (i.e., single-piece prices) available to the public and not requiring special preparation or minimum volumes. (2) Commercial Base and Commercial Plus prices.”

advance deposit account

Also called trust fund account, customer trust fund account, advanced deposit account

“A liability account into which a mailer deposits funds that are maintained by USPS to pay for future services used by the mailer such as permit imprint mailings, Business Reply Mail pieces, postage due mail, or Periodicals. Also called trust fund account.”

permit

Also called mailing permit, bulk mail permit, bulk mailing permit

“Any authorization required for specific types of preparation or postage payment. Specifically, an authorization to mail by using indicia or an imprint in place of stamps or meter impressions. Payment is made against an advance deposit account that is established with USPS for postage and services. Other types of mail, such as Business Reply Mail, service require the use of imprints.”

What goes wrong

USPS Returns detects duplicate labels in the mail and charges each duplicate at the business's average or default postage.

Since July 2024, USPS has assessed barcode quality fees on noncompliant Priority Mail Return, USPS Ground Advantage Return and Parcel Return Service packages. The noncompliance fee is $0.25 a piece, charged when noncompliant pieces pass a threshold.

A Parcel Return Service shipper pays postage on every parcel with its label, even when the customer also put postage on it. For items with at least full postage affixed, the shipper may ask the local postmaster for an adjustment.

Labels already handed out keep costing the shipper: it pays for parcels that arrive with its labels after its Parcel Return Service authorization is cancelled.

A merchant that stores many unused labels in Label Broker may have its use of Label Broker suspended. USPS watches each merchant's ratio of stored labels to printed ones.

A shipper disputing a USPS Ship charge for a return has 60 days from the payment date, not from the manifest date.

Index: 12 entries

Mail classes (2)

Extra service (1)

Services (3)

Systems (2)

Identifier (1)

Facility (1)

Terms (2)

Sources