I order my calculus book from an authorized seller on Barnes & Nobles website. I made order yesterday morning and by end of day I got email from seller stating my order has been shipped. He provided me tracking number from USPS : and I went to track it..the USPS claim this number doesn't exist.

So I waited another day for system to update and be refresh, today it still shows the tracking number doesn't exist.

This is actually 3rd time USPS has done this to me when I've order online from a seller using post office. All 3 times the package actually showed up to my door, but UPS and Fed Ex has me spoil on watching my package leave each warehouse.

I asked my friend about this, and he said "every once in awhile the post office tracking system would work, but not always."

Anyone work for the post office and would like to clarified this?

I never have any luck with the usps tracking system.  i don't even know why they bother with it.

But i'll tell you. Their rates are lower than anyplace else and even though they may not be very fast the package always gets there.

I almost always use priority shipping these days.  It's pricier but fast, relieable, and trackable.

I was once told by someone who works for the USPS, that their tracking service is usually only accurate for delivery.  It will tell you when it was delivered, but tracking will only work if the item was scanned at every post office stop and most are not.  Most of the time the package is just kept moving instead of them scanning it at the locations.

Found what you said about Postal Service tracking to be true.

Bothered me at first but when the items showed up, in good condition, I really did not care.

But you are right, it is fun tracking your package with UPS and Fed-Ex to see where it goes and when it is going to arrive.

Especially when you order some fishing stuff that you don't want your wife to know about and you want to get it off the porch before she sees it.  ;D

No offense Low Budget Hooker, but I prefer the U.S Postal service.  It's faster and cheaper.  The tacking system works well enough for my needs.

A tracking system to tell you your package is in transit? That has to be most superfluous thing ever. Where is it? You don't have it, so it must be in transit. How does it help you to know where it is?  Really, this is a useless tool, to me. USPS Priority gets most things to me in about 2 business days. Overnight, if its from PA, NY, Mass, or OH. Really, its the same for UPS Ground. I prefer to ship with the USPS, because for the most part its the easiest. I also really like UPS. Their service is second to none, but you pay for it. Sometimes this is important for high dollar items. Both my UPS and USPS carriers make sure my shipments are well taken care of. In the case of the USPS carrier, he is my neighbor, and he knows to make sure my stuff makes to me in good shape. The Fedex guy simply drops the boxes in driveway and speeds off. Same for DHL.

I don't like tracking. Just tell me when the package will get to me and I am fine. I find that if I can track packages I end up getting more anxious as I wait for the package and I start to check where the package is every day. That is especially painful when I order from *** and I have to watch my package sit in Cerritos, CA for days...

Did you order this USPS Express?

The US postal service does not offer tracking numbers on anything other than Express (overnight mail), it's possible the shipper gave you a delivery confirmation number but that's not the same. A delivery confirmation number will get scanned at a post office if the package is taken by an actual postal worker, if it was mailed at an automated machine or picked up in bulk from the seller it won't.

The package might get scanned at a sorting facility but that doesn't always happen nor does the USPS advertise that as supposing to happen. It will get scanned when it's delivered to your home.

I've sold quite a bit of stuff on the forums on Ebay. Probably 1600-1700 total transactions. The USPS does a good job of sticking to their 2-3 (business) days delivery time frame. I'd say 98% of everything I've bought or sold has come within that time frame.

Besides, I ordered a new graph from BPS on Monday.  Shipped via Fed EX.  Fed Ex tracking showed the graph in the Earth City warehouse on Tuesday (25 miles from my house)  They still showed a June 12th delivery date.  Wed, still in the warehouse, Thurs, still there.

Friday it shows up.  Why did it sit 25 miles from my house for 2 1/2 days.

Had I not had the tracking, I never would've known.  

Did you order this USPS Express?

The US postal service does not offer tracking numbers on anything other than Express (overnight mail), it's possible the shipper gave you a delivery confirmation number but that's not the same. A delivery confirmation number will get scanned at a post office if the package is taken by an actual postal worker, if it was mailed at an automated machine or picked up in bulk from the seller it won't.

The package might get scanned at a sorting facility but that doesn't always happen nor does the USPS advertise that as supposing to happen. It will get scanned when it's delivered to your home.

I've sold quite a bit of stuff on the forums on Ebay. Probably 1600-1700 total transactions. The USPS does a good job of sticking to their 2-3 (business) days delivery time frame. I'd say 98% of everything I've bought or sold has come within that time frame.

Nah, he gave me a tracking number.

What can I say, I'm spoil by UPS and Fed-Ex.

Did you order this USPS Express?

The US postal service does not offer tracking numbers on anything other than Express (overnight mail), it's possible the shipper gave you a delivery confirmation number but that's not the same. A delivery confirmation number will get scanned at a post office if the package is taken by an actual postal worker, if it was mailed at an automated machine or picked up in bulk from the seller it won't.

The package might get scanned at a sorting facility but that doesn't always happen nor does the USPS advertise that as supposing to happen. It will get scanned when it's delivered to your home.

I've sold quite a bit of stuff on the forums on Ebay. Probably 1600-1700 total transactions. The USPS does a good job of sticking to their 2-3 (business) days delivery time frame. I'd say 98% of everything I've bought or sold has come within that time frame.

Nah, he gave me a tracking number.

What can I say, I'm spoil by UPS and Fed-Ex.

Unless you ordered it overnight, the guy DIDN'T give you a tracking number.  There's no such thing on priority mail.  Believe me, I've made well over a thousand transactions.  I can't tell you how many times Ebay customers wanted one because Paypal guarantee's one on a Paypal purchase.

That's only if the seller uses UPS or Fed Ex.  I have to explain that I use the USPS and they don't offer them.  If they complain I tell them to take it up with Paypal, they made the promise, not me.

The seller fulfilling your used book order, OrderID:  has provided the shipment tracking information below.  Any further information that you need about this shipment can be obtained by emailing the seller at the address below.  If you choose to contact the seller directly, please include in your email the unique Order ID listed above.

Below that message it said:

Carrier: United Postal Service

Tracking number: bunch random numbers.

That why I was confused..Oh well.

I order my calculus book from an authorized seller on Barnes & Nobles website. I made order yesterday morning and by end of day I got email from seller stating my order has been shipped. He provided me tracking number from USPS : and I went to track it..the USPS claim this number doesn't exist.

So I waited another day for system to update and be refresh, today it still shows the tracking number doesn't exist.

This is actually 3rd time USPS has done this to me when I've order online from a seller using post office. All 3 times the package actually showed up to my door, but UPS and Fed Ex has me spoil on watching my package leave each warehouse.

I asked my friend about this, and he said "every once in awhile the post office tracking system would work, but not always."

Anyone work for the post office and would like to clarified this?

I hate to laugh but can i also provide you with a tracking number i can use any numbers i want right???

Never had a problem with USPS.  I've sold reels, lures, books, etc, all shipped by USPS.  It was cheap, fast and the tracking #s all worked.  

A tracking system to tell you your package is in transit? That has to be most superfluous thing ever. Where is it? You don't have it, so it must be in transit. How does it help you to know where it is? Really, this is a useless tool, to me. USPS Priority gets most things to me in about 2 business days. Overnight, if its from PA, NY, Mass, or OH. Really, its the same for UPS Ground. I prefer to ship with the USPS, because for the most part its the easiest. I also really like UPS. Their service is second to none, but you pay for it. Sometimes this is important for high dollar items. Both my UPS and USPS carriers make sure my shipments are well taken care of. In the case of the USPS carrier, he is my neighbor, and he knows to make sure my stuff makes to me in good shape. The Fedex guy simply drops the boxes in driveway and speeds off. Same for DHL.

That is so true. It's also a waste of their money to do it. I can understand if its late and you look up the tracking...

Yeah, the usps tracking system is pretty useless.  I usually don't get a status until it's delivered.

Yeah, the usps tracking system is pretty useless. I usually don't get a status until it's delivered.

Actually, it worked perfectly considering it's called a "Delivery confirmation number."  

They don't advertise that as a tracking number.

If and when the package shows up, tell Newman and/or Cliff Clavin the gang here says 'hey'.

Yeah, the usps tracking system is pretty useless. I usually don't get a status until it's delivered.

Actually, it worked perfectly considering it's called a "Delivery confirmation number."

They don't advertise that as a tracking number.

It shouldn't spelled out "tracking number" when sellers send me emails. :

Unless you ordered it overnight, the guy DIDN'T give you a tracking number.

 They do give you a tracking number, though its for delivery confirmation, which comes free with every Priority Mail shipment.

Unless you ordered it overnight, the guy DIDN'T give you a tracking number.

They do give you a tracking number, though its for delivery confirmation, which comes free with every Priority Mail shipment.

Delivery confirmation is not free with priority mail. It costs an additional 65 cents.  

BTW,, from the back of a delivery confirmation sticker

This service provides the date and time delivery and/or attempted delivery upon inquiry

USPS is terrible.  Just ask Russ how long it took for him to get the rod I sent him.   ;D

100% USELESS!!!

Unless you ordered it overnight, the guy DIDN'T give you a tracking number.

They do give you a tracking number, though its for delivery confirmation, which comes free with every Priority Mail shipment.

Delivery confirmation is not free with priority mail. It costs an additional 65 cents.

BTW,, from the back of a delivery confirmation sticker

This service provides the date and time delivery and/or attempted delivery upon inquiry

$.65???  Crap, I'm going to have to redo my '09 budget!  

Just kidding - thanks for the clarification.

Unless you ordered it overnight, the guy DIDN'T give you a tracking number.

They do give you a tracking number, though its for delivery confirmation, which comes free with every Priority Mail shipment.

Delivery confirmation is not free with priority mail. It costs an additional 65 cents.

BTW,, from the back of a delivery confirmation sticker

This service provides the date and time delivery and/or attempted delivery upon inquiry

$.65??? Crap, I'm going to have to redo my '09 budget!

Just kidding - thanks for the clarification.

Actually, I just checked, its $.19 electronic, and $.70-.80 retail.

Yeah, the usps tracking system is pretty useless. I usually don't get a status until it's delivered.

Actually, it worked perfectly considering it's called a "Delivery confirmation number."

They don't advertise that as a tracking number.

It shouldn't spelled out "tracking number" when sellers send me emails. :

It IS a tracking number, but for the shipper, not person getting the item.