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Schedule USPS Pickup

Save time with free USPS Package Pickup service, scheduled directly through atoship.

Overview

USPS Package Pickup is a free service that allows you to:

  • Have packages picked up from your location
  • Skip trips to the post office
  • Schedule regular pickup days
  • Track pickup status in real-time

Eligibility

Eligible Services

Pickup available for:

  • Priority Mail
  • Priority Mail Express
  • Ground Advantage (formerly First Class Package)
  • Media Mail
  • USPS Returns

Not eligible for pickup:

  • First-Class Mail letters
  • Marketing Mail
  • Periodicals

Location Requirements

  • Valid US address (residential or business)
  • Accessible pickup location
  • Safe area for packages
  • Clear instructions provided

Scheduling a Pickup

Step 1: Navigate to Pickups

  1. Log into atoship dashboard
  2. Go to Dashboard > Pickups
  3. Click Schedule New Pickup

Step 2: Select USPS

  1. Choose USPS from carrier list
  2. Verify or update pickup address
  3. Add special instructions if needed:
    • Gate codes
    • Building entrance
    • Leave at back door
    • Ring doorbell

Step 3: Enter Package Details

FieldDescription
Number of PackagesTotal packages for pickup
Total WeightApproximate combined weight
Largest Package SizeLargest dimension package
Package LocationWhere carrier should look

Package Location Options:

  • Front door/porch
  • Side door
  • Garage
  • Reception/front desk
  • Mail room
  • Other (specify)

Step 4: Choose Pickup Date

Same-Day Pickup:

  • Available if requested before 2:00 AM CT
  • Pickup typically by end of mail delivery

Next-Day Pickup:

  • Request anytime for next business day
  • Confirm before midnight for guarantee

Recurring Pickup:

  • Set up daily or weekly schedule
  • Automatic pickups on selected days

Step 5: Confirm Request

  1. Review all details
  2. Click Schedule Pickup
  3. Receive confirmation number
  4. Email confirmation sent

Pickup Day Checklist

Before Pickup

Print and attach all labels

  • Labels clearly visible
  • Barcodes scannable
  • Forms properly attached

Prepare packages

  • Securely sealed
  • Properly cushioned
  • Correct weight

Position packages

  • In designated location
  • Easily visible
  • Protected from weather
  • Accessible to carrier

During Pickup Window

  • Pickup window: Typically 9 AM - 5 PM
  • Varies by route
  • Can check estimate in atoship

After Pickup

  • Tracking updates in atoship
  • First scan at sorting facility
  • Email notification available

Managing Pickups

View Scheduled Pickups

  1. Go to Dashboard > Pickups
  2. See all scheduled pickups
  3. View status:
    • Scheduled: Confirmed, awaiting pickup
    • In Progress: Carrier en route
    • Completed: Packages collected
    • Failed: Issue occurred

Cancel a Pickup

  1. Go to scheduled pickup
  2. Click Cancel Pickup
  3. Must cancel before 2 AM CT same day
  4. Confirmation sent

Modify Pickup

Cannot modify directly - cancel and reschedule:

  1. Cancel existing pickup
  2. Create new pickup request
  3. Update details as needed

Troubleshooting

Carrier Did Not Show

Possible reasons:

  • Requested too late (after 2 AM cutoff)
  • Address issue
  • Carrier schedule changed
  • Packages not visible

What to do:

  1. Check email for notifications
  2. Verify request in atoship dashboard
  3. Contact USPS: 1-800-ASK-USPS
  4. Reschedule through atoship

Packages Left Behind

Possible reasons:

  • Not all packages had labels
  • Packages in wrong location
  • Weight/size issue

What to do:

  1. Check which packages have scans
  2. Verify all labels printed correctly
  3. Schedule another pickup
  4. Consider drop-off location

Wrong Packages Picked Up

If carrier picked up wrong packages:

  1. Note confirmation number
  2. Contact USPS immediately
  3. File claim if needed
  4. Check tracking of other packages

Recurring Pickups

Business Account Benefits

Set up automatic pickups:

  1. Go to Settings > Pickups
  2. Click Set Up Recurring
  3. Select days of week
  4. Set default package count
  5. Automatic scheduling

Adjusting Schedule

  • Add/remove pickup days
  • Skip holidays automatically
  • Cancel specific dates
  • Modify default settings

Alternative Options

If USPS Pickup Unavailable

FedEx Pickup:

  • Schedule in atoship
  • $3-5 fee typically
  • Same-day available

UPS Pickup:

  • On-call pickup fee
  • Regular pickup accounts available
  • Smart pickup option

Drop-Off Locations

Find nearby locations:

  • USPS Post Offices
  • USPS Collection Boxes (blue boxes)
  • Approved retail partners
  • Self-service kiosks

Retail Partners:

  • Staples
  • Office Depot
  • Safeway
  • Albertsons
  • CVS (select locations)

Cost Comparison

OptionCostBest For
USPS PickupFreeRegular shippers
Post OfficeFreeOccasional/small volume
FedEx Pickup$3-5Non-Priority Mail
UPS Pickup$6+UPS packages

Tips for Success

For Home Shippers

  1. Use consistent pickup location
  2. Protect packages from weather
  3. Leave clear instructions
  4. Check camera/tracking for confirmation

For Business Shippers

  1. Set up recurring pickups
  2. Designate pickup area
  3. Prepare morning manifest
  4. Have backup drop-off plan

Volume Shippers

  1. Contact USPS for scheduled stops
  2. Consider postal unit on-site
  3. Manifest mail for faster processing
  4. Negotiate pickup windows

USPS Contact

For pickup issues:

  • Phone: 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777)
  • Website: usps.com/pickup
  • Email: Through usps.com contact form

Need Help?

  • Live Chat: Quick pickup questions
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Support Ticket: Create Ticket at /dashboard/support

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