What types and classes of mail can I track?
First-Class and Standard-Class mail can be tracked for letters, flats and periodicals. TrackMyMail does not track parcels.
Can I track a carrier-route mailing using PLANET codes? How about non-automated mail?
Automated first-class carrier-route letters and Standard class, walk-sequenced, barcoded, saturation letters will often get very good scan rates, particularly city routes. Rural routes tend to get much lower scan rates. If much of your mail is high density or saturation carrier-route sorted letters we suggest testing on some smaller mailings to evaluate scan rates.
Non-saturation enhanced carrier route standard letters do not tend to track well, although this may change in the coming months. It is simply a matter of whether the Postal Service is running mail through automated sorters that determines whether or not you will get scan data. We always advise testing on your particular carrier-route mail to determine how well it will scan.
Carrier-route sorted flats will rarely receive any scans at all, regardless of class. At this time we do not recommend PLANET coding carrier-route sorted flats.
Non-automated mail can be tracked, but scan rates are typically much lower.
Does each piece have a unique PLANET code?
No. Generally all of the pieces in a mailing will be assigned one PLANET code. The data that comes back from the Postal Service will have both the PLANET and postnet information, allowing trackmymail.com to distinguish one piece from another.
Is the PLANET code barcode the same as the postnet barcode?
No. Although the barcodes look very similar, they contain different numbers of long and short bars. Barcode scanners can distinguish easily between the postnet code and the PLANET code.
The two barcodes do share some important characteristics: Both barcodes have 62 bars and share the same requirements as to size and contrast. The primary difference is that the relative position of long and short bars is reversed on the PLANET code relative to the postnet code.
Do I still need to print a Postnet barcode?
YES! The PLANET code is just there for tracking purposes. You still need the Postnet barcode for mail delivery and postal discounts. You will generally have two barcodes on each PLANET coded piece.
I'm using TracKit labels. Which mail pieces should I PLANET code?
You typically want to choose a sampling that covers a broad geographic area. Our suggestion is to put a code on the first and last piece in every tray. If you don't have a lot of trays you may want to divide the labels equally between the trays you do have. If the mailing, for example, consists of 30 trays, use five labels in each tray, distributed more or less evenly.
At what point does USPS scan mail?
Mail is scanned at a variety of points as it travels through the mail stream. Trackmymail.com analyzes this scan data and assigns projected in-home delivery dates.
Will the PLANET code assigned by trackmymail.com include the check digit?
Yes! If we supply you with a PLANET code to print, it will be a twelve (12) digit number, which includes the check digit. On your online job confirmation screen the check digit will appear in red. You just need to add the framing bars, as described above.
What do the digits in the PLANET code represent?
The first two digits indicate the type of PLANET code and the size and class of the mail piece. Destination, outgoing PLANET codes start with a number from 40-45. Origin, incoming PLANET codes start 50-55. The next 5 digits are the account number assigned to trackmymail.com by the Postal Service. The next four digits are the numbers we use to identify a particular mailing, and the last digit is a "correction" digit. The sum of all digits must end with "0". The correction digit makes certain that this happens.
Does each piece have a unique PLANET code?
No. Generally all of the pieces in a mailing will be assigned one PLANET code.
Is the PLANET code barcode the same as the postnet barcode?
No. Although the barcodes look very similar, they contain different numbers of long and short bars. Barcode scanners can distinguish easily between the postnet code and the PLANET code.
The two barcodes do share some important characteristics: Both barcodes have 62 bars and share the same requirements as to size and contrast. The primary difference is that the relative position of long and short bars is reversed on the PLANET code relative to the postnet code.
Do I still need to print a Postnet barcode?
YES! The PLANET code is just there for tracking purposes. You still need the Postnet barcode for mail delivery and postal discounts. You will generally have two barcodes on each PLANET coded piece.
Interpreting results
At what point does the USPS scan mail?
Mail is scanned at a variety of points as it travels through the mail stream. MailTracker analyzes this scan data and assigns projected in-home delivery dates.
Will every piece of mail with a PLANET code be scanned?
While scan rates of 100% are unlikely, letter size mail consistently scans at around 90% or better, while flat size mail performs at an average of 70%. Please note that flat scans often vary, depending upon the way they are sorted and delivered to the postal facilities. If you are drop shipping flats, you may want to contact customerservice@trackmymail.com to describe your shipment.
How long will my mail be tracked? How long can I view the results?
Your mail will be tracked for 45 days after the drop date provided by you when you place your order.
We keep the detailed USPS scan data for six months. You can download USPS data and look up single pieces of mail for up to six months from your mail date. After six months you cannot look up single pieces, generate single piece reports, or download USPS raw data. In-home by date, State, SCF and all other views are available for two years, including the ability to download those reports.
I've tracked my mailing and I'm unhappy with the delivery time, and/or it appears that some pieces have not been delivered. What recourse do I have?
While the Postal Service does have service standards it tries to meet, they do not guarantee delivery within any particular timeframe. Typicaly Standard Rate mail delivers within 10 to 21 days of entry.
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