Does USPS Scan Packages in 2022? What You Need To Know
The United States Postal Service (USPS) handles over 665 million packages each day. Their goal is to deliver this enormous volume of mail and parcels securely and efficiently. But does USPS scan every one of these countless packages?
I‘ll examine USPS screening practices and technology in detail. You‘ll learn why they scan packages, their methods, what makes a package suspicious, and your rights to privacy via mail. My goal is to provide insightful analysis on this topic as a mail industry expert.
USPS Handles an Astounding Volume of Mail
To understand USPS security measures, it helps to comprehend the vast scale of their operations:
- 665 million – Average number of packages processed by USPS every day
- 141.6 billion – Total number of mail pieces delivered in 2021
- 473 million – Number of scanned barcodes on packages, letters, and flats daily
With this huge quantity of packages and mail flowing through their system, USPS prioritizes efficiency and security. Let‘s look at why they scan packages in the first place.
Why Does USPS Scan Packages?
USPS utilizes scanning and screening technology for three primary reasons:
1. Block Prohibited Items – USPS policies ban sending hazardous materials, illegal drugs, firearms, alcohol, and other contraband. Scanning helps intercept these prohibited items.
2. Operational Data – Barcode scans provide data like package weight, routing codes, sender/recipient details that USPS analyzes to improve logistics and delivery.
3. Identify Anomalies – Scanning can detect peculiarities like an odd shape, leaking substance, or explosive residue that may prompt further inspection.
Postal police also target specific suspicious factors that could indicate contraband.
The Array of Scanning Methods Used by USPS
USPS employs a sophisticated array of package scanning techniques:
X-Ray Scanning – Powerful X-ray machines provide images of contents to detect banned items. Over 15 million packages are x-rayed annually.
Metal Detection – Walk-through and handheld metal detectors identify firearms, ammunition, and weapons.
Barcode Scanners – Packages have unique barcodes scanned at induction, sorting, transit, and delivery.
Dimensional Scanners – Optical sensors automatically measure package length, width, height and weight.
Photographic Imaging – High-res photos are taken of addresses, labels, markings, and the exterior.
| Mail Class | Warrant Needed to Open |
|---|---|
| First-Class | Yes |
| Priority Mail | No |
| Packages | No |
This array of technology provides USPS with extensive visibility into packages entering their system. Next I‘ll discuss what makes them view a package as suspicious.
Characteristics That Make a Package Suspicious
USPS postal inspectors watch for these unusual package characteristics that could indicate contraband:
- Excessive tape or makeshift packaging
- Handwritten or obscured labels
- Mismatched origin and return addresses
- Lopsided weight distribution
- Protruding wires, aluminum foil, or oily stains
- Peculiar odors coming from the package
- Excessive postage on the package
- A handwritten label like "Fragile" or "Do Not X-Ray"
Some other examples of prohibited items that may prompt suspicion:
- Marijuana – Detected through smell or x-ray images
- Firearms – Visualized with metal detection and x-ray scans
- Explosives – Can leave chemical residues or have wires protruding
- Liquid medications – Makes sloshing sound and shows up on x-rays
These characteristics help postal inspectors identify packages that require further screening and potential seizure. But can they legally open your mail?
When Can USPS Open Your Package?
USPS must respect privacy rights while also uncovering contraband. Here are the rules on opening packages:
- First-Class Mail – Requires a search warrant to open without consent
- Other Classes – Can be opened without a warrant if there is reasonable suspicion of illegal contents
However, the vast majority of packages USPS handles are not actually opened. Scanning, x-raying, and weighing are minimally invasive compared to opening the mail.
Is It Possible to Avoid USPS Scanning Altogether?
Given their screening mandate, there is no reliable way to have a package bypass all inspection when sent through USPS. However, USPS Priority Mail Express provides a higher level of privacy and faster handling that reduces the chances of scanning. But again, illegal contents are still prohibited.
The main point is that if you are not shipping contraband, the scanning should not overly concern you. USPS processes millions of packages, the vast majority of which undergo limited basic handling.
While balancing privacy and security is an ongoing struggle, the scans help USPS efficiently deliver your package securely. Utilizing their systems properly, by only sending legal contents through the mail, ensures you will avoid issues and receive your package on time.
