Can I Reuse a USPS Label After It Has Been Returned?
When you encounter a situation where a USPS label has been returned marked 'no such number', it's important to understand why and how to handle it correctly in the future. Let's delve into the details.
Understanding USPS Label Rejections
USPS utilizes advanced sorting machines in their main facilities, which automatically reject any mail that does not have a valid label or address. This means that a previously used label, even if it was marked 'no such number', cannot be reused. The reason is that the label has already been processed by the machine and is no longer valid. Attempting to reuse such a label can lead to significant delays in the delivery of your mail.
Common Causes of Label Rejections
A mail piece that has been marked 'no such number' was originally sent to an incorrect or non-existent address. USPS tried to deliver the mail but was unsuccessful. It's important to ensure the address is correct before attempting to resend the piece.
Postage Considerations
Once an item has been attempted and returned, any postage attached to the label is no longer valid. If you attempt to send the mail again with the same label, it will be rejected, leading to further delays. To ensure your mail is delivered promptly and efficiently, you must use a new label with correct postage.
How to Verify and Correct Addresses
To avoid such issues in the future, it's crucial to verify the address before sending your mail. USPS provides a tool called 'Look Up a ZIP Code' which can help you verify addresses. Simply visit the USPS website and click on the 'Send' option in the upper left corner to access this tool. This will allow you to confirm that the address is correct and valid before sending your mail.
Other Considerations
It's also important to consider other factors that might affect the delivery of your mail, such as whether the label had any postage attached or whether it has any delivery confirmation or scanning tracking numbers. If the label is entirely unused and does not have any such markings, you can reuse it, but only after ensuring the address is correct.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your mail reaches its destination on time and without any issues. If you continue to encounter problems, it may be worth reaching out to USPS customer support for further assistance.