Do USPS Labels Expire?

Do USPS Labels Expire?

Jason Jason
5 minute read

Shipping labels are central to the shipping process, and it is necessary to understand their validity. The expiration of shipping labels is equally vital for both the shipper and the business people. The USPS labels can expire based on the expiration period. They may vary depending on the type of label used and the service used.

Generally, USPS shipping labels expire within 30 days. This means you must pack your shipping item within this time; otherwise, you will need to purchase a new label. 

That's why checking the expiration date before packing the item is essential to prevent issues during shipping. It is necessary to check the expiry date before choosing the service. Some of the most prominent services have longer expiry or not expiry dates, like USPS Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express labels. Before choosing any service, you should double-check the expiration policies.

Understanding these rules and acting accordingly can save both time and money.

How to Check if a USPS Shipping Label is Expired

The expiration of a USPS shipping label is something that many are unaware of. Knowing how to determine if a shipping label is outdated is vital in ensuring that your package reaches its destination without any hiccups.

The "Ship By" date on the label is an important indicator of whether a shipping label has expired. Postal workers rely on this date to ensure packages are sent out in a timely manner.

You can face rejection or late delivery if the shipping label needs to be updated. Similarly, this date depends on the shipping services that you are using. Some shipping services are exceptional, like Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail, which are famous for their quick delivery. It is better to use the Ship By Date technique to deliver the package by organizing it according to the date. 

What to Do If My USPS Shipping Label Expires

It is pretty disappointing when you find out that your USPS shipping label has expired. But don't panic. There are still many solutions available to deal with such situations. If your package has just a few days of expiration date available, you can send it through your local post office. However, if this technique does not work, some remedies are still available.

You can demand a refund of your label from the USPS within ten days of printing. With this returned money, you can purchase a new shipping label. Some online shipping software is also available, through which you can get a discount or reprint our shipping label directly from the USPS. Use rapid shipping services to ensure the delivery is on time. Update your recipient with the latest tracking information. It helps to build trust and maintain peace of mind. 

Circumstances Where a USPS Label Will Not Expire

When discussing the expiration of the USPS shipping label, it is equally important to understand the circumstances to avoid inconvenience during shipping. Let's highlight all possible circumstances below:

  • If you print a label but don't use it within 30 days, it will be automatically voided.
  • If you intentionally void a label within 48 hours of printing, it cannot be used.
  • Labels that are damaged or illegible are also considered void and cannot be used for shipping.

Being aware of these rules helps in avoiding inconvenience during shipping.

Extending the Life of USPS Labels

In some scenarios, you may need the longitude of the USPS labels. Follow the given points to increase the life of USPS labels:

  • The first step to stop expiration is to print the same tracking number on the new label. 
  • You can also request USPC customer service, which may extend the label's expiration date.
  • Try to keep the label in cool and dry places. Avoid direct sunlight and moisture to enhance the life of the label.
  • Always use high-quality paper for print to run it for a longer time.
  • Laminate the label to double its protection for extra durability and prolonged withstand.

Using Expired USPS Label for Tracking

Tracking your package using an old USPS label is challenging. Once a label expires, tracking the packages or shipments is not applicable. The USPS manages its packaging and delivery based on their expiration date.

When you try to track the package using the expired label, it won't work. If you find any information related to the package, it is possible that the information will be wrong. To track the package accurately, it is necessary to use the correct number.

Final Thoughts

Shippers must be aware of the expiration date of the USPS shipping labels. If you understand this concept correctly, you can handle the expiry label and ensure timely, smooth shipping. You must understand the guidelines associated with USPS labels and expiration policies for successful shipment.

Double-check the package's expiration date to avoid any issues during shipping or tracking. You can utilize the post office for shipping purposes. Take advantage ofrefund opportunities, and never hesitate to use online tools for reprints or discounts. 

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