What Would You Like to Do?

This page allows you to:

• Select the Destination Location for the package.
• Scan or enter a Package ID to retrieve a package's information from the GSS database.
• Scan or enter the Package ID of a package that you would like to enter information for manually.
• Create a package with an automatically generated Package ID.
• Select a batch file to process.
• Scan a labeled package received from a shipper and move the package directly to the current dispatch (shipment consolidators only).
• Update the weight for a processed or labeled package, if it is incorrect.

Select Destination Location

Use the Destination Location menu to select the USPS destination location for the package. You should select the destination location that is closest to the package's Recipient address to allow the package to be shipped at the lowest possible USPS postage cost.

Mailers who only ship to one destination location do not need to make a selection; the destination location is set automatically.

Search for and Process an Existing Package

To look up and process an existing package, select Search for and Process an Existing Package. Enter the Package Identifier (ID) by either scanning the package or typing the number in the field provided.

Each package processed through GSS is expected to have a unique Package ID, which is assigned by the mailer. The purpose of the Package ID is to match the package being processed with transmitted data that may have been sent previously by the mailer.

If the Package ID entered does not match the pattern set for the mailer's barcode, you will be notified of the required length and type of Package ID. This feature ensures that only valid Package IDs are entered, and can be turned off if necessary.

If you are working with packages for multiple mailers:

• If you know the mailer, select it from the Please Select Mailer (if known) drop-down menu. Otherwise, leave the default selection to search all mailers.
• If you will use the same selection for the next package, click the "Use this option for the next package" check box.

Click the Lookup Package button to retrieve the package information.

Search Results

If GSS finds a match for the Package ID, the package information will be retrieved and displayed.

• If the package has yet to be processed through GSS, you will be able to review and edit the retrieved information.
• If the package has already been processed through GSS, you will be able to review the information and reprint labels. However, editing package data will not be possible.

If GSS does not find a match for the Package ID in the system, you will be able to create a new package using that Package ID.

If you are working with packages for multiple mailers:

• If you did not select a mailer, GSS will prompt you with the message, "Package is not found for any of the mailers. Please choose the original mailer of the package." Select a mailer from the drop-down menu and click Accept to create a new package.
• If you did select a mailer, GSS will create a new package using the Package ID and you will be taken to the Process Package page to enter the remaining information.

Create and Process a New Package

To create a new package, select Create and Process a New Package and then scan in or type a new Package ID.

If you are working with packages for multiple mailers:

• Select a mailer from the Please Select Mailer (if known) drop-down menu.
• If you will use the same mailer selection for the next package, click the Use this option for the next package check box.

Click the Create Package button or press ENTER to begin entering new package information.

Automatically Generate a Package ID

Some mailers (such as those who process only a few packages per day) may find it useful to have GSS automatically generate a Package ID for them, to ensure that the exact Package ID is not repeated within 12 months.  

To automatically generate a Package ID, click the Auto Gen. Pkg. ID button.

Click the Create Package button to create a new package using the automatically generated Package ID.

Batch Processing

Some mailers process packages in large groups, or batches. To process batch files, select Perform Batch Processing to display a current list of batch files. You may broaden or narrow the list of displayed batch files by changing the Search Criteria options and then clicking the Query button.

Clicking the Batch ID number link for each file will allow you to select and process packages in that file. Refer to Select and Process Batch File Packages for more information.

Scan a Labeled Package

Consolidating mailers who receive labeled packages from labeling-only or shipping facilities can scan the label's barcode to retrieve the Package ID and move the package directly to the open dispatch. The Package ID is displayed in the lookup field and highlighted to indicate the package was moved and you can continue scanning the next package. If the package already exists in the open dispatch, GSS retrieves and displays its package information for you to review.

Update the Weight for a Processed or Labeled Package

Sometimes the weight provided in the package information is incorrect.  If you discover this before processing or labeling the package, you can update the weight and then print labels.  However, sometimes the weight discrepancy is discovered after processing or labeling.  For accurate postage calculation, you must update the package weight.

A package is eligible to have its weight updated if:

• It is not mapped to a receptacle.
• The weight does not exceed the expected weight for the assigned service level.
• It is not part of a multiple package set (for example, Box 1 of 3).
• The content items' total weight is less than or equal to the package weight.
• The package is not part of a frozen dispatch.

Look up the package by entering its Package ID or scanning its barcode to retrieve its package record. Update the package's weight and then click the Update Package Weight button.  

For international packages, GSS reprints the package label.  You should place the new mailing label over the original one, so that the original label does not show.  Do the same for any other labels that have been adhered to the package.  If the other labels are in a plastic sleeve, place the new labels into the sleeve along with the original ones (do not discard them).

For domestic labels, GSS records the new package weight but does not print new labels.