Hi all

I have had a recurring problem with the customs forms for the FRB. We sent a package today and the customs form does not scan.  The woman at the post office was puzzled, so she hand typed the number in, the computer still said it was not valid. She then tried several that she had behind the counter and most of those did not get accepted either. She finally found one that did, and we had to use that one to get our box shipped. She had no words of advice or explanation. I have had this happen to me at least three times recently, not counting this experince. Just wondered if anyone had that problem also, or knows that is going on. She said the haven't changed them, I got them last month, as in 7 days ago from the post office. It's not like I am getting from the back of a truck or something!

Anyway, thanks! Heidi

No, it sounds as if that post office is having a problem. If the bar codes on the forms are clear they should scan easily. Heck, you can order customs forms on-line with your flat rate boxes...

Thanks, Mom

Well, we shall see. I have another package to go out tomorrow and I am going to fill out the form ahead of time and see if it scans. Going to a different post office, so will see if that makes a difference. I do believe that it was not just the one post office that had the trouble though. But I can't remember. Driving me crazy though. If they are not valid, they should pull them.

Heidi

Ok, so I took my package to the PO, the one I usually go to, not the main one where I had the problem. I used a customs form that I had at home, which was the same as the one that did not scan, and also filled out one from the post office that was in their little bin to be on the safe side. We made it to the window, I told him what happened and he said that the person obviously didn't know how to scan them, or type it in. He had never had a problem with the forms. Anyway, he scanned it, and it went through just fine.  I told him I was only coming to see him from now on!

So, no real closure, but I will avoid going to the main post office to send my boxes if I can.

Heidi

I'm having a slightly different problem with the USPS custom form.  I have been using the on-line form which was working great. But now the form will not generate - it keeps saying I have to enter the sender and addressee information. But it's all been entered!  There are no required fields left blank.  I submitted a question to the USPS website but who knows if they'll even answer it. Has anyone else had this problem??  I dont' want to fill-out the forms by hand .

UPDATE: I waited 24 hours and the on-line form is working again.  An e-mail response from USPS just told me to use their main website (which I was), not a 3rd party forms provider.