> One thing the USPS (and similar agencies in other countries) 
> could start
> doing is to provide the possibility to drop a package with a certain
> printed barcode (from a web interface or so) that then gets 
> tracked. Of
> course you don't have a proof of mailing /before/ the first 
> tracking point,
> but if that first tracking point is when the package gets 
> first seen by the
> postal service, this may be acceptable. And after that first tracking
> point, all is just as tracked and proven as if it was handed over
> personally -- especially the problematic way through any 
> customs agency.

For docemstic packages up to I buy sticker-stamps at the post office.
These are two-part, and include a barcode on each part. The part for the
package is affixed, and at the postoffice I just trop it on the desk (no
waiting inline). The postoffice scans the barcode and provides tracking
information on a website. The other part is for me, I copy the address
to it and stuff it away for my adminisatrtion. If I wanted to avoid this
I could print an extra copy of the address, or use a barcode scanner. In
that case I could even email the barcode to the customer.

Wouter van Ooijen

-- -------------------------------------------
Van Ooijen Technische Informatica: www.voti.nl
consultancy, development, PICmicro products
docent Hogeschool van Utrecht: www.voti.nl/hvu
 

-- 
http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive
View/change your membership options at
http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist