What Is a USPS SCAN Form?
If you ship several packages at once, a USPS SCAN form turns your whole drop-off into one quick scan — one barcode covers every package in the batch, and you can create one in Thryft Ship with a single click.
- A SCAN form is one barcode for all your packages — the postal worker scans it once and every shipment is marked "Accepted."
- Generate it from your Purchased tab — open the order and click SCAN Form, right next to Mark as Completed and Schedule Pickup.
- Need to refund a label? Do it before it goes on a SCAN form — once a label is manifested, USPS keeps a 10% fee on the refund.
One barcode, all your packages
A USPS SCAN form is a single barcode that consolidates all your shipments into one scannable sheet. Instead of scanning each package individually, the postal worker scans this one barcode and the tracking information for every included package uploads at once — a process called batch scanning.
(Fun fact: SCAN stands for Shipment Confirmation Acceptance Notice.)
Why it's worth using
- It saves real time. One scan instead of one per package — for you and for the postal worker behind the counter.
- Tracking updates immediately. Every package on the form gets marked "Accepted" by USPS the moment it's scanned, so your customers can see their order is officially in the mail.
- Drop-offs and pickups go smoother. Whether you're at the counter or using a USPS Scheduled Pickup, the carrier scans everything in one go.
How to get your SCAN form
Creating one takes a single click once your labels are purchased. Here's the flow:
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Get your shipments ready
Make sure every package you want on the form is in the Ready to Purchase section.
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Buy the labels together
Purchase all the labels in one checkout — easier printing, one transaction, and one SCAN form for the whole batch.
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Open your Purchased tab
In the white tab bar at the top of the screen, go to Purchased and click the order with the labels you just bought.
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Click SCAN Form, then print
On the order, click the SCAN Form button — it sits right next to Mark as Completed and Schedule Pickup. Print the form and keep it with your packages. You’re ready for drop-off or pickup.
SCAN forms can't be edited — and that's fine
Once a SCAN form is created, it can't be changed or updated. That's usually no problem:
- Buying more labels later? Thryft Ship creates a new SCAN form for those labels. USPS is happy to take multiple forms from you.
- Holding a package back? Leaving a package out of the handoff doesn't affect the other labels on the form, and you can still ship that label later.
Two habits that keep it smooth
- Watch the scan happen. Before you leave the post office, confirm the postal worker actually scanned your form — that's what pushes the "Accepted" status to all your tracking numbers.
- Keep the form visible. Group your packages together and keep the SCAN form on top so it's the first thing the carrier reaches for.
Common questions
Do I get a SCAN form if I only buy one label?
No — SCAN forms are only created when a batch has more than one label. A single package gets scanned normally at drop-off.
I bought more labels after my form was created. Now what?
Click SCAN Form on the new order to generate a second form. Hand the carrier both forms — USPS is fine with that.
What happens if I refund a label that's already on a SCAN form?
USPS keeps a 10% fee from the refund once a label has been manifested. To avoid it, refund unused labels before they end up on a form.
Do SCAN forms work with scheduled pickups?
Yes — the carrier scans the form when they collect your packages, and every shipment updates to "Accepted" just like at the counter.
Questions about a SCAN form or a label refund? Reach out anytime — we're happy to help you sort it out.
