Frequently Asked Questions

TCGHaulTracker is a shipping and tracking tool built specifically for TCGplayer sellers who ship orders in plain white envelopes (PWE). It takes your TCGplayer packing slips, generates a USPS Intelligent Mail Barcode for each order, validates every buyer address against the USPS database, and tracks each piece through the USPS mailstream — all automatically.

It's designed for sellers who process anywhere from a few orders a week to thousands a month, and want visibility into what happens to their mail after it leaves their hands.

Standard plain white envelopes don't come with tracking — USPS doesn't offer tracking on First Class letter mail the way it does for packages. TCGHaulTracker solves this by generating a USPS Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMb) for each order. When your envelope passes through USPS sorting equipment, those scan events are captured and surfaced in your dashboard.

You upload your TCGplayer packing slip PDF, download the processed version with barcodes, fold and mail as normal. Tracking updates as pieces move through the mailstream.

Yes — through USPS Intelligent Mail Barcodes (IMb). These are the same barcodes USPS uses to route and track letter mail through their sorting facilities. Unlike package tracking numbers, IMb barcodes work with standard First Class stamps and don't require any special USPS account or permit.

TCGHaulTracker generates IMb barcodes for your TCGplayer orders automatically. You don't need to understand the technical details — just upload your packing slips and print the processed PDF.

TCGHaulTracker gives you two tools for this:

• Shareable tracking link — every order gets a private link you can send directly to your buyer showing their order's USPS scan history.
• Shipment History report — a downloadable PDF showing every barcoded order you mailed in a given period, with barcode IDs, mail dates, and USPS scan status. Includes an attestation citing the USPS Informed Visibility data source — designed to be submitted in TCGplayer disputes or chargebacks.

Neither of these is an absolute proof of doorstep delivery — USPS doesn't perform delivery confirmation scans on letter mail the way it does for packages. But they provide documented evidence that the order entered the USPS mailstream, which is the standard expected in most dispute contexts.

Most TCGplayer PWE sellers use one of a few approaches:

• No tools — print the packing slip, fold, stamp, mail. No tracking, no address validation.
• TCGHaulTracker — generates USPS Intelligent Mail Barcodes from TCGplayer packing slips, validates addresses against USPS, and tracks each piece through the mailstream. Works with First Class stamps — no special postage or permits required.
• Package shipping — for higher-value orders, some sellers use USPS Ground Advantage or similar. TCGHaulTracker also supports purchasing package labels directly at commercial USPS rates for orders that need tracked package shipping.

Both. TCGHaulTracker accepts TCGplayer packing slip PDFs (the standard download from your seller dashboard) and CSV files for sellers who manage orders in a spreadsheet or use a different workflow. Both paths get the same address validation, barcode generation, and tracking.

No. Your free trial includes 25 orders and requires no payment information. You only need a card when you're ready to upgrade to a paid plan.

Your trial lasts for 25 orders or 30 days — whichever comes first. After that you'll have a 3-day grace period to upgrade before processing is paused.

One free trial per email address.

No. TCGHaulTracker uses our own USPS Mailer ID to generate valid Intelligent Mail Barcodes on your behalf. You don't need to apply for anything with USPS — just print, stamp, and mail as you normally would.

TCGHaulTracker supports both TCGplayer packing slip formats — the standard format and the newer ShipTo format. Format detection is automatic; you don't need to do anything differently based on which format your orders use.

Yes. TCGHaulTracker generates Intelligent Mail Barcodes according to USPS-B-3200 specification. Each barcode encodes your buyer's delivery point, a unique serial number, and our registered Mailer ID — exactly as USPS requires.

Every serial number is tracked in our system for 45 days to ensure no duplicates exist within the USPS uniqueness window.

Not every piece of First Class mail gets scanned at every facility — this is normal and not a sign anything is wrong. Some envelopes will show only one or two scan events; others will show five or six.

If an envelope shows no scan events at all after 3–4 business days, the most likely explanations are:

• It was dropped into a collection box that wasn't scanned at acceptance (common with PWE)
• It moved through a smaller facility that doesn't scan all pieces
• The barcode was partially obscured — check your print settings

No scan events doesn't mean the envelope is lost — it means USPS didn't capture data for that piece.

For standard First Class letter mail, USPS does not perform a doorstep delivery scan the way they do for packages. The last scan you'll typically see is Sorted for Delivery — this means the envelope has been processed through a USPS Delivery Barcode Sorter (DBCS) at your buyer's local post office and sequenced into the exact order a carrier walks their route. At that point, delivery is imminent.

Because there's no doorstep confirmation scan for letter mail, TCGHaulTracker automatically marks an order as Delivered if 48 hours pass after a "Sorted for Delivery" scan with no subsequent scan activity. If a reroute or exception event is received after that point, the full scan history is preserved on the proof of mailing.

A true USPS delivery confirmation scan (event code 001/002) will also mark an order delivered immediately if USPS captures one — though this is uncommon for letter mail.

TCGHaulTracker polls for scan updates until either the piece is marked delivered or 45 days have passed since processing — whichever comes first. After 45 days the record is archived but still viewable in your Jobs history.

Yes. Every order gets a shareable tracking link you can copy from your Jobs page using the 🔗 button. The link works without a TCGHaulTracker account — your buyer just opens it in any browser.

The tracking page shows the order number, current status, and a timeline of USPS scan events. Buyers can also opt in to receive a one-time email notification when their order reaches their local post office.

TCGHaulTracker supports two workflows depending on your packing slip format:

• Windowed (fold-and-mail): Print the processed slip and fold it in thirds so the address block and IMb barcode show through the window of a #10 left-window envelope. The barcode is pre-positioned for this fold.
• ShipTo format (envelope PDF): TCGHaulTracker generates a ready-to-print envelope PDF with the delivery address, return address, and IMb barcode laid out for a standard #10 envelope. No windowed envelope required — just load standard #10s in your printer.

Format detection is automatic. TCGHaulTracker identifies your packing slip type and routes it to the correct workflow — you don't need to change any settings.

Yes — print at exactly 100% scale. Do not use "fit to page," "shrink to printable area," or any other scaling option. Scaling distorts the barcode proportions and can make it unreadable by USPS scanning equipment.

In most PDF viewers, look for a "Actual size" or "100%" option in the print dialog.

Yes. The IMb barcode provides tracking — it doesn't pay for postage. You still need a First Class stamp (or equivalent postage) on every envelope. There are no additional fees for using IMb barcodes on standard First Class mail.

There are two distinct types of validation failure and they mean different things:

Address not found — USPS couldn't locate the address in its database. This usually means an incorrect ZIP code, a misspelled street name, or an incomplete address (missing apartment number, etc.). In this case the barcode still generates using your original address, but you should confirm the address with the buyer before shipping.

Validation unavailable — USPS returned a response but without address data, usually due to a transient API issue. The barcode generates from your original address and is just as reliable as normal. No action is needed — the address itself is fine.

Both are flagged in your Excel diagnostic report and on the Jobs page. The report notes specify which type occurred so you know whether to follow up with the buyer.

No. This message means USPS validation was temporarily unavailable when your job processed — it's a transient API issue, not a problem with the address itself.

Your barcode was generated from the original address on the packing slip and will work correctly. The piece will enter the mailstream and scan normally. No action is needed.

When USPS validation standardizes an address, it may correct capitalization, abbreviate street suffixes (Street → ST), add or correct a ZIP+4, or adjust the street number format. These are cosmetic and formatting corrections — the delivery location is the same.

Your Excel diagnostic report shows both the original address from your packing slip and the USPS-certified version side by side so you can review any changes.

One order equals one packing slip processed — one barcode generated. If your PDF has 30 orders, that's 30 orders counted. Multi-card orders count as one since they ship in one envelope.

Trial accounts use a credit system — your 25 free trial credits are consumed as you process orders. One order = one credit. Credits don't expire during your trial period.

On paid plans, your monthly subscription includes a set number of orders (75 on Starter, 200 on Growth, etc.). These reset each billing cycle. Credits are separate from subscription orders and can be purchased as add-ons or earned through referrals.

Credits apply to letter mail processing only — package label postage is billed separately at actual USPS rates.

TCGHaulTracker uses soft caps — you're never blocked mid-month. If you process more orders than your plan includes, the extra orders are billed at a small per-order overage rate at the end of your billing cycle.

• Starter ($9/mo · 75 orders) — $0.15/order overage
• Growth ($19/mo · 200 orders) — $0.12/order overage
• Pro ($39/mo · 500 orders) — $0.10/order overage
• Shop ($79/mo · 1,500 orders) — $0.07/order overage

Consistent overages are a signal to upgrade — the next tier up will almost always be cheaper than staying on a lower plan with regular overage charges.

Yes. There are no contracts or cancellation fees. You can cancel your subscription from your Account page at any time. Your access continues until the end of your current billing period.

Yes. TCGHaulTracker supports purchasing USPS Ground Advantage and Priority Mail labels directly at commercial USPS rates — no third-party shipping app required and no markup. Labels generate in seconds, download as print-ready PDFs, and the tracking number is automatically linked to the order in your dashboard.

Package labels are available to paid subscribers and are charged at the actual USPS postage rate, which is debited from a USPS trust account linked to your TCGHaulTracker account.

TCGplayer requires package shipping for orders over $50. Beyond that requirement, package labels make sense when:

• The order contains multiple cards that won't fit safely in a PWE
• You want full USPS package tracking (with doorstep delivery confirmation) rather than IMb letter mail tracking
• The buyer specifically requests tracked shipping

For standard single-card or low-value orders, a PWE with an IMb barcode is the most cost-effective option.

Combine Shipment lets you merge two orders going to the same buyer into a single envelope. One barcode is generated for the surviving order and the combined value of both orders is tracked together.

To combine, open your job, find the two orders going to the same buyer, and use the ⊕ Combine shipment option in the order menu. The combined order is visually highlighted in your job panel. Combine is only available before the order receives its first USPS scan.

Reship lets you generate a new barcoded envelope for an order that was lost, returned, or needs to be resent — without uploading a new packing slip. TCGHaulTracker creates a new barcode with a new serial number for the same buyer address, and the reshipment is tracked separately from the original order.

Reship is available from the order menu on any completed order. One credit is consumed for the new barcode.

Yes — two ways:

• Tracking link — every order has a shareable link showing its USPS scan history. Works without a TCGHaulTracker account. Copy it from the order panel using the 🔗 button.
• Shipment Details PDF — a formal one-page document showing the order details, barcode, address, and full USPS scan timeline. Generated via the Share button on any order. Includes an attestation noting the USPS Informed Visibility data source — suitable for TCGplayer disputes or chargebacks.

TCGHaulTracker supports several output formats depending on your printer setup:

• Standard letter (8.5×11) — fold-and-mail packing slips for #10 windowed envelopes, or ShipTo envelope PDFs for standard #10s
• A2 envelope (4.375×5.75) — for smaller envelopes
• A6 envelope (4.75×6.5) — for medium envelopes
• Thermal (4×6) — address labels for thermal printers like the Rollo or Jadens, printed as adhesive labels applied to your envelope

Format selection is available in your account settings.

Yes. The Thermal (4×6) output format generates address labels with the buyer address and IMb barcode formatted for standard 4×6 thermal label stock. These work with popular thermal printers like the Rollo, Jadens, MUNBYN, and similar models.

Labels are printed as adhesive labels and applied directly to your envelope — no folding required.

Yes — TCGHaulTracker accepts CSV uploads for sellers who manage orders in a spreadsheet or use a workflow outside of TCGplayer's packing slip download. The CSV path gets the same address validation, barcode generation, and tracking as PDF uploads.

A sample CSV template is available on the upload page to show the required column format.

Yes. TCGHaulTracker can generate a return envelope PDF for any order — a pre-addressed envelope with your return address that you can include in the shipment so the buyer can easily send cards back if needed. Available from the order menu on any processed order.

The Shipment Guarantee is a discretionary seller protection program for active paid subscribers. When enabled, a small fee is assessed on first USPS scan per order. Orders that enter the USPS mailstream but don't deliver become eligible for a payout of up to $25 per order, credited to your next invoice.

It is not an insurance policy. TCGHaulTracker reviews all claims and approves or denies them at its sole discretion. See the Terms of Service for full program terms.

2% of the order total per order, with a $0.50 maximum fee. Fees accrue when each order receives its first USPS scan — confirming it entered the mailstream. Orders that are never scanned by USPS are not charged. Assessed fees are billed at the end of your subscription period as a single line item — for example, Shipment Guarantee (47 orders) — $18.60. There is no upfront commitment.

Orders processed through TCGHaulTracker while the Shipment Guarantee is enabled on your account. Coverage is not retroactive — only orders processed after you enable the toggle are covered.

To be eligible for a claim, the order must also have at least one USPS scan on record confirming it entered the mailstream. Orders that were never scanned by USPS are not eligible.

Claims can be submitted 14 or more days after the most recent USPS scan on an order, provided the buyer has contacted you to report it as missing. The claim button appears automatically in your Guarantee dashboard when an order becomes eligible.

Note: TCGHaulTracker delivery status is inferred from USPS scan events — it reflects scan activity, not confirmed receipt. A buyer can report non-receipt on an order TCGHaulTracker shows as delivered. TCGHaulTracker considers both scan history and buyer-reported context when evaluating claims.

Claims must be buyer-initiated — you cannot file a claim proactively on an order the buyer hasn't reported missing.

Approved claims are paid as a credit applied to your next invoice, offsetting your subscription or guarantee fees. TCGHaulTracker will notify you by email when a claim is approved or denied.

Once submitted, your claim status changes to Under review in your Guarantee dashboard. TCGHaulTracker reviews the claim — typically within 3 business days — considering your scan history and the buyer context you provided.

You'll receive an email when the claim is resolved. If approved, a credit is applied to your next invoice. If denied, the email includes the reason and an invitation to reply if you believe the decision was made in error.

Approved claim payouts appear as a negative line item on your next invoice — for example, Shipment Guarantee claim approved — Order 46ECEF92-... (−$12.50). This offsets your guarantee fees or subscription charge for that billing period. It's applied as a credit, not a separate payment.

No — the Shipment Guarantee is available to active paid subscribers only. Trial users can see the feature in account settings but the toggle is locked until they upgrade to a paid plan.

TCGHaulTracker stores the information needed to generate barcodes and track your mail — buyer names, shipping addresses, order numbers, barcode IDs, and USPS scan events. We do not store your original packing slip PDFs permanently; they are processed and discarded.

We never sell or share your data with third parties. See our Privacy Policy for full details.

If a buyer opts in to delivery notifications via a tracking link, their email address is stored only long enough to send the one notification email. Once that email is sent, the address is deleted from our system immediately — we don't retain it, add it to any list, or use it for any other purpose.

Buyers who opt in are only associated with their TCGplayer order number and the USPS scan events for that order. No name or mailing address is stored alongside the email.

Yes. You can request deletion of your account and all associated data by emailing hello@tcghaultracker.com. We'll process deletion requests within 30 days.

TCGHaulTracker has five reports available from the Reports page in the main navigation:

All paid plans (Starter and above): Summary Report (PDF), Shipment History (PDF), Delivery Performance (CSV). Starter plans use a month selector; Growth and above get a custom date range picker on all three.

Pro and Shop only: Zone Performance CSV (delivery rate and transit time by destination state) and Stale Shipment Export (barcoded orders with no scan activity in 4+ days, sorted by longest quiet period).

Yes — that's exactly what it's designed for. The report lists every barcoded order in the selected period with the USPS Intelligent Mail Barcode ID, mail date, scan count, and last known status. It includes an attestation noting the data source (USPS Informed Visibility via Mailer ID 904127179) and the date it was generated.

For a specific dispute, generate a report covering the period that includes the order in question. The report will show all orders you mailed in that period — not just the disputed one — which is typically what payment processors and TCGplayer support ask for when evaluating a shipment claim.

Reports are generated on demand using live data from your account — whatever is in the system at the moment you click Download. USPS scan data is polled periodically via Informed Visibility, so there may be a short lag between a scan event and when it appears in a report. For disputes, generating the report as close to the moment you need it gives you the most current tracking picture.