USPS & UPS Aren't Required to Follow Handwritten Instructions: If you make a typing mistake on your label, you technically can make edits using a pen or marker...but sadly, neither USPS nor UPS is required to follow any handwritten corrections or instructions on the label or package 😓
Carriers Only Reference the Barcode Information on Labels: When USPS or UPS have your shipment, their systems will only reference the address information that's been hard-coded into the tracking barcode. Even if the correct information is displayed on your package, USPS and UPS will typically use the original information as it appears in their systems.
We Recommend Refunding Labels that Need Edits: Due to all of this, your safest option is always to request a refund for your incorrect label and try making it again.
What if I just need to add an Apartment / Unit number?
Packages With Incorrect Apartment Numbers May Get Returned: Even if you need to add extra information to your label, there still isn't a guarantee that the package will be delivered successfully 😢 So, we still recommend requesting a refund for your label and creating a new one.
A generous USPS carrier or UPS delivery worker might reference the label information and deliver the package to the right place, but USPS will usually return the package to the sender due to an insufficient address.
UPS will typically return a package as well, but they'll also try to figure out the correct address before they do! If they figure out the correct address and deliver the package to the intended destination, you'll see an "Address Correction" surcharge of $18 applied as an adjustment on your shipment page.
Learn more about the UPS surcharges you may see in Pirate Ship.
What if I'm only correcting the recipient's name?
You Can Edit the Recipient Name: Typically, making handwritten edits to the recipient's name is fine, as long as the address itself is correct 🙂
Issues with International Shipments: Making handwritten edits to your recipient's name on the label for an international shipment can cause issues, such as delays in customs and returned packages.
If you must add any other info on an international shipment, we recommend doing it elsewhere on the box instead of on the label.
Additional Resources