- National Cash Register ATM
- Postal scale made specificially for this use
- rulers
- 4" by 6" package labels
- Certified Mail
Physical Return Receipt - Dispenses Forever Stamps in 18-stamp "ATM" panes.
Also prints APC stamps with DataMatrix Barcode. - PIN pad.
Since it's made by NCR I assume it's a PCI compliant EPP, so I am comfortable using my PIN here. - Accessibility buttons
- Credit/Debit Card Reader
- Security camera. It takes a still image when you go to pay and it can't be too dark.
- Receipt printer
- APC chute, All packages must fit in the chute
- "NO CASH IN MACHINE"
APC does not take cash payments - Explains all the services offered by APC
Automated Postal Center and new Priority Mail box display
The automated postal center is a custom-made platform by NCR (National Cash Register) based on one of their indoor ATMs (commonly seen as a Chase ATM inside newer Target stores). It has an online internet-based connection that, according to the guy servicing it, interacts with postal systems in Washington (probably D.C.) through a secure connection.
The scale on the left was made by NCR, which also makes grocery scales, just for the Post Office. It can support up to 200lbs, is accurate to a fraction of an ounce and is legal for trade. The scale is the big metal square on the left, there are also ruler markings embossed onto the metal edging on the platform.
There are three thermal label printers on the bottom. The leftmost slot dispenses package labels, these are the common 4"x6" vertical labels you see with the address and confirmation barcodes. The one labeled "forms" in the middle dispenses a combined Return Receipt and Certified Mail labels; the same label prints if you buy any of these services, and it has instructions on how to tear off and apply only the one's you've paid for. Both of these print from rolls.
The "postage" slot underneath the screen dispenses 18-stamp "ATM stamp" panes of Forever Stamps. It can also dispense other denominations of stamps as IBI-stamps on tiny slips of sticker paper that are about 1.5" by 3". The IBI (Information Based Indicia) stamps have an DataMatrix barcode similar to the ones seen on the 4"x6" labels and on postage meters, however, these stamps can be used at any time.
Like PC postage stamps, APC stamps identify packages from a "known mailer" and may be used to mail items over 13 ounces without taking the package to a retail counter. This is because the APC takes your photo and only accepts credit/debit cards.
The camera is the black square under the screen in the center of the APC, and captures a still image when you reach the payment options screen. These images are retained for an unknown amount of time (the postal employee said he didn't know how long) to deter fraud and prohibited materials. The APC also has software that measures the image and will not let you proceed to the payment screen if the image is too dark or the camera is not functional. So if you want to mail a bunch of fireworks and illegal drugs with your boss's credit card, you're out of luck.
Available services include:
Sending Domestic mail at most retail rates, including Package
Services, First Class, Priority and Express, as long as it fits in the
special chute at the right
Sending International mail for envelopes containing documents and
correspondence only
Delivery Confirmation, Insured Mail, Certified Mail, Return receipt
(electronic and physical)
Calculating rates for any package you are allowed to send with the APC
Sending packages with partial postage already on it (minimum purchase
$1.00)
Buying sheets of 18 Forever stamps
Buying variable-denominated IBI postage stamps (minimum total $1.00)
Renew PO Box
Postal services that the APC does NOT provide:
Signature Confirmation (why?) - you may purchase a similar Return
Receipt Electronic service only with Certified Mail or Insurance Over
$200
International packages
Registered Mail
PO Box Application (available on the web, present ID to pick up keys)
Money Orders, DineroSeguro or any other financial services
Any packages that do not fit completed in the chute
Remember, APC does NOT TAKE CASH and there is a $1 minimum purchase
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