Millions of packages are shipped and received every single day, in trucks on planes, ultimately ending up on your porch or your desk.
So how can we be sure that the package is safe?
FedEX wouldn't share how they inspect packages but they have the legal right to do so.
By the time a package reaches the shipping center, it's already passed through many hands, often starting with small locally owned businesses.
Mickey Erman owns Pack and Ship Plus in Bloomfield Hills. He partners with FedEX, DHL and the Unites States Postal Service and takes a lot of pride in the service he offers to customers.
"I would hate to think that something I touched was something that could hurt somebody else," says Erman.
A real concern after hearing about the explosion at a Texas FedEX Facility this morning. It's the most recent in a series of bombs hidden inside packages.
FedEx wouldn’t share how they screen packages when asked, but the US Postal Service Inspector's Office issued this statement:
The U.S. Postal Service has developed a comprehensive approach to protecting the mail system by utilizing a targeted strategy of specialized technology, screening protocols and employee training. The Postal Inspection Service has organized response teams nationwide for investigating suspicious parcels through our Dangerous Mail Investigations (DMI) Program. DMI Inspectors are trained to recognize the common characteristics of suspicious mail and are highly proficient in the use of state-of-the-art equipment to include portable X-ray machines. Any reports of suspicious mailings are taken very seriously, as they may impact the safety of postal employees and disrupt the processing of mail. We strive to provide a safe and secure mail system, preserve the integrity of the mail, and, most importantly, ensure a safe environment for postal employees, Postal Service customers, and the American public. In order to prevent attempts to compromise the effectiveness of our investigative methods, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service does not comment publicly on our investigative procedures and operational protocols.
Erman says he is on heightened alert as well. He specializes in packing delicate items for safe shipping. Sometimes, it's just an open box that needs to be sealed.
"For people that bring untaped boxes where I can see what's inside, we will have to look more carefully," he says.
For boxes already taped shut and ready to ship, there's not much he can do.
"Legally I can’t even open those up and check them out," says Erman.
Which can be scary, "but I can’t let it affect the way I treat any of my customers," he says.
For those of us receiving packages, the U.S. Postal service says there are a few warning signs to look for:
- Addressed to a title instead of a specific person
- No return address
- Misspelled words
- Excessive tape
- Excessive Postage
- Oily stains or discolorations
- Strange odo
- Lopsided or uneven
- Protruding wires
If you believe the package is suspicious: Isolate the area immediately and call 911.
If you touched the package, wash your hands with soap and water
