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USPS · Customer Interaction and Service

A customer comes to the counter and asks how much it costs to ship a 3-lb package to a state across the country. What information do you need to give them an accurate quote?

Reviewed by Jordan Morley, Editorial Lead at 247SimpleTests. Written by the 247SimpleTests Editorial Team from the official source material cited on every question.

Correct answer

The package's weight (which you have), dimensions, origin ZIP, destination ZIP, and which service level they need (Priority, Ground Advantage, etc.)

  1. A Only the destination
  2. B The package's weight (which you have), dimensions, origin ZIP, destination ZIP, and which service level they need (Priority, Ground Advantage, etc.)
  3. C Nothing — the price is always the same
  4. D Only the weight

Why this is the answer

Shipping cost is determined by: weight AND dimensions (both affect dimensional weight pricing for larger packages); origin ZIP (determines distance zone); destination ZIP (determines zone); and service level (Priority Mail 1-3 days, Ground Advantage 2-5 days, Priority Mail Express overnight). You already have weight (3 lbs), but you need the other information to provide an accurate quote. Guessing without the full information could mislead the customer.
Source: USPS 477 VEA, Shipping Quote Information

Practice more questions

This question is from our USPS Exam Practice Tests practice test. Take the full practice test to test your knowledge across all Customer Interaction and Service and other topics.

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About this topic: Customer Interaction and Service

Customer interaction items present counter situations — a confused customer, a long line, a complaint — and ask for the most and least effective responses. Courteous, accurate and policy-compliant choices rate highest. This is one of 19 VEA 477 (Customer Service) questions on customer interaction and service, each with a full explanation on a single study page.

New to this exam? Our USPS exam guide explains the format, scoring, and how to prepare.

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