# Sending checks in batches

Use Physical Check Batches to ship multiple Check Transfers in the same parcel. Common industry-specific terms for batches include “Householding”, “Nesting”, “Family grouping”, and “Consolidated mailing”.

## Physical Check Batch lifecycle

|                      |                                                                                                                                                                |
| -------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `pending`            | The batch is pending completion and is open to accepting new checks.                                                                                           |
| `completed`          | The batch has been completed and the print has been submitted.                                                                                                 |
| `canceled`           | The batch and its associated Check Transfers have been canceled.                                                                                               |
| `requires_attention` | A rare status set when the batch needs manual intervention from the Increase team. [More about requires\_attention](/documentation/requires-attention-status). |

## Sending a batch of checks

1. [Create a Physical Check Batch](/documentation/api/physical-check-batches#create-a-physical-check-batch). The batch is in `pending` status and checks can be added to it.
2. [Create Check Transfers](/documentation/api/check-transfers#create-a-check-transfer) with [`physical_check.physical_check_batch_id`](/documentation/api/check-transfers#create-a-check-transfer.physical_check.physical_check_batch_id) set to the ID of the batch you created. Each Check Transfer waits in `pending_batch_completing` status until the batch is completed.
3. [Complete the Physical Check Batch](/documentation/api/physical-check-batches#complete-a-physical-check-batch). The batch transitions to `completed` status and the print request is sent to the printer. The Check Transfers progress through their [individual lifecycle](/documentation/originating-checks#sending-a-check-transfer-with-increase) as usual.

By default batches are fulfilled via USPS First Class mail. For higher-priority batches, you can send via FedEx Overnight by setting the [`shipping_method`](/documentation/api/physical-check-batches#create-a-physical-check-batch.shipping_method) to `fedex_overnight`. Note that the maximum page count differs depending on the `shipping_method`.

Warning

FedEx does not ship to P.O. boxes.

| Shipping method  | Maximum page count | Shipment timing                     | Typical arrival                  |
| ---------------- | ------------------ | ----------------------------------- | -------------------------------- |
| USPS First Class | 999 pages          | By the end of the next business day | 3-5 business days after shipping |
| FedEx Overnight  | 50 pages           | Same day if ordered by 2pm ET       | Next business morning            |

Each check counts as 1 page toward the batch, plus its attachment pages. For example, two Check Transfers that each have a two-page attachment total 6 pages.

## Canceling a batch

Check Transfers that are part of a batch cannot be individually canceled. Instead, you must [cancel the batch](/documentation/api/physical-check-batches#cancel-a-physical-check-batch), which cancels all related Check Transfers. The batch can only be canceled when it is in `pending` status.

## Tracking updates

Physical Check Batches do not provide tracking updates. Tracking updates are propagated to every Check Transfer in the batch. See the [`tracking_updates`](/documentation/api/check-transfers#check-transfer-object.physical_check.tracking_updates) array on the Check Transfer object.