Never miss another piece of mail…even on vacation!
In the digital age, where online notifications and real-time updates are a norm, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has embraced innovation and rolled out a forward-thinking program that merges the traditional with the modern – the USPS Informed Delivery Service. Let’s delve into this service, exploring what it offers, how it works, and why it could be a game-changer for consumers.
What is USPS Informed Delivery Service?
Launched nationwide in 2017, the USPS Informed Delivery Service is a free and optional notification feature that provides residential and personal PO Box customers with a digital preview of their household’s incoming mail scheduled to arrive soon. It’s essentially a daily, morning email digest providing users with grayscale images of the exterior of letter-sized mailpieces.
Moreover, the service also provides details about packages on the way, ensuring that consumers can keep track of all their expected mail and parcels. The service does not provide images of larger mailpieces like catalogs or magazines but offers package tracking information.
How Does USPS Informed Delivery Service Work?
USPS uses sophisticated mail sorting machines that automatically photograph the front side of each letter-sized mailpiece. These images are then sent to the recipient’s email as a daily digest. This process enables you to see exactly what is en route to your mailbox.
The package tracking feature in Informed Delivery allows you to view the status of various packages sent through USPS. A tracking dashboard offers a list of all your incoming packages, with tracking details including the delivery status, sender’s details, and the estimated delivery date.
Benefits of USPS Informed Delivery Service
One of the key advantages of this service is the ability to know what’s coming in your mail and when. This gives users the ability to plan ahead for important letters or package deliveries.
Moreover, this service can be particularly useful for people who travel frequently or those who are away from home during the day. They can easily check their mail digitally, thereby reducing the risk of mail theft. It’s also a boon for those awaiting critical mail, such as bills, checks, or legal documents, as they can know precisely when these items are due to arrive.
Informed Delivery also promotes convenience by allowing you to interact with your incoming mail and packages directly from the daily notifications. This interaction may include scheduling redelivery, leaving delivery instructions, or setting up a USPS pickup.
Signing Up for USPS Informed Delivery Service
Signing up for Informed Delivery is simple. You need to create a USPS.com account, verify your identity and address, and then opt into the Informed Delivery feature. Keep in mind, though, this service is currently available only to residential and personal PO Box addresses in many ZIP codes throughout the United States.
In Conclusion
USPS Informed Delivery Service brings mail management into the digital age, offering convenience, security, and predictability. This service exemplifies how USPS is innovating to adapt to the changing needs of its customers, offering a mix of tradition and technology that could very well be the future of mail.
