Accessing tracking data is the most important piece of Certified Mail®. After all, the reason people purchase Certified Mail is for the information provided by the tracking number regarding the letter or parcel.
The ability to track letters and parcels not only provides convenience, but is also beneficial to many industries. Real estate, legal, repossession, insurance, and medical billing are just a few of the industries that rely heavily on Certified Mail for operating efficiently while meeting compliance requirements.
All Certified Mail tracking is authored by the United States Postal Service (USPS). However, not all Certified Mail tracking is created equal.
Tracking with Certified Mail Labels
Regardless of where it’s purchased, Certified Mail provides senders with proof of mailing and delivery confirmation. However, using Certified Mail Labels gives senders more tracking information for each letter and parcel mailed. Our proprietary system offers customers more information at a much lower rate than the Postal Service and other shipping companies.
In addition to proof of mailing and delivery confirmation, we offer the ability to include a label reference for each label created. This is particularly helpful in the insurance (think policy number), real estate (think address), and storage (think unit) industries.
Senders who use Certified Mail Labels also receive a 10-year data archive. The US Postal Service charges an additional $10 per letter for a 10-year data storage compared to this benefit being included in our .95 cents addition for an Electronic Delivery Confirmation.
Why is a 10-Year Data Archive Important?
For individuals and industries who are concerned with compliance requirements, our complimentary data archive offers peace of mind against any postal mistakes.
Tracking Reports
An Electronic Delivery Confirmation (EDC) report is available for USPS Certified Mail® labels, Priority Mail labels, and Express Mail labels. As an added convenience for Certified Mail Labels customers, this report is automatically generated and emailed for each Certified Mail Label when it is delivered. First-class mail labels do not receive an EDC report, as there are no tracking numbers provided by USPS.
Return Receipt Electronic (RRE) reports, or 3811-E as referred to by USPS, are provided for $2.62 when indicated upon label purchase. While RRE reports are required by some industries, such as the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA), the Electronic Delivery Confirmation lists who signed for the letter. So, unless the sender wishes to see the physical signature, the RRE addition is not particularly necessary.
Comparing Cost and Value
An added value of Certified Mail Labels is the label images that are provided to senders for each mailing. These images offer proof of the correct paid postage, the date on which the letter was mailed, and the mail class. Even if a letter is not delivered, the label image proves it was mailed and that the sender did their due diligence.
As a free bonus for using Certified Mail Labels, customers receive the same mailing insurance USPS charges for. For example, a foreclosure notice shadow letter is required as a follow-up to the notice being sent Certified. The shadow letter can be sent via first-class mail and while first-class mail does not have a tracking number and consequently an EDC report, Certified Mail Labels offers users a label image that provides the information necessary to validate the shadow letter was mailed.
How to Track Certified Mail
The most common question surrounding Certified Mail is how to track the letter upon mailing. View our step-by-step guide to accessing your tracking information with Certified Mail Labels.
Visit our Frequently Asked Questions for other detailed information regarding tracking and reporting, and the services we provide.
About Certified Mail Labels
Skip the trip to the Post Office and send Certified Mail, on the same business day, from the comfort of your home or office.
Address and print United States Postal Service Certified Mail® Labels, Priority Mail labels, and Express Mail labels online with USPS Postage using your computer or mobile device.
Getting started is quick and easy. Begin by creating an account, now! No more waiting in long lines at the Post Office! Just log-in, address, print, and mail.
No monthly fees, contracts, or special equipment is needed. There is no need for stickers, forms, or green cards. Save time and money by paying as you mail, and skipping the trip to the Post Office.
Receive 'proof of mailing', acceptance by the United States Postal Service, USPS tracking, Electronic Delivery Confirmation, and Return Receipt Signature for each compliance letter you send at no additional cost.
Learn more about how Certified Mail Labels works.
For individuals wanting to automate their Certified Mail, allow us to consolidate your process with our automated API and SFTP processing services. Our services can receive data directly from a user’s computer or software application 24/7, 365 days a year at no additional cost. Contact our customer support team to learn more about our full services solutions.