What Does Certified Mail Mean?
Certified Mail is a domestic mail service. It provides added security by allotting a unique tracking number to each article mailed.
With the Certified Mail service, the sender receives a mailing receipt as legally-recognized proof of sending. The recipient must also sign for certified mail as a way to prove that the mailed item has been delivered.
You can purchase the Certified Mail service for First-Class Mail, First-Class Package Service or Priority Mail. These different services determine how soon your mailed article will arrive.
Unlike with the Registered Mail service, you cannot purchase insurance for items sent via Certified Mail.
How Does Certified Mail Work?
Each Certified Mail article is scanned and tracked by the United States Postal Service (USPS) tracking system.
The mail item is first scanned when it is accepted into the mail stream at the Post Office. It is then tracked as it makes its way through the various USPS mail sorting and automated processing centers.
Finally, the Postal worker responsible for delivering your item must scan and track the recipient's signature, as required upon delivery.
Once the recipient receives and signs for the item, the recipient's signature is kept on file for two years as proof of delivery.
What Is Certified Mail Tracking?
USPS Certified Mail is a service that provides proof of mailing and delivery for important documents and packages.
The Certified Mail sender gets proof of mailing receipt and a unique tracking number. They can use this number to track the progress of their package or letter. Tracking is the distinguishing feature of USPS Certified Mail; it provides peace of mind to both the sender and the recipient.
The sender can relax knowing their package or document is tracked throughout delivery. The recipient can be sure they'll receive their mail as expected.
Each Certified Mail article is tracked by the United States Postal Service (USPS) tracking system. The item is scanned when it is accepted into the mail stream, in-route through the various USPS mail sorting and automated processing centers and finally at the delivery destination when the item is delivered.
Why This USPS Service Is Worth Your Time
First, Certified Mail Tracking provides proof of mailing and a delivery receipt. This acts as a record of delivery that can be used in legal disputes and other situations where proof is required.
As the sender, mail tracking provides peace of mind. You know your important documents and packages are being tracked, and you can even follow the delivery process online in real-time.
Finally, this service provides a level of security at a lower cost than other delivery services. With letter theft and fraud at an all-time high and mail loss possible, you can never be too careful with important packages and documents.
Accessing Certified Mail Tracking Services Online
If you're considering sending a document or parcel using Certified Mail, you can skip the trip to the Post Office—and save money—by sending with Certified Mail Labels.
The benefits of using Certified Mail Labels for online label creation includes:
- Convenience
- Cost Savings
- Time Efficiency
In short, you can access our online services anytime, anywhere, 365-days a year. Certified Mail Labels saves users $3.15 on postage for each Certified Mail® label. All while saving time and resources traveling to and from the Post Office.
How Does Tracking Work?
Creating USPS Certified Mail labels online is fast with Certified Mail Labels. Follow these easy steps:
- Create a Certified Mail Labels account
- Follow the prompts to set up your payment option
- Verify your account and credit card
- Select the services you need
- Print your labels and attach them to your letters
Once your items are ready to be sent, pop them into the nearest USPS postal box. You can track their progress in your account and access invoices and receipts as needed.
Check out the step-by-step instructions for more details on mailing your Certified Mail. Learning how to track USPS Certified Mail is easy.
Certified Mail Tracking Overview
Certified Mail Labels Electronic Delivery Confirmation™ receipts provide evidence of mailing and proof of USPS Certified Mail letter delivery. Certified Mail Labels provide a PDF report that is automatically generated and emailed for each Certified Mail Label when a letter is delivered.
The PDF reports can be accessed and printed for up to 10 years which provides excellent record keeping at no additional charge.
Additional reports and data are available in your Certified Mail Labels account.
Below is an example of a Certified Mail letter that demonstrates the process of the delivery by USPS. In this example, no one was home to accept or sign for the letter. This is required even though you did not request a Return Receipt Signature, Certified Mail requires a receipt that someone accepted the letter so that the sender has 'proof' the letter was successfully the delivered.
1) In the above example, this scan serves as 'proof of mailing' and acceptance receipt from the U.S. Postal Service. The scan is evidence the letter was accepted by the United States Postal Service (USPS) as 'official Certified Mail'.
2) This scan is an example of the attempted delivery scan 'Notice Left'. This is evidence the item was attempted to be delivered to the address provided on the date and time reported. Perhaps the business was closed, no one was home, perhaps on vacation or the business was closed. The item could not be delivered because every Certified Mail item must be signed for at the time of delivery even if the mailer did not purchase the Return Receipt Requested service. USPS must have a receipt or proof of the delivery.
3) In this example, the item was held at the local post office for almost 4 weeks waiting for someone to pick up the letter and sign for it. A number of times the item may be attempted to be delivered. We have found this depends on how busy each local Post Office is but on average each item is attempted to be delivered twice.
4) If the item is not able to be delivered and no one picks up the letter from the local post office the letter is returned to sender. This means the item is forwarded back to the return address that is displayed in the return address upper left corner of the shipping label.
Certified Mail Labels keeps a history of the transaction inside your account with a copy of the shipping label and receipt that all postage and fees were paid for ten years. If evidence is needed for compliance reporting the information can be easily downloaded 24/7 365 days a year.
The Costs Explained
Certified Mail costs provide the added proof of mailing and proof of delivery evidence required for most compliance mailings.
The cost of using Certified Mail depends on several factors, including:
- Weight of the item
- Type of delivery requested
- Destination
- Sending method
For example, if you visit a post office and send your Certified Mail using the standard paper label, a one-ounce USPS Certified Mail letter with Return Receipt requested would cost $8.69. However, you'll need to pay more if you want to add services, such as Restricted Delivery or Insurance.
Instead, reduce your Certified Mail costs with Certified Mail Labels. Purchase your labels with Certified Mail Labels and save $3.15 per mailing!
What Should I Do If My Tracking Data Has Not Updated?
If you are facing the issue of USPS tracking not updating, there are several steps you can take to address the situation. First, try texting your tracking number to 28777 (2USPS), as this may provide you with an updated tracking status for your package. Alternatively, you can reach out to USPS customer service by phone at 1-800-275-8777 or by email through their website. It is crucial to have your USPS tracking number available when contacting customer service. These alternative avenues will help you obtain the most up-to-date information regarding your package's whereabouts.
How can I track a USPS letter without a tracking number?
If you are unable to locate your USPS tracking number, there are still ways to track your package. In order to do so, you will need to reach out to USPS customer service either by phone or email. Here's how you can proceed:
Contact Information: Contact USPS customer service at 1-800-275-8777. They will be able to assist you in tracking your package even without the tracking number.
Required Details: Be prepared to provide the following information to USPS customer service:
1. Mail Class of Shipment: Inform them about the type of mail service used for your package, such as first-class mail or priority mail.
2. Delivery Destination: Specify whether the package was being sent to a residence, business address, or a military outpost.
3. Shipment Specifications: Provide details about whether your package required a signature upon delivery, was insured, or if it was registered.
4. Contents of the Package: Let customer service know about the items that were inside the package. This information will help them identify your shipment.
5. Shipment Value: If possible, provide an estimate of the value of the package. This can be useful in helping locate it.
Reporting Mail Theft: If you suspect mail theft, it's important to inform USPS customer service. Explain your reasons for suspecting theft and provide any additional information, photos, or videos that may support your claim.
By following these steps and providing the necessary details, USPS customer service will assist you in tracking your package, even without the tracking number.
Does USPS insurance include tracking?
Yes, USPS insurance does include tracking for packages. When you purchase insurance from USPS, you can rest assured that the package will be tracked throughout its journey. In addition to providing coverage for up to $5,000 in case of loss, damage, or theft, USPS insurance allows you to track your package's progress. To track your package, simply enter the tracking number provided on the USPS website or use their text and call services for real-time updates on your package's location.
Note: Insurance is not an available Certified Mail Labels addition. However, Certified Mail provides proof of mailing and delivery.
Can I track a USPS truck?
Yes, it is possible to track a USPS truck, but not in real-time or by physically stopping the truck. While you cannot actively monitor the exact location of a USPS truck, you can receive status updates on your package through USPS tracking. This tracking feature allows you to stay informed about the progress of your package's journey and its estimated delivery date. However, please note that direct, immediate tracking of the USPS truck itself is not available.
What should I do if USPS tracking isn't updating?
If you are facing the issue of USPS tracking not updating, there are several steps you can take to address the situation.
Firstly, try texting your tracking number to 28777 (2USPS), as this may provide you with an updated tracking status for your package.
Alternatively, you can reach out to USPS customer service by phone at 1-800-275-8777 or by email through their website. It is crucial to have your USPS tracking number available when contacting customer service. These alternative avenues will help you obtain the most up-to-date information regarding your package's whereabouts.
For letters sent with Certified Mail Labels, your tracking number and information can always be accessed on you dashboard. This means, one less thing for you to keep up with.
Are all USPS packages eligible for tracking internationally?
USPS offers tracking services for all packages, including those shipped internationally. However, it is important to note that once a package leaves the United States, not all countries may have the same level of scanning capabilities or agreements in place. Therefore, while USPS provides tracking numbers for all packages, it is possible that tracking updates may be limited or unavailable for certain international shipments.
Note: USPS Certified Mail is not available internationally. USPS Certified Mail is a product of the United States Postal Service and is available only in the United States. A comparable service used outside of the United States is Registered Mail.
What are the USPS tracking options for international shipments?
When it comes to international shipments with USPS, tracking options may vary. While all USPS services offer tracking for domestic shipments, not all packages are eligible for tracking once they leave the US and are en route to other countries. This is because different countries have different scanning capabilities and agreements in place.
However, USPS does offer tracking for certain international services. Priority Mail Express International and Priority Mail International both include tracking. Priority Mail Express International typically delivers within 3-5 days, while Priority Mail International may take 6-10 days for delivery.
For smaller and lighter international packages, USPS provides tracking options through First-Class Mail International and First-Class Package International services. The shipping time for these services can vary.
USPS Tracking: We've Got You Covered
If you need to send important letters or packages, USPS Certified Mail Tracking is the most affordable, secure solution in America today.
It provides proof of mailing and delivery, helps you save money and time, and improves your record-keeping. What's more, individuals and companies can access the service online—from the comfort of their home or office.
Start saving on all your Certified Mail needs today with Certified Mail Labels. As the industry leader for online Certified Mail label creation, we process millions of mail labels each year. Our clients include everyone from private customers to Fortune 500 companies.
Do You Have to Sign for Certified Mail?
Yes. If no one is at home to accept or sign for an item delivered by Certified Mail then the Postal worker responsible cannot deliver it.
If you are the recipient and refuse to sign for the item then the Postal worker cannot give it to you.
Even if the sender has not requested a Return Receipt Signature, Certified Mail requires signed proof that the mail item has been delivered.
If the item is not delivered and no one picks the letter up from the local Post Office, USPS will return the mail item to the sender.
USPS Delivery Options
As the sender, here are the different options when it comes to choosing your Certified Mail service:
Certified Mail
This provides a unique tracking number which you can then check online to confirm that your item arrived at its destination.
The Postal worker can deliver your Certified Mail item to anyone who receives mail at the given address. This can mean that the confirmation signature is not necessarily that of the intended recipient.
Return Receipt
For an extra fee, a return receipt, or 'green card', is attached to the mail item. The recipient must sign and date the green card when they receive the mail item. As the sender, you will then receive the green card via mail.
Electronic Return Receipt
For an extra fee, the Postal worker responsible for delivery can create an electronic version of the Return Receipt green card as a PDF document. This receipt includes an image of the recipient's signature or an approved hand-stamp.
Return Receipt and Restricted Delivery
This is the strictest of the Certified Mail options. Adding the restricted delivery service to the return receipt ensures that the Postal worker must deliver it directly to the recipient, or an authorized agent.
Return Receipt After Mailing Service
If you don't purchase a Return Receipt at the point of sending you can purchase the Return Receipt After Mailing service up to two years after sending your item.
Who Uses Certified Mail?
Because of the added security of Certified Mail, law firms and government agencies often use this service.
It is particularly useful when they need a legally-recognized proof of delivery. This could be when sending court papers, important contracts, or tax audit notifications.
In the case of using the restricted delivery service, this guarantees that the addressee has received the mail item in their hands.
The signature operates as a type of receipt which the sender can access up to two years later. This is often useful in cases where the recipient denies receiving the mail item.