How To Track USPS Certified Mail
USPS letter tracking is much different than most other shipping and tracking systems. Primarily because the letter tracking information doesn't actually show up until the Certified Mail letter is delivered. USPS tracking should really be called delivery confirmation because it is not as robust as FedEx or UPS delivery systems.
Using a USPS tracking numbers you can track your Certified Mail letter online at www.USPS.com web for up to 90 days. The delivery information will show as pending or delivered. However when USPS scans the item 'Delivered' that does not mean it was actually delivered to the delivery address. Unlike other letter carriers, USPS will scan the letter ‘Delivered' if the item was 'returned to the sender' to close out the record. So the next time you hear statistics about delivery information from USPS keep this in mind.
Proof of USPS Certified Mail is provided in two receipts. The first receipt is the 'proof of mailing' that is a date stamp or receipt displaying when your letter was accepted by USPS into the mail stream. This is what many are required to show to prove compliance of date sensitive issues.
A second receipt is a delivery receipt that is authored by USPS to show where and when the letter was delivered.
USPS tracking numbers consist of only numbers such as 01996569533697. If you mistakenly input a FEDEX tracking number into USPS it smart enough to spit out an error that you put in an invalid USPS tracking number. If USPS tracking is unable to confirm delivery of a package or Certified Mail special service, USPS must refund the special service Certified letter fee.
All packages are first scanned by USPS personnel. USPS only provides tracking service after labels are printed or shipped from a supplier. In general most customers report the USPS tracking system needs improvement. Using the USPS's tracking numbers to track packages or Certified Mail letters on-line does not provide any in-transit information like there is from UPS or FedEx.
For USPS Priority Mail and USPS Certified Mail, the USPS tracking function only provides information on the delivery date and delivery status. If you use Express Mail you can receive a confirmation by email with your USPS tracking number, plus updated delivery information. Remember USPS does not scan their labels at every stop like other common carriers. The USPS tracking service isn't good for much more than telling whether the letter or package entered the mail stream and whether it has been delivered. It is not uncommon for packages to miss or not show an origin scan and only show the delivery confirmation. The good news is that there is no extra fee for delivery confirmation.
If you send the USPS Money Orders it is suggested you obtain a tracking confirmation. While en route scans may be provided in the future they are not a feature of Delivery Confirmation service today.
Delivery confirmation is free for Priority Mail and Certified Mail. If you use Express Mail you will receive a confirmation email with a USPS tracking number. Your postage service includes the Delivery Confirmation and Tracking service fees. Additionally USPS sells Signature Confirmation services as well.
In summary, Certified letter tracking is improving slowly. Letter tracking is not available for military APO/FPO deliveries. If USPS tracking is unable to confirm delivery of your Certified Mail letter or package the cost of the Special Service fee must be refunded. USPS tracking should be though of as delivered confirmation. A private company has developed a patented USPS approved Certified Mail Envelopes that includes 'in-route letter tracking' and Electronic Return Receipt with Signatures. No forms to fill out or labels to affix on your letter. A free trial of the envelopes and web software automation are available online at www.certified-mail-envelopes.com.
