Frequently Asked Questions

What is Informed Delivery? USPS Mail Tracking Explained

Informed Delivery Shown on a Mobile Phone

Informed Delivery is a service offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that provides customers with digital previews of their incoming mail and packages. This service allows customers to keep track of their mail and manage their deliveries more effectively, ensuring they never miss important correspondence or time-sensitive packages.

By offering digital previews and tracking capabilities, USPS’s Informed Delivery service helps users enhance their mail security, convenience, and efficiency. With its numerous benefits for both residential and business users, Informed Delivery is revolutionizing the way people manage their mail and interact with the postal system.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of Informed Delivery, how it works, and the benefits it offers to USPS customers.

How Informed Delivery Works

Digital Mail Preview

At the core of Informed Delivery is the digital mail preview feature. USPS scans the exterior of letter-sized mail pieces during processing, capturing a grayscale images of the envelopes. These images are then emailed to the registered user’s email address or can be accessed via the Informed Delivery dashboard on the USPS website or mobile app. Users can view these images to get a quick glimpse of their incoming mail, even before it arrives at their mailbox.

Package Tracking

In addition to envelope previews, Informed Delivery also offers package tracking capabilities. Users can view the tracking information for incoming packages, as well as expected delivery dates, right from their dashboard. This feature ensures that users can monitor the progress of their parcels and make necessary arrangements for their receipt.

Benefits of Informed Delivery

Enhanced Mail Management

Informed Delivery allows users to manage their mail more efficiently. By providing digital previews of incoming mail and tracking information for packages, users can plan their day accordingly and ensure they are present to receive essential items. The service is particularly beneficial for individuals who travel frequently or those who receive a high volume of mail.

Increased Security

With Informed Delivery, users can keep an eye on their mail even when they are away from home. By being able to view the contents of their mailbox remotely, users can quickly identify if any mail is missing or stolen, allowing them to take appropriate action in case of any discrepancies.

Convenience for Businesses

For businesses, Informed Delivery offers a range of advantages. Companies can monitor incoming mail and packages more effectively, ensuring that they do not miss essential correspondence or deliveries. Moreover, businesses can use this service to plan and manage their mailing campaigns more efficiently, as they can keep track of when their mail is delivered to recipients.

How to Sign Up for Informed Delivery

Eligibility Criteria

Informed Delivery is available to residential customers and eligible business users in the United States. To be eligible for the service, your mailing address must be within the USPS automated delivery database. Users must also be at least 18 years old to register for an account.

Registration Process

  1. Visit the USPS Informed Delivery website.
  2. Click on “Sign Up for Free” and create a USPS.com account if you do not already have one.
  3. Provide your mailing address to verify eligibility.
  4. Complete the identity verification process by answering a series of security questions.
  5. Once your identity is verified, you can access your Informed Delivery dashboard and start enjoying the benefits of the service.

Informed Delivery for Businesses

Informed Visibility

Informed Visibility is a USPS offering tailored for businesses. It allows companies to access near real-time tracking data for their mail and packages, enabling them to make more informed decisions about their mailing operations. The service also offers advanced analytics and reporting capabilities, allowing businesses to optimize their mailing campaigns for maximum impact.

Integrating Informed Delivery into Your Business

Businesses can leverage Informed Delivery to improve their mailing operations and enhance customer engagement. By integrating Informed Delivery into their existing processes, companies can:

1, Plan and schedule mailing campaigns more effectively.

  1. Monitor the delivery status of their mail and packages, ensuring timely receipt by customers.
  2. Access valuable analytics and insights to optimize their mailing strategies and maximize ROI.
  3. Enhance customer experience by providing them with digital previews of their incoming mail, fostering better communication and trust.

Frequently Asked Questions about Informed Delivery

Is Informed Delivery free?

Yes, Informed Delivery is a free service provided by USPS for eligible residential and business users. There are no additional costs or fees associated with using this service.

Will I receive digital previews of all my mail?

Informed Delivery provides digital previews of letter-sized mail items that have been processed through USPS’s automated equipment. However, not all mail is processed through this equipment, so there might be instances when you do not receive a digital preview of certain mail items.

Can I use Informed Delivery to manage mail for multiple addresses?

Yes, you can link multiple addresses to your Informed Delivery account, making it easy to manage mail for different locations. This feature is particularly useful for businesses with multiple offices or individuals managing mail for family members or rental properties.

How do I report missing or stolen mail?

If you suspect that your mail has been tampered with or stolen, report the issue to USPS immediately. You can file a mail theft complaint through the USPS website or contact your local post office to address the issue.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Informed Delivery

Set Email Notifications

By enabling email notifications, you can receive daily updates on your incoming mail and packages. This will help you stay informed about the status of your mail and ensure you don’t miss essential items.

Use the USPS Mobile App

Download the USPS Mobile App to access your Informed Delivery dashboard on the go. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices, providing a convenient way to manage your mail and track packages from anywhere.

Combine Informed Delivery with Other USPS Services

To further streamline your mail management, consider combining Informed Delivery with other USPS services like Mail Forwarding, Hold Mail, or Change of Address. This will ensure that your mail and packages are always delivered to the correct address and are securely held when you are away from home.

Read More

Have you ever come home expecting to find a package at your doorstep, only to discover it’s mysteriously vanished? If so, you’re not alone.  While the convenience of online shopping brings the whole world to our doorsteps with just a click, it also opens the door to a new problem: porch pirates.  In this article,

Read Article

As college life begins, one of the subtle yet significant challenges many students face is managing their mail and packages. While mail might seem pretty trivial compared to the pressures of course work and the whirlwind of new experiences, staying connected and organized while navigating your new life at college is important to many college

Read Article

Whether it’s a care package to a loved one abroad, important business documents, or shipping products for international customers, understanding how to efficiently and effectively send packages and letters across international borders is vital. Our guide offers you essential tips, procedures, and best practices for sending mail across borders efficiently and effectively. Understanding International Mail:

Read Article