Delivery Confirmation™ Service

The United States Postal Service now offers commercial mailers and retail customers a cost-effective, efficient means of obtaining delivery information. Delivery Confirmation consists of two options: Electronic Service and Retail Service. With both options, mailers receive information about the delivery status of Priority Mail^® service or Package Services, including the date, time, and ZIP Code of delivery. Other information available through Delivery Confirmation includes attempted deliveries, forwarding, and returns. All of this information is accessible through the Internet or via electronic file transfer.

Other Special Services such as insured mail, Registered Mail™, collect on delivery (COD), and Signature Confirmation™ services can also be combined with Delivery Confirmation. Return receipt service or restricted delivery may be used only if purchased in connection with insurance (more than $50), COD, or registry service. Fees for all special services are in addition to required postage.

Electronic Service Option

The electronic service option provides mailers information indicating the date and time of delivery or attempted delivery of a mailed item. With the electronic service option, mailers transmit a file containing information about their Delivery Confirmation packages to the USPS^® host computer using either the File Transfer Protocol (FTP) or Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) standard. The Electronic Service option is not available at USPS retail counters.

Delivery information may be obtained either by downloading the entire file containing information about the packages in the mailing or by making individual inquiries via the Internet. Mailing receipts are not provided; a PS Form 3877, Firm Mailing Book for Accountable Mail, submitted by the mailer provides proof of receipt.

The Electronic Service option allows customers to develop their own mailing profiles and analysis reports based on the information in the file we provide. This option also allows customers to print their own labels or use preprinted labels. Customers must complete a testing and certification process to take advantage of the Electronic Service option.

Retail Service Option

A Retail Service option is available at the Post Office at the time of mailing. It provides a mailing receipt to the mailer. Delivery information can be obtained by accessing the USPS Web site at www.usps.com or by calling 800-222-1811. The customer may mail retail Delivery Confirmation items at a Post Office, branch, or station or give it to a rural carrier.

Retail Service option customers may print their own labels or use preprinted labels. Customers printing their own labels are provided with a test kit by the National Customer Support Center (NCSC). The purpose of the test is to certify that the barcodes meet USPS standards and specifications.

For more information on Delivery Confirmation, see Publication 91, Confirmation Services Technical Guide or call a representative at 800-238-3150.