The main reason tracking is not available for all first class postal items is to keep costs down. implementing a tracking system for all pieces of first class mail can be very costly for the usps.
These additional costs are then passed on to customers in the form of additional postage. Since most people don’t want to track their mail and are happy with the low costs, the USPS decided to continue operating untracked First Class Mail.
usps offers many optional extras that you can use in conjunction with first class mail, priority mail, and other mail services. These plugins are intended to protect your mail items and provide you with additional features. By paying a little more, you can ensure your mail is delivered safely and to the right person.
Remember that these additional services only offer a certain degree of tracking. You do not need to obtain a tracking number for all services mentioned below.
confirmation signature
Signature Confirmation is a USPS product that helps you know if a mail item was delivered. as the name says, the recipient must sign a receipt while receiving your mail.
This type of delivery confirmation ensures that the item was shipped to the correct location. only an adult can sign and receive your mail items.
A copy of the signature along with the recipient’s name is emailed to you. You are also informed of the place, date and time of delivery. You are also provided with other options for receiving the recipient’s name and signature, such as fax and mail.
To take advantage of this service, you must complete Form PS 153. Obtain a copy of this form at your local post office. the form is divided into two parts: the first part must be completed and given to the postman while you pay the postage. there is a barcode label on the second part that you need to stick on your envelope.
Signature confirmation does not guarantee delivery time or expedite mailing in any way. should always be purchased at the time of sending your mail and not after.
this service costs you $2.90 when you buy it electronically and $3.45 when you buy it at the post office.
informed delivery
Can you track First Class Mail using Reported Delivery? the answer is yes and not both.
Informed Delivery is another USPS product that helps you know if a mail item was delivered. but it works indirectly and benefits the recipient more than you.
Basically, informed delivery allows people to register and receive information about their incoming mail. they can make use of this service for free and can stay updated at all times.
With an informed delivery account, people can check the status of their incoming mail online and opt in to receive daily emails.
It’s not exactly called mail tracking, but you can keep in touch with your recipients and know the status of your mail.
cash on delivery
If you are not satisfied with the above two options and are still concerned about how to send First Class Mail with Tracking, this option is for you.
cash on delivery (cod) is a usps service that is exactly like cash on delivery when buying something online. If you regularly fill your orders by mailing through USPS, this option may benefit you.
If you opt for this service, the recipient pays the postage, order amount, and/or cod fees upon receiving the mail. return postage is paid by sender unless otherwise noted.
You may not leave cod mail items in the mailbox, street mailbox, or any rural mailbox. or take them to the post office or give them to a rural carrier.
tracking is available on all cod items shipped by first class mail.
certified mail
certified mail helps senders obtain proof of delivery. The USPS provides an electronic verification and shipping receipt to the sender after the item is delivered.
You are also notified when a delivery attempt has been made, regardless of whether it was successful.
certified mail helps you know when your mail was delivered and who picked it up. The signature of the person who picks up your mail item is stored in the USPS database for 2 years.
You can also request an acknowledgment of receipt for an additional fee. the acknowledgment of receipt is signed by the recipient and is returned for reference.
usps certified mail tracking is available for $3.55. if you would like a return receipt, it is available for $2.85 and $1.70 by mail and email respectively.
There are three more services available under certified mail:
- restricted delivery by certified mail: Senders can take advantage of this service to ensure that only the recipient (or the recipient’s authorized agent) receives the mail.
- adult signature for certified mail : You can direct postal workers to deliver mail only to an adult (21 years or older). this allows you to obtain the signature of adults only, which increases the credibility of the proof of delivery.
- restricted delivery with certified mail adult signature: you can have your mail delivered only to the recipient who is an adult. this service is only available to commercial shippers.
certified mail
certified mail is another additional mail service offered by the usps. provides you with detailed records of your envelopes and packages.
how to track first class international mail through this opinion? you can only use certified mail for first class domestic shipments. if you want to track letters sent internationally, it’s best to opt for other mail options.
all certified mail items have barcode registration labels that allow you to track your shipments online. you can check the location of your mail as it is transferred from one place to another.
registered mail costs a lot more, since you can get real-time updates on your mail. In the case of certified mail, you only receive a delivery confirmation upon receipt of the receipt.
If you don’t want to use any of the above services, you can simply upgrade from First Class to other mail options. find some of these options below: