This chapter assists mail owners using extra services to obtain their return receipts in bulk rather than by individual requests. This service meets three key customer needs:
- It saves time and frees the mail owner from having to request individual proof of delivery records or from placing PS Form 3811, Domestic Return Receipt, on each mailpiece.
- It allows mail owners to retain signature records for longer than the Postal Service’s retention period.
- It provides mail owners with a more efficient way to handle signature records.
Mail owners can receive mailpiece recipient signatures in bulk by participating in the Bulk Proof of Delivery (BPOD) program. BPOD allows participants using privately printed Certified Mail, insured mail (more than $200), or Registered Mail barcoded labels to add return receipt service and receive those return receipts electronically in bulk. With this scenario, when a Postal Service employee delivers a signature-service mailpiece, the recipient signs his or her name on PS Form 3849, Delivery Notice/Reminder/Receipt. The Postal Service employee scans the customer’s information on the form, and it is then linked to the delivery event for the mailpiece. This process usually takes place within 24 hours.
Mail owners who request to receive their return receipts in bulk must pay for all records at the time of mailing (with the payment included in the postage affixed to the mailing) or with a credit card at the time the Postal Service compiles the records (electronically appending signatures to the records) and provides them to the mail owner.
The process for uploading electronic files is almost identical to that described for Certified Mail and Registered Mail services in chapter 3. However, instead of Data Extract Files, the Postal Service provides PDF signature letters on CD-ROM or in Signature Extract Files. See 4-6 for details on electronic files.
