Signature Confirmation Service Adds Value to Delivery Options

What is a signature worth? A lot when it tells you who accepted your delivery. Signature Confirmation, the Postal Service’s new proof of delivery service, is now available for Priority Mail and Package Services, giving customers all the advantages of Delivery Confirmation — and more!

Now customers can get signature proof of delivery upon request, as well as quick and easy access to enhanced delivery information. Along with delivery information, the recipient’s signature is captured and stored electronically by the Postal Service.

By visiting the Postal Service Web site at www.usps.com or calling a toll-free number, you can request that a copy of the signed delivery record be mailed or faxed to you. The response letter contains an actual image of the recipient’s signature, along with the delivery date, time and destination.

With Signature Confirmation’s enhanced delivery information, you also get the recipient’s data-entered first initial and last name when you access delivery information on the Internet or receive it in an electronic file. Thus, you get another level of security and peace of mind by knowing who signed for your package.

As with Delivery Confirmation, there is a retail option and an electronic option. Signature Confirmation must be purchased at the time of mailing. The retail rate is $1.75 for both Priority Mail and Package Services. Retail customers will use PS Form 153, the hot-pink Signature Confirmation label.

There also is an electronic option available for only $1.25 for customers who can send and receive information electronically. They can opt to use postal printed labels or print their own black-and-white barcoded labels. In addition, Signature Confirmation service can be combined with our Insured, Registered, Special Handling and COD special services.

Publication 91, Confirmation Services Technical Guide, contains complete information on the electronic option. To view it, visit the Postal Service Web site at www.usps.com and enter the keyword, “Pub 91.” More general and retail information also is available when you type in the keyword, “Signature Confirmation.”

– Beth Fluto, Expedited/Package Services, Information Systems