The Postal Service’s confirmation services are valuable to mailers who need to know when and to whom their mailing was delivered. Use these descriptions to help you decide which services are best for you:

Delivery Confirmation™
This low-cost service provides the date and time of delivery (attempted delivery, forwards and returns) for Priority Mail, Package Services and, as of January 7, 2001, Standard Mail parcels.

Customers can check the Internet or call a toll-free number to “confirm” the information. The service began in March 1999.

Signature Confirmation™
This new, enhanced proof of delivery service provides all the benefits of Delivery Confirmation — and more. Along with delivery information, the recipient’s name and signature are captured and stored by the Postal Service.

Customers can request that a copy of the signed delivery record be faxed or mailed to them by calling a toll-free number or by making the request via the Internet.

Customers also can view the recipient’s first initial and last name on the Internet or in their electronic file. This service was made available in February.

Signature Capture
The Postal Service’s internal process for capturing, storing and retrieving delivery records, converting system from hard copy to an electronic format. Implemented July 2000, it is used for all signature items.

Confirmation Services
Retail Option
This is available at all post offices, stations, branches and contract units. Customers use a form that has a bar-coded label and a detachable mailing receipt. Retail customers can access delivery information by calling a toll-free number or making an inquiry through the Internet.

Electronic Option
This is for certified customers who establish an electronic link with the Postal Service to send and receive acceptance and delivery information data. They can use postal printed labels or print their own black-and-white bar-coded labels.

Delivery Confirmation Fees
Retail option is $0.40 for Priority Mail and $0.50 for Package Services.
For electronic option customers there is no charge for Priority Mail and there is a fee of $0.12 (reduced from $0.25) for Package Services and Standard Mail.

Signature Confirmation Fees
Retail option is $1.75 for both Priority Mail and Package Services. Electronic option is $1.25 for both Priority Mail and Package Services.

Beth Fluto, Expedited/Package Services, Information Systems