The USPS has grown its online footprint rapidly over the years, expanding its free digital notification service. This notification service, otherwise known as informed delivery, has expanded to over 40,000 Zip Codes across the country. But how accurate is this informed delivery?
The truth is, it is not perfect. It is quite possible receiving notification of mail coming in and not get it that day. So, does that mean the informed delivery service is not accurate? Is it worth it all?
In this article, I will be talking about the USPS informed delivery service, how accurate it is, and if getting this service is worth it.
What is informed delivery?
The USPS informed delivery is a free notification feature that allows users to preview their incoming mail before it arrives.
Basically, you receive an email notification with a scanned photograph of the outside of your mail. Users receive this email notification with a preview of some of their letter-sized (not large packages) mail before it arrives at their mailbox.
Although the informed delivery notification is not always accurate, over 90% of the time, they are.
Is the USPS informed delivery service worth it?
Overall, I believe the informed delivery service is worth it. Not only is the USPS informed delivery service free and easy to access, but it is also very secure.
Particularly in areas where theft is rampant, having an idea of what kind of mail you are receiving allows you to prepare to receive it rather than leaving it in the mailbox.
This is important as it helps prevent you from becoming a victim. Especially if you are receiving important letters such as taxes, new or replacement credit and bank cards, and legal notices.
How do you sign up for the USPS informed delivery service?
Signing up for the USPS informed delivery service is pretty easy and straightforward. All you need do is visit the USPS registration portal.
The first step would be for you to enter your mailing address. This allows the USPS to know exactly which address is going to receive Informed Delivery mailpieces.
The second step is formal account creation. After entering your address, you will be required to fill out a form for your account creation. It is usually broken into sections that are relatively easy to understand and fill.
The third and final step is the verification of identity. You will be required to choose one of two methods for verification.
The first is the online verification, you will be required to provide your phone number then a numeric code will be sent to you via text.
You may also go with the second method of verification, which is the “request invitation code by mail”. You will be sent a letter to your current address with a code inside. However, you will have to wait for the mailpiece to come in before completing the verification.
After completing the verification process, you will be redirected to another page. There you will be asked if you would like to enroll in Informed Delivery notifications, click on enroll.
After completing this process, you will be able to see what is being mailed to your house prior to the delivery.
FAQs
How much does it cost to sign up for the USPS informed delivery service?
It is completely free.
Is informed delivery the same day?
Not necessarily. The informed delivery notifies you of mail coming soon, this may be the same day or the next.
Is informed delivery safe?
Yes, it is. According to the USPS, all mail is protected in compliance with federal privacy laws.
Does informed delivery show what’s inside a package?
No, it only scans the exterior of the package and not the interior.
Conclusion: How accurate is informed delivery?
The accuracy level for the USPS informed delivery service is said to be fair. This is because you can have a notification on a package and have it delivered a day or two late, or have scanned photos coming in blurry.
But overall, signing up for the USPS informed delivery service is a good decision. You get updates on mail being delivered as well as the nature of the mail coming in. Additionally, it is free and easy to access.
I hope you found this article insightful, if you did, you should also see how to stop informed delivery for your present or old address.
Thanks for reading.
