informeddelivery usps com

September 2, 2024

**Introduction to Informed Delivery by USPS**

Informed Delivery by the United States Postal Service (USPS) is an innovative, free service that provides users with a digital preview of their incoming mail and packages. This service is designed to enhance the mail experience by allowing individuals to see what's coming before it even reaches their mailbox. Whether you're expecting important documents, bills, or packages, Informed Delivery ensures that you're never caught off guard by your mail. This article will delve into the various features, benefits, and processes associated with Informed Delivery.

### What is Informed Delivery?

Informed Delivery is a digital notification service that sends users images of their incoming letter-sized mail and provides status updates on incoming packages. Once signed up, you receive an email or mobile notification each day that your mail is on its way. The notifications contain grayscale images of the front of your letter-sized mailpieces, which are scanned at the postal processing facility. Additionally, users can track packages, manage deliveries, and even reschedule delivery times, all from one platform.

### How to Sign Up for Informed Delivery

Signing up for Informed Delivery is a straightforward process. To begin, you must create a USPS.com account. During the registration, you'll need to verify your identity, which can be done through mobile phone verification or by requesting an invitation code by mail. The verification process ensures that the service is only accessible by the rightful recipient of the mail.

After completing the registration and verification process, you will have access to the Informed Delivery dashboard. This dashboard allows you to view images of your incoming mail and track your packages. Additionally, you can customize delivery preferences and manage notifications.

### Features of Informed Delivery

1. **Mail Previews:** The primary feature of Informed Delivery is the ability to preview incoming mail. This feature is especially useful for those who travel frequently or have busy schedules, as it provides peace of mind knowing what's on its way. Each morning, users receive an email that includes scanned images of their incoming mailpieces.

2. **Package Tracking:** Informed Delivery goes beyond just letters. It allows users to track the status of their incoming packages. You'll receive notifications about when a package has been shipped, is out for delivery, and has been delivered. This feature is particularly useful for individuals who receive multiple packages and want to keep track of their deliveries.

3. **Delivery Management:** The platform allows users to manage deliveries by scheduling package redirections or holding mail when necessary. This is ideal for those who are away from home and want to ensure that their mail and packages are secure until they return.

4. **Email Notifications:** Informed Delivery sends users email notifications each day their mail is expected. This notification includes images of the mailpieces and tracking information for packages. If you prefer, you can also receive these notifications via the USPS mobile app.

5. **Security and Privacy:** USPS ensures that Informed Delivery is secure and only accessible by verified users. The identity verification process is a key security measure to prevent unauthorized access. Moreover, the grayscale images provided are of the outside of the mailpiece, so sensitive information is not exposed.

### Benefits of Using Informed Delivery

1. **Convenience:** One of the most significant benefits of Informed Delivery is convenience. Instead of waiting to check your physical mailbox, you can get a preview of your mail from anywhere with internet access. This can help you prioritize your mail and prepare for important deliveries.

2. **Security:** Knowing what's coming in the mail can also enhance security. If you’re expecting sensitive documents, you can monitor when they arrive. Additionally, if mail goes missing, you have a digital record of what was supposed to arrive.

3. **Delivery Management:** For those who receive frequent packages, managing deliveries can become a hassle. Informed Delivery streamlines this process by allowing you to track and manage your packages from one platform. You can also reschedule deliveries or redirect them to another location if needed.

4. **Environmental Impact:** Informed Delivery also contributes to environmental conservation. By providing digital notifications, the USPS reduces the need for additional paper notifications and mail forwarding forms, which helps to lower the overall carbon footprint of the postal system.

5. **Free Service:** Perhaps the best part of Informed Delivery is that it's entirely free. Users gain access to a suite of features that enhance their mail experience without any additional costs.

### Who Can Use Informed Delivery?

Informed Delivery is available to all residential consumers and eligible PO Box users in the United States. However, there are a few limitations. Not all addresses are currently eligible for the service. If your address is not available, you can check periodically as USPS continues to expand coverage. Additionally, business addresses are not currently eligible for individual sign-ups, but there is a separate service for business users.

### Limitations of Informed Delivery

While Informed Delivery offers many benefits, it's important to understand its limitations. The service only provides images of letter-sized mailpieces. Larger items, such as magazines or catalogs, are not included in the daily preview. Additionally, the images provided are grayscale scans of the outside of the mail, so any contents within the envelope remain unseen.

Another limitation is the accuracy of the delivery information. While Informed Delivery provides a general timeframe for package arrivals, it is not always precise. Delays in the postal system can affect the timing of deliveries, and users may not receive their mail on the exact day it is shown in the preview.

### Informed Delivery for Businesses

USPS also offers an Informed Delivery service tailored to businesses. This version allows companies to send interactive campaigns through direct mail, integrating physical mail with digital content. Businesses can enhance their marketing efforts by including clickable links in the email notifications sent to their customers. This allows for a more dynamic and engaging customer experience.

Businesses can also use Informed Visibility, a complementary tool that provides real-time tracking of their mail campaigns. This tool enables companies to monitor the delivery status of their marketing materials and adjust their strategies accordingly.

### Conclusion

Informed Delivery by USPS is a valuable service that enhances the traditional mail experience. By providing digital previews of incoming mail and packages, it offers convenience, security, and peace of mind to users. Whether you're a frequent traveler, a busy professional, or someone who simply wants more control over your mail, Informed Delivery is an excellent tool to keep you informed and organized. As USPS continues to expand and improve the service, more users across the United States will be able to take advantage of its features. If you haven’t signed up yet, visit the USPS website to create an account and start enjoying the benefits of Informed Delivery today.