USPS and UPS Delivery Confirmation Services
In addition to basic delivery services, postal and courier companies offer a range of additional services to improve the customer experience. These include, for example, delivery confirmation services, which verify that a package has been successfully delivered to the recipient. Let’s take a closer look at the delivery confirmation services offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) and UPS.
USPS Delivery Confirmation Services
The USPS offers several delivery confirmation services that vary in cost and level of security, depending on the sender’s preferences and needs.
USPS Tracking. This is the most basic delivery confirmation service, which included with most classes of mail. Each item shipped (except for postcards, First-Class Mail letters and flats) is assigned a tracking number, which you can use to obtain tracking updates from acceptance by the carrier to delivery or attempted delivery. However, it is not a guarantee that the item will be received by the intended recipient.
Signature Confirmation. This service requires the recipient to be present at the time of delivery to sign for the item.
Certified Mail. This service provides proof of mailing and proof of delivery or attempted delivery. The recipient may be required to present identification and must sign for the item.
Return Receipt. This service provides a mailed paper or electronic delivery record with the recipient’s signature as proof of delivery. It can be combined with USPS Tracking, Signature Confirmation, and Certified Mail.
Registered Mail. This is essentially an upgraded version of Certified Mail with additional security and insurance options. It also includes a record of delivery by default, eliminating the need to purchase Return Receipt.
Adult Signature Required/Adult Signature Restricted Delivery. Both services ensure delivery only to an adult (21+) and require a signature. However, Adult Signature Required items can be signed for by any adult at the delivery address, while Adult Signature Restricted Delivery items must be signed for by a specific adult recipient who must present identification.
USPS delivery confirmation services must be purchased at the time of shipment for an additional fee (except for USPS Tracking when it is included by default). Some services, such as Adult Signature Required/Restricted Delivery, can only be purchased online.
UPS Delivery Confirmation Services
Like the USPS, UPS offers several delivery confirmation services that provide varying levels of proof of delivery.
UPS Tracking. Strictly speaking, this is not an additional service, as tracking is available for most UPS shipments, allowing senders to receive updates on the status of their shipment and the time of delivery or attempted delivery. However, it does not confirm that the package was received by the intended recipient and was not stolen by a porch pirate, for example.
UPS Delivery Confirmation. After delivery, UPS sends a delivery confirmation and delivery details to the sender. A recipient’s signature, however, is not required.
UPS Signature Required. A UPS driver collects the recipient’s signature or electronic equivalent, and the sender receives a confirmation notice and can view the signature or electronic acknowledgment.
UPS Adult Signature Required. Requires an adult (21 or older) at the address to sign for the package.
Verbal Delivery Confirmation. After the package is delivered, the delivery person will call the sender’s phone number on your shipment to confirm delivery. This service is available only for UPS Next Day Air Early AM, a premium overnight shipping service.
There is an additional charge for all UPS delivery confirmation services (except for tracking), but sometimes it is worth paying extra for peace of mind.