Tag: usps tracking

Now Available! Send Registered Mail Through LetterStream

We’re excited to announce that sending Registered Mail online is now available in your online portal. If you’re a company or someone who is required to send letters internationally with tracking then this product is definitely for you. We’ll dive into what Registered Mail is, the reality of sending letters this way, alternative options and how to access this feature in your account. Let’s dive in!

What is Registered Mail?

If you’re not sure what Registered Mail is here’s a quick overview:

USPS Registered Mail is basically like sending Certified Mail except it’s to international locations. You are supposed to get proof of mailing, a unique tracking code, proof of delivery and a signature confirmation upon delivery.

Now, here’s the thing, it is technically considered to be a more secure process than Certified Mail tracking is. With Registered Mail tracking the sender can potentially get more progress updates than one would if sending a Certified letter. Tracking Registered Mail is considered to be a more in-depth process. A Registered letter can be tracked from the beginning, starting with the person at the USPS Post Office, then to each location it arrives at and when, to its delivery status, delivery confirmation and recipient signature.

Sending A Registered Letter Isn’t For Everyone

With that being said, we want to be completely up-front and transparent about this new product offering. We go more in-depth about it on our blog post here, but the reality behind sending Registered Mail is that it actually isn’t as secure as the USPS claims it to be especially when sending to international addresses. After our part is done it gets sent to the Post Office and then shipped out from there. Once the letter lands in the destination country, a new courier is responsible for delivery. Because of that they may or may not follow the proper protocols and that is beyond our control. 

Something else to keep in mind, the delivery timeframe can take a very long time, the cost is a lot higher (more on those later) and a signature confirmation is also NOT guaranteed.

Again, we’re only stating all of this because we want to make sure you’re aware of what to expect when sending your letters this way.

Ok, now let’s get more into the details of sending a registered letter.

The Pink Slip

Registered Mail pink slip on an envelope of an international letter

If you’ve never heard of a pink slip in the mailing world than let us explain. A Registered letter pink slip is the equivalent of a Certified Mail green card (which is also known as a Return Receipt or an Electronic Return Receipt). The pink slip is placed on the back side of a mailing envelope. It covers the envelope flap to help secure the mailing. The Post Office will also stamp on and around both the pink slip and the envelope flap so that the sender and receiver can see if either has been tampered with. Again, this is not guaranteed but it is essentially what is supposed to take place.

Registered Mail Cost

Let’s briefly talk about price. It’s important to know that the cost of sending a Registered letter is on the higher end, especially compared to sending regular mail. Since Registered Mail is sent internationally, the location changes the cost of sending it. When sending through LetterStream, the price for sending Registered Mail starts at $30 and goes up from there. Not so great, we know.

Delivery Time

Ok, here’s the other not-so-great part. Sending a Registered letter can take a while to get to its destination. Again, this all depends on the location the letter is being sent to but it’s important to note that it can take a long time for a letter to arrive. How long you ask? It can take, on average, 15 days (about 2 weeks) to be delivered but it can also take anywhere from 6-8 weeks (about 2 months). And yes, you did, in fact, read that correctly.

If you have to send a letter internationally then Registered Mail is for you. However, if you’re looking to send a secure letter within the US then USPS Certified Mail is absolutely the way to go.

Access Registered Mail in Your LetterStream Account

To send a Registered letter online through LetterStream, simply login to your online portal (if you’re new you can create a free account here) and click on ”Send Letters.”

On the right-hand side there will be a section called “I would like my mailing sent” and below that you can choose to send your letter as Registered Mail. You can then go through the process of uploading a job to the website and proofing it. From there we handle the rest, including the printing, stuffing and mailing. After your letter is sent you can go back into your account and track the process of it. Keep in mind, that only 15 sheets of paper can be sent in each Registered envelope.

Although Registered Mail is the most obvious choice when you’re required to send mail internationally with tracking, it is important to remember that the process can be more promising than it seems. Unfortunately, tracking, signature confirmation, and delivery are not actually guaranteed. Sometimes the tracking is behind or it doesn’t actually track throughout the entire process. Sometimes you may not actually receive a signature confirmation and like we mentioned above, sometimes it can take a really, really long time to arrive at its destination.

With that said, we don’t recommend using Registered Mail unless it’s an absolute must and, in that case, we’re happy to offer this product to you.

To learn more about Registered Mail click here and to learn more about Certified Mail service with USPS tracking click here.

Is USPS Certified Mail Trackable?

When it comes to important mailings, United States Postal Service (USPS) Certified Mail is a popular choice for individuals and businesses alike. This service provides a level of security and accountability by offering tracking and proof of delivery. Let’s go on a little journey as we explore the trackability of USPS Certified Mail. We’ll talk about how to track it, the importance of certified mail proof of delivery, and what to do if your USPS Certified Mail tracking isn’t updating.

Understanding USPS Certified Mail Tracking

USPS Certified Mail is a service that provides added security for sensitive or important mail items. One of the key features of this service is the ability to track the progress of your mail piece. Each Certified Mail item is assigned a unique tracking number that allows both the sender and recipient to monitor its whereabouts. Pretty cool, right?

How to Track USPS Certified Mail Letter

Tracking USPS Certified Mail is a straightforward process. To track your Certified Mail item, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Locate your USPS Certified Mail tracking number or mailing receipt. This number can be found on the receipt you received when you sent the mail or on the mailing label.

Step 2: Visit the USPS website or use the USPS mobile app.

Step 3: Type in the tracking number into the specified box and select the “Track” option.

Step 4: The website or app will display the current status and location of your USPS Certified Mail item. You will be able to see when it was sent, where it is in transit, and when it is delivered.

A Simple Solution for Sending and Tracking Online Certified Mail

Now that you know how to track Certified Mail, let’s talk about using LetterStream as a simplified solution to send your Certified letter. If you’re new to our website here is a quick overview of the LetterStream way to send Certified Mail.

Nearly two (2) decades ago (wow! time sure does fly by fast), we pioneered the industry by creating and implementing the first process for sending certified mail online. Our process is not only effective but it’s extremely convenient for our customers. Normally when sending a certified letter, you have to gather the supplies, print your documents, stuff them into envelopes and take a fun little trip down to the post office where you probably get to wait in a nice little line.

Instead, we take care of absolutely everything for you! Well, nearly everything. You are required to sign into your account and upload your document(s), but that’s all! Honestly! We manage all the other aspects for you.

Plus, we’re not like other companies where you can buy the label and supplies but still have to print and send the letter yourself. We do it all for you, from start to finish!

If you already use our online portal to send Certified Mail, then you know we make this process even easier. You can simply login to your online account and directly track your mailing there.

USPS Certified Mail Delivery Confirmation

Ok, let’s get back to it.

Certified Mail offers a USPS tracking number with delivery confirmation to both the sender and the recipient. The USPS delivery confirmation feature provides peace of mind by verifying that the mail item has been delivered via signature confirmation. The USPS updates the tracking information to reflect the delivery status once the item reaches its destination. This confirmation can be crucial, especially when dealing with important documents or legal correspondence.

Certified Mail Proof of Delivery

One of the significant advantages of a Certified letter is the ability to obtain proof of delivery or signature confirmation. This proves that your mail reached the right person. The USPS provides several options for obtaining proof of delivery, including:

  • Return Receipt: This is a physical document that is signed by the recipient or an authorized person at the delivery address. It is then mailed back to the sender, providing a tangible proof of delivery.
  • Electronic Return Receipt (ERR): This option provides an electronic confirmation of delivery. The recipient’s signature is captured electronically and can be viewed online. Both ERR and return receipt will also show that the mailman attempted delivery but had no luck.
  • USPS Tracking: The online tracking information provided by USPS can serve as proof of delivery. The status updates and delivery confirmation on the USPS website can be used as evidence.

Keep in mind, if you’re using our service, we offer an Electronic Return Receipt (ERR) that you can track right in your customer account.

USPS Certified Mail Tracking Not Updating

In some instances, you may notice that the USPS Certified Mail tracking information is not updating as expected. This can be concerning, but there are a few factors to consider:

  • Processing Delays: It’s possible that the tracking information is delayed due to processing delays at the USPS sorting facilities. In such cases, it’s advisable to wait a few days and check the tracking status again.
  • Incorrect Tracking Number: Double-check the tracking number you entered to ensure accuracy. Even a small error can prevent the tracking information from updating. Again, keep in mind, LetterStream’s online portal takes this option out of the mix since we house and provide the certified tracking number for you.
  • Technical Issues: Occasionally, technical glitches or system maintenance can disrupt the real-time tracking updates. If you suspect this to be the case, try tracking the item again later.

If you have followed these steps and still have concerns about the tracking status of your USPS Certified Mail, it is recommended to reach out to USPS customer support for further assistance.

To learn more about our hassle-free, easy and convenient way to send certified mail from the comfort of your home or office (or anywhere really) then click here.