Unveiling the Truth: How Accurate is USPS Informed Delivery?

Unveiling the Truth: How Accurate is USPS Informed Delivery?

USPS Informed Delivery is a service that allows users to preview their incoming mail and packages. Launched in 2017, this service has gained immense popularity among users who want to stay updated about their mail status without even leaving their homes. However, the question arises as to how accurate the service is, and if users can entirely rely on it. In this article, we’ll explore the accuracy of USPS Informed Delivery and provide you with all the information that you need to know.

First, let’s understand how USPS Informed Delivery works. When you sign up for the service, you’ll receive an email every morning containing scanned images of your mail pieces that USPS has processed for delivery. You can also access the same preview through the USPS Informed Delivery app on your mobile device. The service is free of charge, and users can preview up to ten mailpieces a day.

Now, the big question – how accurate is this service? According to USPS, the service is 95% accurate. However, it’s important to note that this percentage varies for different users based on several factors that can affect the service’s accuracy. For instance, if your mailbox is shared with other individuals, the service may not be able to distinguish between your mail and theirs, leading to mixed results. Similarly, the service may not be able to scan images of certain mailpieces, such as bulk mail, magazines, or catalogs, leading to skipped previews.

Additionally, as with any technology, glitches and errors may occur. Instances have been reported where the service provided inaccurate previews, such as showing a mailpiece as delivered when it wasn’t or delivering a package to the wrong address. While such incidents are rare, it’s essential to keep in mind that USPS Informed Delivery should not be the sole method of tracking your mail.

To ensure maximum accuracy, USPS recommends verifying mail deliveries through traditional methods such as tracking numbers and physical mail. It’s also crucial to report any errors or inconsistencies to USPS as soon as possible.

In conclusion, USPS Informed Delivery is a useful service that can help users stay updated about their mail status. While the service is undoubtedly accurate, several factors can affect its reliability, and it’s essential to use it as a supplementary tool rather than the primary method of tracking mail. Regularly verifying mail through physical mail and tracking numbers is still necessary to ensure accurate tracking of mailpieces.

In conclusion, USPS Informed Delivery is a great tool for staying up to date with the status of your mail. However, users should be aware that it’s not a perfect system and may not always be accurate. We recommend using it as a supplement to traditional mail tracking methods and reporting any errors or inconsistencies to USPS. With these precautions in mind, USPS Informed Delivery is an excellent service that can save time and keep users informed about their mail.