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Understanding USPS® Signature Confirmation

In today's world, secure shipment delivery is more crucial than ever, with online shoppers placing a premium on reliability. Simultaneously, the rise of porch piracy has become a growing concern. To address these issues, signature confirmation services play a vital role in ensuring that shipments reach their intended destinations as planned.

 

USPS® Signature Confirmation stands out as a valuable service, demanding that the recipient or an authorized party signs for the shipment's release. This service provides peace of mind for both shippers and customers, particularly those dealing with high-value shipments, and is exclusively available for domestic US shipments.

 

For a nominal fee, USPS® offers four delivery confirmation services:

 

  1. USPS® Signature Confirmation
  2. USPS® Adult Signature Confirmation
  3. USPS® Restricted Delivery
  4. USPS® Adult Signature Restricted Delivery

 

This article delves into the intricacies of Signature Confirmation and explores similar USPS® services.

 

 What is USPS® Signature Confirmation? 

 

USPS® Signature Confirmation is an added-value service that mandates the recipient or an accountable party to sign for the release of their shipment. In essence, the recipient must be physically present to receive the shipment, presenting a valid photo ID to confirm their identity. USPS® will only complete the delivery upon obtaining a signature. After delivery, USPS® informs the shipper of the confirmation details, including the date, time, and location.

 

Undelivered shipments are returned to the local delivery hub, accompanied by a paper notice and online notification, signaling a delivery attempt. These notifications enable shippers to track the shipment's status, offering assurance to recipients that their order will safely reach them.

 

 USPS® Delivery Confirmation Services: 

 

  1. USPS® Signature Confirmation: Allows the recipient or any responsible adult in the residence to sign for the shipment.
  2. USPS® Adult Signature Confirmation: Requires someone 21 years or older to sign for the shipment.
  3. USPS® Restricted Delivery: Permits only a specified person to sign and receive the shipment, coupled with additional services like Signature, Required, Certified Mail, COD, Insured Mail (over $500), or Registered Mail.
  4. USPS® Adult Signature Restricted Delivery:  Exclusive service where only a specified adult can sign and receive the shipment, available with Certified Mail, Insured Mail (over $500), COD, or Registered Mail.

 

Recipients also have the option to sign electronically for their shipments via USPS® Electronic Signature.

 

 Benefits of USPS® Signature Confirmation: 

 

  1. Peace of Mind:  Delivery confirmation instills confidence for both shippers and recipients, crucial for high-value and sensitive shipments.
  2. Responsible Delivery:  USPS® Adult Signature Confirmation ensures that sensitive shipments, such as alcohol or CBD products, are received by adults.

 

 The Cost of USPS® Signature Confirmation: 

 

Signature confirmation services are available for a small fee when purchasing your shipping label. The costs vary for different USPS® delivery confirmation services, with options for Priority Mail, Parcel Select, First Class, Media Mail, Retail Ground, and Package Services. Priority Mail Express shipments automatically receive signature confirmation services.

 

Here's a breakdown of costs for USPS® delivery confirmation services:

 

  1. USPS® Signature Required: 

   - Post Office: $3.80

   - USPS®.com: $3.25

 

  1. USPS® Adult Signature Required: 

   - $9.05

 

  1. USPS® Restricted Delivery: 

   - Signature Confirmation: $10.35 online, $9.80 at Post Office

   - Certified Mail: $10.80

   - COD: $6.55

   - Insured Mail: $6.55

   - Registered Mail: $6.55

 

  1. USPS® Adult Signature Restricted Delivery: 

   - $9.35

 

 Restrictions and Considerations: 

 

  1. Domestic Shipments Only:  USPS® Signature Confirmation is restricted to domestic US shipments.
  2. Shipment Thickness: Shipments must be greater than 3/4 inch thick, with thinner items requiring a rigid box or container.
  3. Limited Availability: USPS® Signature Confirmation is not available for APO/FPO/DPO destinations or shipments addressed to specific ZIP codes in certain Freely Associated States and Territories.

 

 How to Use USPS® Signature Confirmation: 

 

USPS® Signature Confirmation operates similarly to regular USPS® tracking services. Tracking the delivery status can be done through the tracking page for your shipment or by calling USPS® customer service. If the recipient is unavailable during delivery attempts, USPS® leaves a note specifying the next scheduled delivery time or the local Post Office location for shipment retrieval.

 

In the case of missed deliveries, USPS® provides 1-2 additional attempts before holding undelivered shipments at the nearest Post Office for 15 days, after which they are returned to the shipper.

 

Understanding the intricacies of USPS® Signature Confirmation and its variants empowers shippers and recipients alike, contributing to a more secure and reliable shipment delivery experience.

 

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