Certified mail 1974

A blast from the past!

In 1974, the United States Postal Service (USPS) had a system for sending certified mail, which provided proof of mailing and delivery. Here are some details about certified mail in 1974:

What was certified mail?

Certified mail was a type of mail service offered by the USPS that provided proof of mailing and delivery. It was designed to ensure that mail was delivered to the intended recipient and to provide a record of the mailing.

How did it work?

To send certified mail, the sender would take their mail to a post office and request certified mail service. The USPS would then affix a special label to the mail, which included the sender's and recipient's names and addresses, as well as a unique certification number.

The mail was then sent to the recipient, who would sign for it upon delivery. The recipient's signature was used to verify that the mail was delivered to the correct person.

What was the cost?

The cost of certified mail in 1974 varied depending on the weight and size of the mail piece. According to the USPS's 1974 rate schedule, the cost of certified mail was as follows:

What was the tracking process like?

In 1974, the USPS used a manual tracking system for certified mail. The post office would keep a record of the mailing, including the sender's and recipient's names, addresses, and the certification number. The recipient's signature was used to verify delivery.

If the mail was not delivered or was lost, the sender could file a claim with the USPS to recover the cost of the mail piece.

What was the purpose of certified mail?

Certified mail was designed to provide a secure and reliable way to send important documents, such as bills, invoices, and legal documents. It was also used to send gifts and other items that required proof of delivery.

Overall, certified mail in 1974 was an important service that provided a level of security and accountability for mail senders and recipients.