Informed mail delivery

Informed Mail Delivery (IMD) is a system used by the United States Postal Service (USPS) to provide customers with information about the delivery status of their mail and packages. Here's how it works:

What is Informed Delivery?

Informed Delivery is a free service that sends customers a daily or weekly email with images of their incoming mail and packages. This allows customers to see what's coming in the mail before it arrives, and even interact with some packages before they're delivered.

How does it work?

To use Informed Delivery, customers need to sign up for the service on the USPS website. Once signed up, customers can view their daily or weekly email, which includes:

  1. Images of their incoming mail and packages
  2. A list of the items being delivered, including the sender's name and address
  3. The ability to interact with some packages, such as signing for delivery or leaving a delivery instruction

Benefits of Informed Delivery

Informed Delivery offers several benefits, including:

  1. Convenience: Customers can see what's coming in the mail before it arrives, making it easier to plan their day.
  2. Security: Informed Delivery helps prevent package theft by allowing customers to track their packages and receive notifications when they're delivered.
  3. Time-saving: Customers can sign for packages and leave delivery instructions electronically, reducing the need for re-delivery attempts.
  4. Environmental benefits: By reducing the need for re-delivery attempts, Informed Delivery can help reduce carbon emissions and minimize the environmental impact of mail delivery.

Eligibility and limitations

Informed Delivery is available to customers who:

  1. Have a valid USPS address
  2. Are 18 years or older
  3. Have a valid email address
  4. Are not a business or organization

Some limitations of Informed Delivery include:

  1. Not all mail is eligible: Informed Delivery only applies to mail and packages that are processed through the USPS's automated package processing system.
  2. Some packages may not be visible: Packages that are not scanned or processed through the automated system may not be visible in the Informed Delivery email.
  3. Delivery times may vary: Informed Delivery emails are sent at a set time each day, but delivery times may vary depending on the location and volume of mail.

Overall, Informed Delivery is a convenient and secure way for customers to track their mail and packages, and stay informed about their delivery status.