Informed Delivery

Informed Delivery is a free service offered by the United States Postal Service that allows users to digitally preview their incoming mail and packages. This service is available to residents of the United States and is designed to provide users with greater control and flexibility over their mail delivery. Informed Delivery is part of the United States Postal Service's efforts to modernize and improve its services, as outlined by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy and supported by Federal Trade Commission and National Association of Letter Carriers. The service is also aligned with the goals of the Postal Regulatory Commission and the National Postal Mail Handlers Union.

Overview

Informed Delivery is a digital service that uses United States Postal Service's existing barcode scanning infrastructure to track and digitize mailpieces. The service is available to users who have a United States Postal Service account and can be accessed through the USPS website or mobile app, which is developed in partnership with IBM and Microsoft. Users can view grayscale images of the exterior of their incoming mailpieces, including letters, postcards, and packages, which are processed at United States Postal Service facilities such as the James A. Farley Post Office and the Denver Processing and Distribution Center. The service also provides users with delivery status updates and estimated delivery times, which are calculated using Google Maps and FedEx algorithms. Informed Delivery is part of the United States Postal Service's efforts to improve customer experience, as highlighted by American Postal Workers Union and National Association of Postal Supervisors.

Features and functionality

Informed Delivery offers several features and functionalities to users, including digital mail preview, delivery status updates, and estimated delivery times. Users can also use the service to request redelivery or hold their mail, which is facilitated by United States Postal Service partners such as UPS and DHL. The service also allows users to track their packages and receive notifications when their mail is delivered, which is made possible through partnerships with Amazon and eBay. Informed Delivery is integrated with other United States Postal Service services, such as USPS Tracking and USPS Package Intercept, which are used by Federal Bureau of Investigation and United States Department of Homeland Security. The service is also compatible with Apple Watch and Google Home, allowing users to access their mail information on-the-go, as demonstrated by CES and SXSW.

Privacy and security considerations

Informed Delivery raises several privacy and security concerns, as it involves the digital scanning and storage of mailpieces. The United States Postal Service has implemented various measures to protect user data, including encryption and access controls, which are audited by General Accounting Office and Office of the Inspector General. The service is also subject to United States Postal Service's privacy policy, which is governed by Federal Trade Commission and Electronic Privacy Information Center. However, some users may still be concerned about the potential risks of identity theft and mail theft, which are addressed by United States Postal Inspection Service and National Crime Prevention Council. To mitigate these risks, the United States Postal Service has partnered with Symantec and McAfee to provide users with additional security features, such as two-factor authentication and malware protection, which are also used by NASA and National Security Agency.

Enrollment and availability

Informed Delivery is available to residents of the United States who have a United States Postal Service account. Users can enroll in the service by visiting the USPS website or mobile app, which is available for iOS and Android devices, and is developed in partnership with Apple and Google. The service is free to use, and users can opt-out at any time, as stated by Federal Communications Commission and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Informed Delivery is currently available in most zip codes across the United States, including New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago, which are served by United States Postal Service facilities such as the James A. Farley Post Office and the Los Angeles Processing and Distribution Center. The service is also available in US territories, such as Puerto Rico and Guam, which are served by United States Postal Service partners such as UPS and FedEx.

Impact and reception

Informed Delivery has received generally positive reviews from users, who appreciate the convenience and flexibility it offers. The service has also been recognized by industry experts, such as Forrester Research and Gartner, for its innovative use of digital technology to improve the mail experience. However, some users have raised concerns about the potential environmental impact of the service, as it may encourage users to print out digital copies of their mail, which is addressed by Environmental Protection Agency and Sierra Club. Overall, Informed Delivery is an important part of the United States Postal Service's efforts to modernize and improve its services, as highlighted by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy and supported by National Association of Letter Carriers and American Postal Workers Union. The service has also been recognized by awards such as the Stevie Awards and the Webby Awards, which are presented by International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences and The Webby Awards. Category:Postal services