USPS Certified Mail tracking system is different than FedEx or UPS. Primarily because the tracking information doesn't actually show up until the Certified Mail letter is delivered. USPS tracking should really be thought of as Delivery Confirmation.
Certified Mail Tracking
USPS Certified Mail tracking is much different than most other shipping and tracking vendors. Primarily because the tracking information doesn't actually show up until the Certified Mail item is delivered. USPS tracking should really be called Delivery Confirmation because it is not a robust as UPS or FedEx tracking systems.
USPS tracking numbers consist of only numbers such as 01996569533697. If you mistakenly input a FEDEX tracking number into USPS it smart enough to spit out an error that you put in an invalid USPS tracking number. If USPS tracking is unable to confirm delivery of a package, USPS will refund the delivery confirmation or special service fee.
All packages must first be scanned by USPS personnel. USPS only provides tracking service after labels are printed or shipped from a supplier. In general most customers report the USPS tracking system needs improvement. I have used the USPS tracking numbers to track my package on-line but there is no in-transit information on my package like there is from UPS or FedEx.
For USPS Priority Mail and USPS Certified Mail, the USPS tracking function only provides information on the delivery date and delivery status. Using the supplied USPS tracking number you can manually track your article or package on the USPS.com web site for up to 60 days, after that the information is not available online.
Private companies like www.Certified-Mail-Envelopes.com now provides access to a free Internet based program that allows you to track your Certified Mail Envelope in-route as the letter is being delivered. You get USPS mail acceptance scans that serve as your proof of mailing, then in-route tracking that contains the date each Post Office processed your letter. The final Post Office is responsible for collecting a signature as proof of delivery. The data is then electronically stored in your free online account or you can download to Excel, or burn onto a CD. The only hitch is you need to use their special patented Certified Mail Envelope. Each envelope includes Electronic Return Receipt and costs $1.55 but you no longer pay the $1.85 Return Receipt Green Card postage fee. The bottom line, you end up saving $.30 cents per letter plus get Electronic tracking and have no more Green Cards to file.
Remember USPS does not scan their labels at every stop like other common carriers. The USPS tracking service isn't good for much more than telling whether the package entered the mail stream and whether it has been delivered. It is not uncommon for packages to not show an origin scan and only the confirmation of delivery. If you send the USPS Money Order it is suggested you obtain a tracking confirmation.
In summary, USPS tracking is improving slowly. USPS tracking is not available for APO/FPO deliveries. If USPS tracking is unable to confirm delivery of a package or Certified Letter the cost of the Special Service fee will be refunded. USPS tracking should really be thought of as Delivery Confirmation since it doesn't actually show up until the item
