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How to Ensure Prompt Mail Delivery

The coronavirus has suddenly made millions of people and businesses more dependent on postal services. At the same time, the United States Postal Service is cutting back on resources.

As a result, it’s proving challenging for the service to keep up with demand. This circumstance can prove troublesome when you rely on mail delivery to transport important documents and packages for your home or business.

Coming changes for the United States Postal Service could slow delivery times. According to the new Postmaster General, the USPS wants to continue its tradition of public service while remaining within budget.

It’s unclear exactly what that means. However, it more than likely means that changes are coming to America’s long-trusted institution. These changes could cause unfortunate delays for your important mail.

Aside from taking care of your friendly neighborhood mailman on the holidays, there are a few things that you can do to make sure that your parcels make it to their destination.

Keep reading to learn how to ensure prompt mail delivery.

Take Advantage of Address Validation

One of the best things you can do to ensure prompt mail delivery is to use the correct address. Address validation enables you to check a mailing address against the USPS database. This process is also called address verification.

Address validation involves matching a mail address to a validated entry. If the address that you use to mail something doesn’t match precisely, it’s technically invalid. An invalid address isn’t registered with the Postal Service and can cause parcel delays.

The USPS maintains a comprehensive database of mail addresses. USPS database validation is a two-part process – parsing and standardization.

Address parsing involves breaking down an address into its principal parts, such as the city, state, and ZIP Code. Address standardization involves formatting a mailing address so that it matches the standards specified by the USPS. Once the USPS parses a mail address, they can standardize it.

By checking for address validation on the USPS website, you can make sure that your address isn’t missing any important information. It can also help you to eliminate misspelled words or the misrepresentation of other critical information such as ZIP Codes and street suffixes.

Use Priority Mail

Priority mail is a value-added service offered by the USPS. You can use the agency’s selection of flat rate envelopes and boxes to mail documents and packages.

The service costs between $7.15 and $18.30. Although the USPS prices the service reasonably, your document or item must fit within their provided packaging.

Alternatively, you can use a non-USPS box for priority mail service. In this instance, the post office will weigh your package and determine your rate.

The USPS will charge you a flat rate if the package weighs under 20 pounds. You can also mail the package locally or between one and four zones.

It must also measure less than 84 inches to 108 inches for you to receive the flat rate. If you exceed these parameters, the USPS will charge you accordingly.

With Priority Mail service, you can also schedule a pickup online. If you use this service, the postal carrier will pick up a document or package from your home or business.

The USPS also offers Pickup on Demand if you need to mail an important item before a carrier’s regular arrival time. The service costs $20 per pickup.

A carrier will pick up your parcel inside of a two-hour window. You can also order Pickup on Demand for Priority Mail Express, Partial Select Ground, or Global Express Guaranteed service.

Sign Up for Informed Delivery

The USPS Informed Delivery service can help you track last-mile parcel deliveries. The online service enables you to preview your mail and packages digitally.

Once the postal service has scanned an envelope or entered a package into its system, you can view information about those items online. Informed Delivery service also provides you with a grayscale image of the front of letter-sized parcels.

Signing up for Informed Delivery is free and relatively easy. First, you’ll need to create your online account.

Next, you’ll need to verify your identity. Once you’ve completed these steps, you can receive Informed Delivery notifications on any smart device. As an example, you can sign up for email or text notifications.

Informed Delivery enables you to interact with your parcels using a secure digital dashboard. For example, you can check the delivery status of packages and when they are due to arrive.

You can also use the dashboard to leave delivery instructions so that you can receive a package or important document when you’re not home. Additionally, you can use Informed Delivery to reschedule missed deliveries. By signing up for Informed Delivery, you can prevent scheduling conflicts from delaying the timely delivery of your parcels.

Make Sure You Have the Right Mailbox for Prompt Mail Delivery

It can prove problematic and worrisome when your mail doesn’t arrive as scheduled. If your mail gets lost or intercepted, sensitive information can fall into the wrong hands. You can prevent this issue by using a secure mailbox.

A secure residential or commercial mailbox is one of the safest ways to receive important documentation. It also prevents unauthorized individuals or personnel from accessing sensitive mail.

As a bonus, some mailboxes have space for outgoing mail, saving you a trip to the post office. However, it’s important that you choose a mailbox that is USPS approved.

Upgrade Your Mailbox Today!

Due to recent events, postal delivery has become considerably important for many people. Now that you know more about how to ensure prompt mail delivery, you may want to find out more about investing in a new mailbox.

National Mailboxes is your go-to source for USPS approved residential and business mailboxes. Our friendly parcel experts can guide you through the selection process. If you need several mailboxes, we also offer volume discounts.

Contact National Mailboxes at (800) 676-5161 or browse our online catalog to find the perfect mailbox for your home or business.