Advice

How Do I Know if Mail Is Being Delivered Today?

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How Do I Know if Mail Is Being Delivered Today? Here’s the Short Answer

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “how do I know if mail is being delivered today?”, you’re not alone. Whether you’re waiting on an important letter, a check, or a package you’ve been tracking for days, knowing the exact mail delivery status can save you a lot of uncertainty — and even help prevent issues like mail theft or missed drop-offs.

The good news? The United States Postal Service offers a free service called USPS Informed Delivery. It lets you preview your letter sized mail, get informed delivery notifications, and track incoming and outbound packages right from your phone or desktop. You’ll see a grayscale image of each letter sized mailpiece scheduled for delivery that day, plus package tracking notifications with your expected delivery date. You can also receive an email notification with updates about your incoming mail and package status, so you never miss an important delivery.

This isn’t just about convenience — having real-time delivery notifications means you can be home when something valuable arrives or leave delivery instructions to ensure your item is safe. And with the usps mobile app or desktop informed delivery page, you can check your delivery status from anywhere.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

How USPS Informed Delivery works
How to sign up for informed delivery and set your informed delivery settings
What to do if mail has been delivered but you didn’t receive it
Other tracking options for mail and packages
How businesses can manage bulk tracking more effectively with LettrLabs

💡 Want more than just delivery tracking? See how LettrLabs’ tracking and analytics tools give businesses real-time insight into every campaign.

Quick Answer — USPS Informed Delivery Is the Key

If your goal is to instantly know whether mail has been delivered today, the simplest, most reliable solution is USPS Informed Delivery. This free service from the United States Postal Service gives you two powerful capabilities in one:

A digital preview of letter sized mail before it hits your physical mailbox
Real-time package tracking notifications for all mail and packages tied to your address

Once you have an informed delivery account, you’ll receive informed delivery notifications via email notifications or directly in the usps mobile app. These updates include:

Remaining mail images of what’s on the way
The delivery date and expected delivery time for packages scheduled to arrive
Status changes in your delivery status, whether it’s “out for delivery,” “delivered,” or “available for pickup”

Why it’s the fastest method: Instead of calling your local post office or waiting for a mail carrier to show up, you can check your informed delivery page or usps mobile dashboard anytime — even when you’re away from home.

💡 Managing more than just a single mailbox? LettrLabs’ direct mail automation integrates tracking into your marketing workflow so you always know when mail reaches your customers.

Why You Might Want to Track Today’s Mail

For some people, knowing if mail has been delivered is simply about curiosity. But for many, it’s about timing, security, and peace of mind. With identity theft, mail theft, and delivery delays making headlines, staying ahead of your mail delivery status is more important than ever.

Here are some common reasons to keep an eye on your mail and packages:

Security: Prevent mail theft by retrieving important items quickly. Delivery notifications and status updates let you know exactly when your delivered packages have arrived, so you can act before anything sits unattended.
Planning ahead: If you know your packages scheduled are arriving today, you can adjust your day to be home for signature-required deliveries or valuable mail, and be promptly notified when your delivered packages reach your address.
Avoiding missed deadlines: Legal notices, contracts, and time-sensitive materials often come via USPS. Knowing the exact delivery date ensures you can respond promptly.
Business operations: For small businesses, missing a delivery could mean delayed sales, unhappy customers, or production bottlenecks.

And let’s not forget — life happens. Bad weather, federal holidays, or routing errors can cause unexpected delays. Having a system like USPS Informed Delivery in place means you’ll get status updates immediately, including notifications about your delivered packages, so you’re not left guessing.

💡 Running campaigns where delivery timing matters? Our tracking and analytics tools help you see exactly when customers receive your mail, making follow-up marketing far more effective.

Mail Types and Delivery

The postal service handles a wide range of mail and packages, each with its own delivery process and tracking options.

Letter Sized Mail

For everyday correspondence, letter sized mail is processed using USPS’s automated equipment. This system scans the address side of each envelope, creating grayscale images that are sent to your informed delivery notifications. That way, you’ll know exactly what’s scheduled to arrive in your physical mailbox each day.

Packages and Tracking

For parcels, USPS offers robust package tracking features. Every shipment is assigned a uniquely coded tracking number, enabling package tracking notifications via email notifications or text message. You’ll know the moment a package is “out for delivery” or when mail has been delivered.

Priority Mail and Secure Deliveries

Priority Mail provides faster shipping and can include signature requirements for added security. By registering a digital signature online, you can authorize deliveries even when you’re away — avoiding missed drop-offs.

Virtual Mailbox Options

For maximum flexibility, virtual mailbox services allow you to view, organize, and manage your mail online, no matter where you are. You’ll also receive instant delivery notifications when new mail arrives.

With tools like Informed Delivery, package tracking, and digital signature online, you can stay updated on every delivery and maintain complete control over how you receive your mail.

💡 Want this level of tracking for your marketing materials? LettrLabs’ tracking and analytics tools give you delivery insights across every campaign you send.

USPS Informed Delivery — How It Works

The USPS Informed Delivery service is the most direct way to answer the question, “how do I know if mail is being delivered today?” It’s a free service that combines mail delivery previews with package tracking in one easy-to-use platform. Through the informed delivery section of the USPS website or app, users can sign up or log in to manage their mail notifications and account settings related to the USPS informed delivery service.

When you sign up for an informed delivery account, you get access to:

Digital Previews of Letter Sized Mail

Every morning, USPS’s automated equipment scans your letter sized mailpieces before they leave the sorting facility. You’ll see grayscale images of the address side of each envelope in your informed delivery notifications, helping you identify important items before they arrive in your physical mailbox.

Package Tracking Inside Informed Delivery

Beyond letters, you can monitor incoming and outbound packages in the same dashboard. You’ll see delivery status, expected delivery date, and delivery details for any packages scheduled. This includes tracking number updates, location scans, and notes from your mail carrier or postal carrier.

Additionally, users can create and manage shipping labels directly through the USPS app, making it easier to handle outgoing packages.

Informed Delivery Notifications You Can Receive

You can customize informed delivery settings to receive:

Mail delivery notification emails
Package tracking notifications (email or text)
Status updates when a package is “out for delivery” or “delivered”

This means you can stay informed whether you’re at home, at work, or traveling — simply check your usps mobile app or informed delivery page for the latest.

💡 If you want this level of visibility for every marketing piece you send, check out LettrLabs’ direct mail automation — it includes delivery tracking so you can time your sales outreach perfectly.

Signing Up for USPS Informed Delivery

If you want to access informed delivery notifications, digital previews of your letter sized mail, and package tracking notifications, you’ll need to create an informed delivery account. The process is straightforward, but it includes a few eligibility checks and a short verification process.

After completing the identity verification process, users are taken to a confirmation page, which may also include a confirmation letter.

Step 1 — Go to the Informed Delivery Page

Visit the official informed delivery page on the USPS website. You’ll see a “Sign Up for Free” button — click it to start. This is where you’ll enter your information, check eligibility, and create your login credentials.

Step 2 — Enter and Verify Your Mailing Address

USPS will confirm whether your address is eligible. To qualify, your mailbox must be uniquely coded, and your ZIP code must fall within the service area.

Some apartment buildings or shared housing setups might not be eligible.
If you’re eligible, you’ll be prompted to set up your username, password, and informed delivery email.
If you choose to verify your address by physical mail, you will receive a verification letter at your address, which may delay activation.

Step 3 — Choose Your Verification Method

USPS will verify you live at the address you provided. You can:

Use your mobile phone number for instant verification.
Receive a paper mailer with a unique code you’ll enter online.
Complete in person verification at your local post office.

For certain deliveries, USPS offers services like adult signature required, which ensures that only an adult at the address can sign for the item.

**Note:**Not all post offices offer in-person verification, so check the list provided during sign-up.

Step 4 — Adjust Your Informed Delivery Settings

Once verified, log in to your account and explore your informed delivery settings. Here, you can:

Opt into mail delivery notification emails
Set delivery instructions for packages
Choose whether to get email notifications or text updates for mail and packages

💡 Need more than USPS tracking for business campaigns? LettrLabs’ tracking and analytics tools show you exactly when your mail lands, so you can coordinate follow-ups instantly.

Using the USPS Mobile Tools to Check Mail

Once your informed delivery account is active, you don’t have to be at home to know whether your mail has been delivered — you can check anytime using USPS mobile tools. The USPS Informed Delivery dashboard also provides a centralized view of upcoming mail and package scans, though users should be aware of occasional delays or inaccuracies in status updates.

USPS Mobile App Features

The USPS mobile app (available on iOS and Android) gives you instant access to:

Your daily letter sized mail preview
Package tracking with tracking number details
Real-time delivery notifications for packages scheduled to arrive
Delivery date and expected delivery time updates

Because it syncs with your informed delivery settings, you’ll see the same incoming and outbound packages data that you would on the web, but optimized for your mobile device.

Online Dashboard Access

If you prefer using a desktop or tablet, log into your informed delivery page on the USPS website. From the online dashboard, you can:

View remaining mail images for the day
Check status updates and delivery details for any mail and packages
Manage delivery instructions and redelivery requests

These mobile and web tools mean you don’t have to call your local post office every time you’re waiting on something important — your tracking info is in your pocket.

💡 Want a similar level of visibility for your marketing campaigns? LettrLabs’ direct mail automation keeps you informed when your mail reaches customers so you can follow up at the perfect moment.

Online Mail Services

With today’s technology, managing your mail and packages is easier than ever — and USPS online services make it possible to stay in control from anywhere. When you have an informed delivery account, you can log into your informed delivery page or usps mobile app to:

View letter sized mail previews
Get delivery notifications for packages scheduled
Leave delivery instructions for your mail carrier

Your online dashboard acts as the central hub for everything — from package tracking and status updates to starting a missing mail search request. If you suspect missing mail, you can file a claim for lost or damaged items without visiting your local post office.

The USPS website also offers a service locator tool to help you find your nearest post office or postal service location for in-person assistance. By taking advantage of these online tools, you can streamline your mail delivery experience, track every package, and make sure nothing important slips through the cracks.

💡 For businesses, LettrLabs’ direct mail automation integrates delivery tracking into your campaigns — giving you the same convenience, but at scale.

What to Do If Mail Shows as Delivered But You Don’t Have It

Sometimes your informed delivery notifications or package tracking notifications will show that your mail has been delivered — yet your physical mailbox is empty. This can be frustrating, but it’s not always a sign of mail theft. There are several possible reasons for the mismatch, and a few steps you can take to resolve it.

Step 1 — Double-Check the Delivery Address

An outdated or incorrect mailing address could mean your mail and packages went to a different location. If the sender used an old address, the postal carrier may have delivered it elsewhere.

Step 2 — Wait for the Next Tracking Update

Occasionally, a mail carrier scans a package as “delivered” before it actually arrives. This can happen during busy days, in bad weather, or when equipment malfunctions. Often, the item shows up later the same day or the following morning.

Step 3 — Contact USPS

Call your local post office or visit in person. Provide your tracking number, mailing date, and sender’s information so they can check delivery details.

Step 4 — Start a Missing Mail Search

If the package still hasn’t turned up, file a missing mail search request on the USPS website. You’ll fill out a request form with details about the contents, sender, and destination address. USPS will begin looking for your item in their system.

💡 Sending time-sensitive or high-value items? LettrLabs’ tracking and analytics tools make it easy to verify when your mail lands, so you can act immediately if there’s a delay.

Other USPS Tracking Options

While USPS Informed Delivery is the fastest way to check if mail has been delivered, it’s not the only option. Depending on the type of mail and packages you send or receive, there are alternative USPS services that can give you detailed delivery notifications and greater security.

Certified Mail Tracking

Certified Mail is an add-on service you can apply to First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, or other USPS options. It gives you:

Proof of mailing and delivery
A digital signature online or physical signature card from the letter carrier
Optional Return Receipt service for confirmation

This is especially useful for legal documents, contracts, or anything requiring proof that the recipient got the mail.

Registered Mail for High-Value Items

Registered Mail is USPS’s most secure shipping service. Your items are stored under lock and key during transit, and the postal carrier must get a signature upon delivery. While tracking is limited (updates may only appear at key points), you’ll have peace of mind that your shipment is handled with extra security.

Tracking for Priority Mail Shipments

Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express include tracking number updates at no additional cost. You’ll get status updates for delivery date, location scans, and any exceptions. For most packages, this method is fast, affordable, and reliable.

💡 If you send marketing materials or important customer communications, LettrLabs’ direct mail automation offers built-in tracking — no add-on fees required.

When Tracking Isn’t Enough — Securing Your Deliveries

Even with package tracking notifications and informed delivery notifications, there are times when you need extra steps to ensure your mail and packages actually make it safely into your hands.

Use a Virtual Mailbox Service

A virtual mailbox receives your mail on your behalf, scans it, and lets you view the contents mail online. It’s useful for travelers, remote workers, or anyone who wants a secure location for deliveries. While USPS doesn’t provide this service directly, private providers can integrate with inbound and outbound packages tracking for added convenience.

Leave Delivery Instructions Online

Through your informed delivery settings, you can submit delivery instructions telling your mail carrier or postal carrier exactly where to leave packages — like with a neighbor, in a secure parcel locker, or inside a garage. You can also set up a digital signature online for items that normally require someone to sign in person.

Plan for Federal Holidays

Remember, federal holidays impact mail delivery schedules. If your packages scheduled to arrive fall on a holiday, they’ll usually be delivered the next business day. Tracking early and planning around USPS closures will help avoid last-minute surprises.

💡 For marketing campaigns, LettrLabs’ tracking and analytics tools let you plan customer outreach around exact delivery dates — so your follow-up hits at the perfect moment.

How LettrLabs Helps You Track and Manage Direct Mail

For personal mail, USPS Informed Delivery is an excellent solution. But if you’re running a business, especially one sending out marketing campaigns, invoices, or high-volume communications, it can quickly become impractical. Informed delivery notifications are designed for individual addresses — not for tracking hundreds or thousands of mail and packages at scale.

That’s where LettrLabs steps in.

With LettrLabs’ tracking and analytics tools, you get:

Real-time status updates when your marketing pieces are scanned for delivery
Insights into delivery date patterns so you can time follow-up calls or emails
Integration with CRMs, email marketing platforms, and sales tools via our direct mail automation system
Centralized reporting for all your mail formats — whether it’s handwritten mailers, printed postcards, or trifold brochures

Unlike USPS’s informed delivery feature, our platform is built for marketing teams. You can see exactly when a recipient’s mail lands and pair that with sales outreach — boosting your chances of engagement and response.

💡 Want to see it in action? Book a free LettrLabs demo and learn how to track and manage direct mail campaigns from one dashboard.

Never Wonder About Today’s Mail Again

Knowing whether your mail has been delivered shouldn’t be a guessing game. With tools like USPS Informed Delivery, you can preview your letter sized mail, receive delivery notifications, and track packages scheduled for arrival — all from your phone or desktop. By customizing your informed delivery settings, you’ll get exactly the email notifications and package tracking notifications you need, without overloading your inbox.

For personal use, this free service from the United States Postal Service is a simple, reliable way to stay informed. But for businesses that send high volumes of mail and packages, there’s a better path — LettrLabs. Our tracking and analytics tools and direct mail automation give you visibility into every campaign, so you can follow up at the perfect moment and maximize ROI.

Whether you’re waiting on an important delivery at home or running a nationwide marketing campaign, the right tracking system saves time, improves security, and ensures nothing slips through the cracks.

💡 Ready to stop wondering and start knowing? Explore LettrLabs today and see how we can help you track, manage, and optimize every piece of mail you send.

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Questions & Answers

What is direct mail marketing and how can it benefit my business?

Direct mail marketing involves sending physical correspondence to potential customers. It's a powerful way to engage and build loyalty with your audience by offering a tangible experience that digital marketing often lacks.

How does direct mail advertising differ from digital marketing?

Direct mail advertising provides a personal touch with physical materials, making your message stand out in an increasingly digital world. It often achieves higher engagement rates due to its tactile nature.

What are the advantages of using direct mail postcards?

Direct mail postcards are cost-effective and easy to produce. They can deliver concise, impactful messages and are perfect for promoting events, special offers, or new products.

What types of direct mail services are available?

Services range from design and printing to mailing and tracking. Companies like LettrLabs also offer personalized options, such as handwritten notes.

How do I choose between different direct mail companies?

Consider factors like service offerings, cost, customer reviews, and case studies. Look for companies that provide advanced targeting and personalization options.

What are some effective direct mail campaigns?

Effective campaigns are those that are personalized, targeted, and integrated with digital strategies. They often include a clear call to action and are trackable.

How much does a typical direct mail campaign cost?

Costs vary based on design, volume, and mailing options. Personalized services might cost more but offer higher engagement and ROI.

Can you provide direct mail examples that show success?

Examples include loyalty programs, personalized thank you notes, and targeted promotions that have resulted in higher customer retention and engagement.

What direct mail solutions can enhance my marketing strategy?

Solutions like personalized notes, targeted lists, and integrated tracking can significantly boost response rates and ROI.

How can I compile effective direct mail lists?

Build lists based on customer data, purchase history, and demographics to ensure your mail reaches the right audience.

What should I know about direct mail printing?

Quality printing ensures that your message is clear and professional. Consider options like custom designs and durable materials to make your mail stand out.

How does direct mail automation improve efficiency?

Automation streamlines the process from design to delivery, saving time and reducing errors. It allows for scalable campaigns and consistent messaging.

How can I measure direct mail ROI?

Track metrics like response rate, conversion rate, and overall sales lift. Personalized mail often leads to higher ROI compared to generic campaigns.

What is targeted direct mail, and why is it important?

Targeted direct mail uses demographic and behavioral data to reach specific audience segments, enhancing relevance and engagement.

How can I create effective direct mail pieces?

Incorporate strong visuals, compelling messages, and a clear call to action. Personalization increases effectiveness by making recipients feel valued.

What are the benefits of personalized direct mail?

Personalized mail resonates more with recipients, fostering stronger connections and higher response rates.

How does direct mail compare to email marketing?

While email is cost-effective and quick, direct mail boasts higher engagement rates and leaves a lasting impression through its tangible nature.

What is bulk direct mail, and when should I use it?

Bulk mail is ideal for reaching large audiences at a lower cost per piece. It's useful for announcements, promotions, and newsletters.

How can I track the success of my direct mail campaigns?

Use unique promo codes, URLs, or QR codes to track responses and measure engagement with your mail pieces.

What does direct mail fulfillment involve?

Fulfillment covers everything from production to delivery, ensuring that your mail reaches the intended recipients on time.

How can LettrLabs enhance my direct mail marketing efforts?

LettrLabs offers personalized, handwritten notes that stand out, reinforcing your brand's commitment to quality and personal touch.

What makes direct mail postcards a good choice for advertising?

They’re concise, visually appealing, and effective for conveying messages quickly, making them ideal for promotions and event notifications.

Why should I integrate direct mail solutions into my strategy?

Integrating direct mail with digital channels can boost overall campaign effectiveness, providing a multi-channel approach that reaches customers both offline and online.

What are some direct mail ROI strategies?

Personalize content, target the right audience, and include clear CTAs. Measure success through customer feedback and tracking tools.

What are some direct mail ROI strategies?

Well-curated lists ensure that your message reaches an audience more likely to engage, increasing response rates and ROI.

What options are available for direct mail printing?

Options include different paper types, finishes, and custom designs. Choose based on your brand message and budget.

Can direct mail automation reduce costs?

Yes, automation reduces manual errors, speeds up processes, and allows for greater consistency, ultimately lowering overall costs.

How does targeted direct mail enhance engagement?

By focusing on specific audience segments, targeted mail increases relevance and likelihood of a positive response.

What are the key elements of effective direct mail pieces?

Eye-catching design, personalized messaging, and a clear call to action are crucial for driving engagement.

Why is personalized direct mail more effective?

It addresses the recipient by name and aligns with their interests, making the content more relevant and engaging.

How does direct mail marketing compare to online advertising?

Direct mail offers a physical presence and higher engagement, while online advertising provides broader reach and quick deployment.

What is the process of bulk direct mail distribution?

Bulk distribution involves producing a large number of mail pieces and sending them at once, often at discounted postal rates.

How can I incorporate direct mail tracking in my campaigns?

Use tools like QR codes and personalized URLs to monitor interactions and assess the effectiveness of your mailings.

What role does direct mail fulfillment play in marketing?

Fulfillment ensures that every step, from printing to delivery, is handled efficiently, maintaining the quality and timing of your campaigns.

How can handwritten direct mail notes impact customer perception?

They create a personal connection, showing customers they are valued, which can enhance loyalty and brand reputation.

What are some creative direct mail examples?

Examples include interactive mailers, personalized letters, and augmented reality postcards that engage recipients in unique ways.

How do direct mail solutions align with digital campaigns?

They complement digital efforts by providing a tangible element that reinforces online messages and encourages offline engagement.

What factors influence direct mail cost?

Factors include design complexity, volume, personalization level, and postage rates, among others.

How can direct mail lists be optimized?

Regularly update and segment lists to ensure they accurately reflect your target audience, enhancing campaign relevance.

What are the benefits of direct mail automation tools?

They streamline campaign processes, reduce manual errors, and allow for quick scaling and adaptation.

How does personalized direct mail drive higher ROI?

By speaking directly to individual recipients, personalized mail increases engagement and conversion rates, improving ROI.

What strategies increase direct mail marketing effectiveness?

Utilize data-driven targeting, compelling creative, and multi-channel integration to maximize impact.

How do I measure direct mail ROI effectively?

Track customer responses, sales conversions, and compare them against campaign costs to determine ROI.

What is the significance of personalized direct mail in brand communication?

It demonstrates attention to customer needs and preferences, strengthening brand relationships and trust.

How can bulk direct mail be managed efficiently?

Partner with fulfillment services that offer streamlined processes and cost-effective distribution options.

What are direct mail tracking best practices?

Implement clear tracking mechanisms like PURLs and QR codes, and analyze response data to refine future campaigns.

How does direct mail fulfillment ensure timely delivery?

By coordinating all aspects of production and distribution, fulfillment services ensure materials arrive on schedule.

What innovations exist in direct mail marketing?

Innovations include augmented reality, interactive content, and advanced personalization techniques that engage recipients.

How can direct mail be used to enhance customer engagement?

By crafting personalized, relevant content that resonates with recipients, direct mail can significantly boost engagement and loyalty.

What should I look for in a direct mail service provider?

Look for providers with a track record of success, offering comprehensive services, from design to fulfillment, and personalization capabilities.

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