a. Electronic Verification of Certified and Registered Mail

The Postal Service leverages technology to add value to its products and services. Certified Mail and Registered Mail services have been enhanced to include electronic verification of the delivery status. Customers can now retrieve the delivery status of these items over the Internet, by telephone, or by bulk electronic file transfer for large volumes.

b. Return Receipt (Electronic)

In September 2004 the Postal Service introduced a new domestic, special service called Return Receipt (Electronic). This service provides customers with an alternative to the existing Return Receipt PS Form 3811, Domestic Return Receipt (Green Card) by allowing the use of low-cost technologies. This service is also more efficient for the Postal Service than the PS Form 3811, and allows customers to retain electronic signature records longer than the Postal Service retention period.

Return Receipt (Electronic) is purchased at the time of mailing with Certified Mail, Registered Mail, COD, or Numbered Insured Mail services. After the purchase, the customer goes to www.usps.com to enter the e-mail address at which they wish to receive their return receipt. After delivery, the customer receives a return receipt proof-of-delivery letter via e-mail that includes the date and time of delivery and an image of the recipient's signature. Customers that mail large volumes can receive their records in bulk by signing up for the Bulk Proof of Delivery Program.

c. Insurance Online

In September 2004 the Postal Service added the option for customers who purchase Priority Mail and Express Mail labels on www.usps.com to add insurance to their Click-N-Ship purchases. Fees are the same as those at the retail counter. Coverage is limited to $200 indemnity for lost, rifled, or damaged items.

d. Confirm Service

First-Class Mail and Standard Mail services have been enhanced by the implementation of the Confirm service, which provides mailers with the ability to track their outgoing mail and incoming reply pieces. Confirm information enables mailers to make better business decisions by knowing the estimated delivery day and where their letters or flats are as they travel through the mailstream. The service provides mailers with near real-time information about First-Class Mail, Standard Mail, and Periodicals services by using Postal Alpha Numeric Encoding Technique (PLANET) Code barcode technology so mailers can identify their mailpieces. In 2004 the program team continued to work with internal stakeholders and the mailing industry to make Confirm service more robust for mailers and the Postal Service.

Enhancements included development of a certification program to improve the quality of data for performance measurement, Web-site and Web-based shared reports used to report service performance information and data problems, and information on resources available to customers to learn about service performance and interpret data.

4. Mail Generation Services

Mail Generation Services include a suite of Web-based Print-and-Mail Services and Magazine Subscriptions available at www.usps.com. These services leverage the Internet to allow consumers and small businesses access to mail generation services.

In September 2003 the Postal Service entered into an affiliate business agreement to operate the NetPost Mailing Online Program. As of February 2004 the Postal Service's business partner, Touchpoint, Inc., began handling all operational components of the NetPost Mailing Online Program. The revenue-share arrangement has nearly eliminated Postal Service expenses while still providing a valuable service to medium and small businesses. The Netpost Mailing Online Program volumes have continued to climb and are expected to exceed 25 million pieces in 2004.

The first aspect of the NetPost Mailing Online Program allows customers access to First-Class Mail and Standard Mail services, including non-profit rate mailings by aggregating individual customer orders into larger automation compatible mailings. Available formats include letters, booklets, flyers, and postcards.

Another service, NetPost Premium Postcards, allows customers access to a simple, straightforward interface for sending postcards. This template-driven service enables consumers and small businesses access to high-impact mailpieces using digital images or text.

In addition, NetPost CardStore provides access to consumer or business-oriented solutions for relationship management mailings. NetPost CardStore uses real stamps to increase open rates and improve response rates.

Magazine Subscriptions Online is another mail generation service being provided via the Internet. This service provides access to discounts on major magazines, tools to manage subscriptions and renewals, advanced category and price-based listings, and gift subscriptions.