The History of Certified Mail

Certified mail deliveries require a signature.

Certified mail is a service offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS). People that use certified mail when they send packages or letters can verify their parcel was delivered. Insurance coverage is not included as part of the certified mail service.

Administration

Certified mail was developed under the direction of United States Postmaster General Arthur E. Summerfield. Summerfield was appointed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953. Summerfield served as postmaster general until 1961.

Launch

According to "The United States Postal Service, An American History, 1775-2006," the postal service started offering certified mail services in 1955.

Pricing

In October 2010, postal officials requested that pricing for first-class stamps and other services including the certified mail fee be increased starting in 2011, however, this request was denied by the Postal Regulatory Commission. In January 2011, the current price for certified mail service was $2.80. This price included postage costs for a standard letter.

References

• United States Postal Service Online: The United States Postal Service, An American History, 1775-2006
• United States Postal Service Online: List of Postmaster Generals
• Retail Online Intergration

Resources

• http://pe.usps.gov/text/DMM300/503.htm#3_0