Special Delivery was a service provided by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) for expedited handling and delivery of mail, offered at an extra cost. It ensured that mail received preferential processing during all stages, from sorting to actual delivery, which took place even on Sundays and holidays. The service was available for all classes of mail except Express Mail, which received even more rapid treatment.
Examples of Special Delivery Usage
- Urgent Legal Documents: Law firms often used Special Delivery for rapidly sending time-sensitive legal documents to clients or courts.
- Medical Supplies: Pharmacies utilized Special Delivery to ensure that critical medications reached patients without delay.
- Holiday Gifts: Individuals could send Christmas gifts using Special Delivery to ensure their timely arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions about Special Delivery
Q1. Is Special Delivery still a current service offered by the USPS?
- No, Special Delivery service was discontinued in 1997.
Q2. What classes of mail were eligible for Special Delivery?
- All classes of mail except Express Mail were eligible for Special Delivery.
Q3. How did Special Delivery differ from Express Mail?
- Special Delivery focused on preferential handling and delivery even on weekends and holidays, whereas Express Mail provided even faster service without the added assurance for weekend and holiday deliveries.
Q4. Could Special Delivery be used for international mail?
- No, Special Delivery was a service available only for domestic mail.
Q5. What additional cost was associated with Special Delivery?
- The extra cost varied, dependent on the type and weight of the mail item, but it typically ranged from a few cents to a couple of dollars.
Related Terms with Definitions
- Express Mail: An expedited postal service provided by USPS offering overnight delivery to most U.S. addresses 365 days a year.
- Priority Mail: A fast domestic service providing delivery within one to three business days.
- Certified Mail: A mailing service providing proof of mailing and delivery, often used for important legal documents.
- Registered Mail: The most secure form of mail offered by USPS, tracking packages from acceptance to delivery.
- Delivery Confirmation: A service that provides confirmation when your mail piece is delivered or delivery is attempted.
Online Resources for More Information
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Mail and Express Mail Service” by USPS
- “Fundamentals of Postal Services” by Daniel R. Jones
- “The United States Postal Service: An American History” by USPS
Fundamentals of Special Delivery: Postal Services Basics Quiz
### What year was the Special Delivery service discontinued by the USPS?
- [ ] 1987
- [ ] 1990
- [x] 1997
- [ ] 2000
> **Explanation:** The USPS discontinued the Special Delivery service in 1997, transitioning customers to other expedited services.
### Which day(s) did the Special Delivery service operate that were not typical for standard mail delivery?
- [x] Sundays and holidays
- [ ] Only Saturdays
- [ ] Only federal holidays
- [ ] Only business days
> **Explanation:** Special Delivery operated on Sundays and holidays, providing delivery service when typical mail services did not.
### Which class of mail was not eligible for Special Delivery?
- [ ] First-Class Mail
- [ ] Media Mail
- [ ] Parcel Post
- [x] Express Mail
> **Explanation:** Express Mail was already a rapid service and therefore did not qualify for Special Delivery.
### Did Special Delivery service apply to international mail?
- [ ] Yes, it was available internationally.
- [x] No, it was a domestic-only service.
- [ ] Only to Canada and Mexico
- [ ] Yes, but with restrictions
> **Explanation:** Special Delivery was only available for domestic mail within the United States.
### Which service is more rapid than Special Delivery?
- [ ] Registered Mail
- [ ] Priority Mail
- [ ] Certified Mail
- [x] Express Mail
> **Explanation:** Express Mail provided a faster mail delivery option compared to Special Delivery.
### What type of items was frequently sent through Special Delivery?
- [x] Urgent legal documents
- [ ] Standard advertisements
- [ ] Non-urgent packages
- [ ] Monthly magazines
> **Explanation:** Special Delivery was used frequently for urgent legal documents that required fast delivery.
### Did the Special Delivery service include tracking of packages?
- [ ] Yes, full tracking like Registered Mail
- [x] No, it focused on expedited handling
- [ ] Only if requested
- [ ] It depended on the destination
> **Explanation:** Special Delivery did not include full tracking; it primarily ensured priority handling and quick delivery.
### What type of delivery confirmation did Special Delivery offer?
- [ ] Email tracking updates
- [x] Confirmation of delivery to the recipient
- [ ] Security sealing
- [ ] Biometric sign-off
> **Explanation:** Special Delivery did provide confirmation of delivery to ensure the recipient received the package swiftly.
### Could Personal letters be sent via Special Delivery?
- [x] Yes, they were eligible
- [ ] No, business documents only
- [ ] Only parcels
- [ ] Only legal documents
> **Explanation:** Personal letters could be sent using Special Delivery, as it was available for all classes of mail apart from Express Mail.
### Why was Special Delivery discontinued by the USPS?
- [ ] Lack of workforce
- [ ] High cost
- [ ] Decline in use
- [x] Better services like Priority and Express Mail
> **Explanation:** Special Delivery was discontinued as newer and better services like Priority and Express Mail were introduced.
Thank you for exploring the comprehensive insights into Special Delivery, a former USPS postal service, and for attempting the quiz. Continue expanding your knowledge on postal services!
