Some things I find interesting.
 Hope you also do....

 
Priority Mail Delivery Confirmation

On October 31, 1997, the Postal Service began testing a new service: Priority Mail Delivery Confirmation. This service was first offered to large volume Priority Mail users. Shippers identified each Priority Mail package or flat with a special bar coded Priority Mail Delivery Confirmation label. Once the tracked mail pieces were delivered, the shipper could electronically access a database file that showed the date of delivery of the tracked mail pieces.

Each of the Priority Mail Delivery Confirmation labels contains a peel off section with a bar coded tracking number. Initially there was a red, white, and blue label that resembled the colors on the Priority Mail packaging.  In September, 1998 the color of the Delivery Confirmation label was changed to a bright blue (teal) to distinguish it from Priority Mail envelope.

Priority Mail Delivery Confirmation was offered nationwide in March of 1999 at a cost  of 35¢ with the Delivery Confirmation now green green.   A similar tracking service is available for standard mail/parcel post at a cost of 60¢.

 
This red, white, and blue label is the type that was first applied for Priority Mail Delivery Confirmation in the fall of 1997.  The lower part of the label, which included a bar code, was removed when this item was delivered. 
If the bar code strip was missing, the carrier would record the 16 digit confirmation number shown.

 
In September 1998, the color of the Delivery Confirmation bar coded labels was changed to bright blue and the Priority Mail wording and logo were removed. These new labels made it easier for carriers to spot the location of the tracking bar code especially on a Priority Mail envelope.  As seen by the incomplete left side of circular postmark, the bar coded label was removed when the mail was delivered.


 
Below are mint copies of the two colored types of Delivery Confirmation labels. The bar coded section of the label can be seen here.


 
A simple black and white label was also used during the test period and is still in use in April 1999.
Since some business users do not want to use the multi-colored tracking labels, these labels are also available.  Because these labels are less prominent, they are more likely to be overlooked when on a large envelope or package. 

 

I now do have extras of the mint labels.  E-mail me your name and address and I'll be glad to send you examples.... as long as my supply lasts :)