RM Tracked 24/48 services at Post Offices - Is this the demise of the Signed For service?

In the latest price list published by Royal Mail which came in to affect at the beginning of April 2024, it was noticed, that at long last the popular Royal Mail tracked 24 and 48 services, were going to be available at over the counter services from all Post Offices.

After a delay we have been led to believe that the service will now be finally rolled out in two phases by the Post Office, on the 14th May and the 11th June. This is, for many who like to support our local post office good news.

Currently customers when purchasing services at a Post Office counter have the choice of standard 1st and 2nd class postage, with additional services including Special Delivery which is secure mail and is the only service that insures for cash, gift cards etc with a basic insurance of £750. This is a next day service. There is also the Signed For service, which is a confirmation of delivery and offers no tracking. With the introduction of the new price list by Royal Mail for April 2024, the insurance cover on this service has been reduced from £50, to £20 (now the same as a standard 1st and 2nd class item).

The introduction of the UK tracked service, means that there is compensation on items up to £150, it offers tracking to point of delivery, proof of delivery, photo on delivery. There is the ability to add a signature on delivery. Other benefits include email or text notifications etc.

For stamp collectors and dealers, its not all good news. For many of us who like to use postage stamps on our packages, prepayment or part payment with stamps will not be possible.

Labels used we are led to believe will be completely different to Royal Mail items. The Post Office labels will not create a 1d tracking barcode, but instead as is currently done create a 16 digit PRN number, which when entered in to the Royal Mail tracking, will give detailed information for customers to follow the progress of their items.

All of this whilst is positive does beg the question is this the end of the Signed For Service? The simple facts are that insurance levels have been reduced to £20, and the cost at £1.70 for this service, on letters and £1.40 on parcels, now means that the only service offered by Royal Mail where it is viable to purchase it is on a letter under 100gms. Any large letter or parcel requiring an equivalent the UK tracked service is cheaper every time for both First and Second class services. Time will tell, but we wouldn't be surprised to see this service gradually disappear altogether.

Perhaps in the future the standard 1st and 2nd Barcoded stamps will carry some form of tracking at a premium for customers? Food for thought.