Outbound document system and method

Abstract

A computer-based system and method enables an item to be mailed by providing a web site offering access to a mail delivery program, receiving a request for delivering the item with Extra service status, printing an identification number and a postage mark using the program based on address, postage, and other information entered by a customer, and sending an electronic data transmission to a postal service server informing the postal service that the identification number corresponds to the Extra service request. When the postal service receives the item, it accesses its computer records to locate the identification number. Delivery is then performed based on one or more Extra services requested and a corresponding electronic return receipt is made accessible to the mailing party, either by e-mail or on a web site. The postage mark and identification number may be printed on a label affixed to the item or may be printed directly on the item along with other information.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-readable instructions stored or embedded therein which, when executed by a processor, causing the processor to print a label for use with mailing letters, the label comprising:
 (a) an encoded postage mark;   (b) information indicating a mailing rate;   (c) information indicating that an item to be sent with the label is to be sent as a type of First Class Mail that excludes shipping services, said type of First Class Mail being a type for sending items that are less than 13 ounces;   (d) information designating that the item to be sent with the label is to be delivered with Extra service status;   (e) information designating that the label was electronically generated by a third-party private business, said information designating that the label was electronically generated by the third-party business different from a mailing party and including at least one of a name or address of the third-party business to which information is to be sent from the U.S. Postal Service to a server of the third-party business to confirm performance of the Extra service,   (f) a first symbol indicating that confirmation of performance of the Extra service, including a return receipt, is to be sent electronically;   (g) a second symbol indicating said type of First Class Mail is to be used in delivering the item; and   (h) a zip code number indicating a location from where the item is to be mailed.   
     
     
         3 . The medium of  claim 2 , wherein the postage mark includes a maxicode. 
     
     
         4 . The medium of  claim 3 , wherein the postage mark is located adjacent to and in alignment with the second symbol. 
     
     
         5 . The medium of  claim 4 , wherein the postage mark and second symbol are aligned along a horizontal axis passing through the postage mark and second symbol. 
     
     
         6 . The medium of  claim 5 , wherein the postage mark and second symbol are located above the information in (c), (d), (e), and (f). 
     
     
         7 . The medium of  claim 2 , wherein the label further comprises:
 (i) information indicating that postage and fees have been paid.   
     
     
         8 . The medium of  claim 7 , wherein the label further comprises:
 (j) information identifying a private company which generated the postage mark.   
     
     
         9 . The medium of  claim 2 , wherein a height of the second symbol is substantially equal to or larger than a height of the postage mark. 
     
     
         10 . The medium of  claim 2 , wherein said Extra service status information includes a prefix code embedded in an identification number assigned to the label. 
     
     
         11 . The medium of  claim 10 , wherein said Extra service status information indicates that the item is being delivered as Certified Mail with an electronic Return Receipt requested. 
     
     
         12 . The medium of  claim 2 , wherein said instructions causing the processor to print the label on a letter-sized envelope. 
     
     
         13 . The medium of  claim 12 , wherein the letter-sized envelope is a #10 envelope. 
     
     
         14 . The medium of  claim 2 , wherein said instructions causing the processor to print the label on a plain paper insert, the label printed at a position that corresponds to a window of an envelope. 
     
     
         15 . The medium of  claim 14 , wherein the label is printed at a position which corresponds to a window of a 6″×9″ envelope.