Speed Post and Registered Post are postal services offered by India Post. Both serve the purpose of sending items from one location to another, they differ in very many ways. Speed Post prioritizes fast delivery within a specific time frame, while Registered Post focuses on providing proof of posting, delivery confirmation and enhanced security.
Learn more about these two services in terms of delivery speed, security features, tracking capabilities, use cases and benefits.
Speed Post
Speed Post or Speed Post is the trade name or brand name for a high-speed postal service provided by several postal companies around the world.
The ‘Speed Post’ service was started by the Indian Department of Posts way back in 1986, to provide time bound delivery of posts. The service offers ‘one rate’ delivery pricing in all the places of India, with faster and secure delivery (normally 2-3 days, within India).
It also provides an excellent delivery network across the different parts of the world (including the remote areas). As the delivery is made at the address of the receiver, full name and signature of the person taking delivery and the number of articles delivered is recorded the delivery slip.
What You Need To Know About Speed Post
- Fast and Reliable Service: As the name suggests, Speed Post is known for its quick and reliable delivery service. It aims to deliver letters and parcels within a specified time frame, ensuring that items reach their intended recipients promptly.
- Wide Network: Speed Post has an extensive network of post offices and delivery centers across the country, including remote and rural areas. This wide reach ensures that even distant locations are covered under the service.
- Tracking Facility: One of the advantages of using Speed Post is its tracking facility. Customers can track the status and location of their shipments online using the unique tracking number provided at the time of booking.
- Insurance Option: Speed Post provides the option to insure valuable shipments, offering compensation in case of loss or damage. This is particularly beneficial for sending important documents or valuable items.
- Express and Normal Services: India Post offers both Express and Normal Speed Post services. Express Speed Post ensures faster delivery within a guaranteed time frame, while Normal Speed Post provides cost-effective delivery with a slightly longer delivery window.
- Domestic and International Services: Speed Post is not limited to domestic deliveries. It also offers international courier services, allowing customers to send parcels and documents to various countries around the world.
- Value-added Services: In addition to basic courier services, Speed Post offers various value-added services like pick-up from the sender’s location, delivery to specific addressees only, and cash-on-delivery options for e-commerce shipments.
- Online Booking: Booking a Speed Post shipment has become more convenient with online booking options. Customers can fill out details and pay online, making the process smoother and time-efficient.
- Affordable Pricing: Speed Post’s pricing is competitive and varies based on factors such as weight, destination, and speed of delivery. It offers options for different budget preferences.
- Customer Support: India Post provides customer support for inquiries and assistance related to Speed Post services. Customers can reach out to local post offices or the customer care helpline for any issues or clarifications.
Registered Post
Registered post is one of the mail services offered by the Indian post office. It is a high secure mail service which will be delivered only to the person whose name is written in the letter. The recipient has to provide an identity while taking the package and has to sign upon receiving the parcel. The price of this high compared to that of the speed post. All communication with government and business are carried out via the registered post. So that there can be a proof for the sender that the end person has received it.
The registered post is just an ordinary post with special features like it is secure, safe and record proof. The price of this is higher compared to that of the normal and speed post. Special records are maintained to keep track of the information. It usually takes 2 to 7 days to deliver this mail. This is available across India and the world. Depending on the requirement, this type of letter can be selected and sent across the globe.
When the addressee is not available, the postman tries 3 attempts to deliver the card. Still, if the person is not available, then the card is returned to the sender. This way it will ensure that the parcel is not lost.
What You Need To Know About Registered Post
- Proof of Posting and Delivery: When you send an item through Registered Post, you receive a receipt or acknowledgment at the time of posting. This receipt serves as proof that you’ve sent the item and provides you with a unique tracking number. This number is crucial for tracking the item’s journey from the point of posting to its delivery.
- Tracking Facility: Registered Post comes with a tracking facility that allows you to monitor the progress of your item online. The tracking number provided on the receipt can be used on the India Post website to check the status of your shipment, such as when it was dispatched, received at various post offices, and eventually delivered to the recipient.
- Security and Accountability: The “registered” aspect of this service implies that the item is registered in the postal system. This means that the item is handled with extra care and attention. It is also subject to a chain of custody, as it moves through various post offices and delivery points. This heightened level of accountability reduces the chances of loss or mishandling.
- Signature Confirmation: When the recipient receives the Registered Post item, they need to provide their signature as proof of delivery. This signature confirmation is kept on record and can be accessed by the sender if needed. It provides assurance that the item reached the intended recipient.
- Compensation for Loss or Damage: In case the Registered Post item is lost, damaged, or delayed, India Post offers compensation to the sender, subject to specific terms and conditions. The compensation process may require submitting documentation and evidence of the item’s value.
- Domestic and International Services: Registered Post is available for both domestic and international shipments. For international deliveries, the tracking may vary based on the destination country’s postal service and agreements between postal authorities.
- Pricing: The cost of sending an item via Registered Post is higher than regular postage due to the added features of tracking, accountability, and compensation. The pricing depends on factors such as the weight of the item, the destination, and whether it’s being sent within India or internationally.
- Online Booking: India Post has introduced online booking options for Registered Post as well. This allows you to fill out the necessary details, pay online, and generate the required documentation without visiting a physical post office.
Speed Post vs Registered Post: Key Differences
Purpose
- Speed Post: Primarily used for fast and prompt delivery of parcels and documents within a specific time frame.
- Registered Post: Used for sending items that require proof of posting, delivery confirmation, and an extra level of security.
Delivery Time
- Speed Post: Emphasizes quick delivery, often with guaranteed delivery time options.
- Registered Post: Delivery time is not guaranteed and generally takes longer compared to Speed Post.
Tracking
- Speed Post: Offers real-time tracking with frequent updates on the current location and status of the shipment.
- Registered Post: Offers basic tracking that shows the journey of the item from posting to delivery but with fewer updates compared to Speed Post.
Security
- Speed Post: Provides a certain level of security due to its quicker transit and handling procedures.
- Registered Post: Offers a higher level of security and accountability, making it a preferred choice for valuable or sensitive items.
Proof of Delivery
- Speed Post: Provides tracking information and delivery confirmation online.
- Registered Post: Requires the recipient’s signature upon delivery, which serves as proof of receipt.
Compensation for Loss or Damage
- Speed Post: Offers compensation for loss or damage during transit, subject to specific terms and conditions.
- Registered Post: Also offers compensation for loss or damage, making it suitable for valuable items.
Cost
- Speed Post: Generally more expensive compared to regular postal services due to its faster delivery options.
- Registered Post: Typically costs less than Speed Post, but more than regular postage, due to added security features.
Online Booking
- Speed Post: Allows for online booking and payment for convenience.
- Registered Post: Similarly offers online booking options for ease of use.
Delivery Guarantee
- Speed Post: Comes with guaranteed delivery time options for express services.
- Registered Post: Does not offer guaranteed delivery time; delivery time varies based on the destination.
Use Cases
- Speed Post: Ideal for urgent deliveries, important documents, time-sensitive materials, and e-commerce shipments.
- Registered Post: Suited for sending legal documents, valuable items, confidential information, and items that need a documented proof of delivery.
Speed Post vs Registered Post: Key Takeaways
| BASIS OF COMPARISON | SPEED POST | REGISTERED POST |
| Description | Speed post is a high speed postal service that provides time-bound delivery of letters, parcel and gifts. | Registered Post is a post-service similar to ordinary post, but offers additional facilities like the signature of recipient, extra cover, proof of delivery etc. |
| Proof Of Delivery | There is no proof of delivery in this case. | The postman also takes the signature of the addressee as a delivery proof. |
| Nature | Speed post is address-specific service, in essence, the delivery of the article can taken by the addressee or any other person available at the address. | Registered is addressee-specific i.e only the addressee is allowed to take the delivery of the article. |
| Record Keeping | Minimal records are maintained for the Speed Post and archived after a certain period. | Special record keeping is done in the case of Registered Post along with an acknowledgement card that needs to be signed by the recipient at the time of delivery. |
| Delivery Time | Speed Post normally takes 2-3 days to reach at its destination. | The time frame for delivery through Registered Post is normally 2-3 days. |
| Price | The Speed Post service is available at an affordable price. | Registered Post service is available at comparatively high due to extra security associated with it. |
| Verification | Verification of items in the package is not done before booking Speed Post. | The items in the package must be verified before booking a registered post. |
| Availability | Speed Post services is not available in every state in India. | Registered Post is delivered to all places in India and the world. |