Pilot Program: USPS Tracer Service

Has anyone ever heard or (or used) the USPS Tracer Service as shown here? It is apparently a "pilot program" under testing at certain post offices. In essence, it's a delivery confirmation service but for first class mail (as delivery confirmation is not available for first class mail). The cost of $1.99 for 5 or $2.99 for 10 "bar codes" comes out to a fee per cover of 40 cents and 30 cents respectively.



I imagine cover collectors will be interested in acquiring the USPS Tracer Service bar coded covers, especially if this is only to be a "pilot" program.

I wonder if they will be tracked / traced internationally also, like registered is (mostly)?

I also wonder if it is am idea to be used on ebay / PayPal?

No wonder I hadn't heard of this before. I was just reading the USPS report to the PRC on the subject and note that the "test market" area will be at 50 retail locations around the Washington, DC metro area only, commencing on or about December 7, 2011. Retail locations that carry gift and greeting cards have been chosen as test locations.

It goes on to say that: "The test will run for two calendar years unless the USPS decides to request an extension for an additional year, establish First Class Tracer as a permanent product on a quicker timeline, or terminate the test early."

Looks like most of us won't even see it, unless, of course, we live or work in the Washington, DC metro area.