Since being back in the USA, I've been impressed, even in awe of the USPS. They have services that I could only have dreamed of in Australia. AusPost could definately learn a few things and if they could afford to upgrade, the service could dramatically improve. With luck, the arrival of Amazon could aid in that journey. I hope that when I return to Australia in a few years, that threads like this one are a rarity...
For example, I use "Informed Delivery". Since all letters are scanned, I get a preview of what is coming into my mailbox on a daily basis. As my mailbox sits about 1/4 mile away, this makes it easier for me to determine if I have to go pick it up or not (especially since it was -18C last week).
Example screenshots enclosed of the mail that was delivered on Monday (none today) and the most recent packages, along with tracking screens. (all redacted for privacy reasons).
Note that it's divided into two categories. 1) Letters and 2) Packages. What's amazing is that the tracking system is very accurate, even to Australia. I confirmed deliver to Sydney (my son lives there) and the time/date was accurate to the minute.
Also included a video link re: how the USPS processes mail.