what course of action can i take if package is not delivered by usps

by Woodrow Watsica V 3 min read

Contact USPS and inform them of your missed or undelivered package. Fill out a USPS Help request form. Like all delivery services, USPS also has systems in place to track and locate your lost package. Keep your receipts, order confirmation number, shipping confirmation email, and tracking information handy.

Full Answer

What happens if USPS refuses to deliver a package?

The USPS will only make a few attempts at delivering a package before they hold it for you at your local postal office. If you let it stay there too long, then they’ll send it back to the sender as a failed shipment. Requesting a signature, however, is an effective way to avoid missed packages and incorrect messaging.

Can you put a package on hold at the post office?

It’s available for packages, letters, and flats with a tracking or extra services barcode. You can also stop mail and packages at a Post Office™ as a Hold For Pickup. You can even request to have them redirected as Priority Mail® back to your address.

What should I do if my mail or package hasn't arrived?

If after 7 business days from when you submitted your online help request form your mail or package hasn't arrived, submit a Missing Mail search request with the following information: When we receive your Missing Mail search request, we will send you a confirmation email.

Will USPS give my package to my Neighbor?

Sometimes a USPS worker will also give your package to a neighbor for safekeeping. This is usually only done if you told them to do so, however. Most often, USPS will only do this in apartments or condos. It’s rare for them to give your package to a neighbor if you live in a house. Did The USPS Driver Put It Somewhere Hidden?

What to do if USPS package has not been delivered?

If there has been no follow up scan the day after arriving at your local Post Office™ facility AND no delivery has occurred, to save time a service request may be sent by email to your local Post Office™ facility for follow-up. You will receive a confirmation number and a contact within 2-3 business days.

How long before a USPS package is considered lost?

A Lost Article is defined as any mailing that has not been received and has not been returned to the sender. Customers may file claims for damaged and/or missing contents immediately, but no later than 60 days from the date of mailing.

Who is responsible if USPS loses a package?

As a general rule of thumb, if you don't see any evidence to suggest otherwise, the seller or shipper is responsible. If a package is marked as delivered and you have not seen it, then the seller is responsible. The exception is that if a package is actually lost prior to being marked delivered.

Why is my USPS package still in transit?

Your package could be stuck in transit for many reasons: loss, damage, or even a USPS tracking system failure. More likely, though, the short-staffed US Post Office has misplaced, mislabelled, or simply overlooked your package. This means it can be located easily enough once you call attention to its absence.

What happens if USPS loses my package with tracking?

What does a USPS Claim cover? If your delivery were insured, USPS's claim process would cover the costs of shipping and the package value, up to the amount specified. If you did not have insurance, but a Missing Mail Search determined your delivery is lost or damaged, a claim will cover the cost of shipping.

Will USPS refund me for lost package?

If your USPS lost package was insured, you should be able to get a refund directly from USPS. If your USPS package was stolen, you should be able to go through the seller to receive a replacement or refund.

How do I sue USPS for lost package?

File a Complaint with the U.S. Postal ServiceUse the USPS website's Email Us form. ... Call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) or TTY: 1-800-877-8339.Speak to the station manager (postmaster) at a local post office.Contact the postal consumer and industry affairs office that handles questions for your district.More items...•

What is a package intercept?

For a fee, USPS Package Intercept ® lets the sender or recipient stop delivery or redirect a package, letter, or flat that is not out for delivery or already delivered. Most domestic mailings with a tracking or extra services barcode are eligible for Package Intercept. You can only request a Package Intercept online.

What happens if the actual postage is greater than estimated?

If the actual postage is greater than estimated, any additional postage will be charged accordingly. Your shipment will be redirected to the original sender or held at the local Post Office for pickup. Intercept a Package.

USPS Says Delivered But No Package (What To Do)

First, you should know the main reasons this might occur in the first place.

How To Prevent The Situation

There are a few things you can do to prevent this from happening to you.

Can Someone Else Sign For Your Package?

You may decide that you want the USPS carrier to have someone sign for your package.

What Pickup Options Do You Have With USPS?

There are a few options you can use with the USPS to pick up your package.

How long does it take to get a refund from USPS for lost package?

If you shipped your package with any Priority Mail service, you can move forward with filing a USPS insurance claim once 15 days have passed from the ship date. If your shipment was Priority Mail Express, you may be even be eligible for a full refund!

How long does it take for USPS to search for missing mail?

First thing’s first: you’ll want to submit a missing mail search request with USPS once 7 days have passed from the day of shipping. It’s not guaranteed to work, of course, but USPS recovers a good portion of the parcels that people submit search requests for!

How long after shipping date can you file a claim?

Most third-party shipping insurance companies won’t file a claim for a missing international package until 40 days after the shipping date.