Have you ever had that frustrating experience where you’ve waited anxiously for a package to arrive, and when it finally does, the tracking information says it was delivered but there’s no package on your doorstep?
Well, you’re not alone. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at what can cause misplaced packages and what you can do if your package goes missing. Stay tuned!
USPS Says Delivered But No Package
There can be a few reasons why your package hasn’t arrived yet, even if the USPS tracking information says it was delivered.
Sometimes packages are left in strange places like on porches or in bushes, and sometimes they’re simply stolen, maybe it was mistakenly delivered to your neighbor, or sometimes it can even be an error from the USPS package scanning process.
If you don’t receive your package within a few days of the expected delivery date, be sure to contact your local post office and provide them with the package’s tracking number.
How can you resolve the issue?
If you’re having trouble locating your package, or there’s been some other issue with it, the best course of action is to contact your local post office(Use the USPS location tool to find the post office nearest to you). They’ll be able to help you out and resolve the problem.
In order to do so, you’ll need the package’s tracking number. This can be found on the USPS website or in your shipping confirmation email. Be sure to have that information handy when you call!
If you need to get in touch with the USPS about a package, here is the contact information you’ll need:
- Website
- Phone number: 1-800-275-8777
- Twitter page
It might be frustrating to call USPS customer service and attempt to get through to an actual person. You can avoid the automated system and talk to a real person when you contact USPS.
Places to Check When Your Package is Nowhere to Be Found
If you think your USPS package is lost, there are a few places you can check to see if it’s been delivered.
First, check your mailbox or front door to see if the package was delivered there. If it wasn’t, ask your neighbor if they might have received it by mistake.
If you still can’t find the package, check with your building manager or apartment complex to see if it was delivered to the office.
If you’re still coming up empty-handed, the next step is to contact USPS directly. Go to your local USPS post office and ask if they have any information about the package.
You can also check the USPS missing mail search to see where your package is and when it’s expected to arrive. If you still can’t find your package after checking all of these places, contact USPS customer service.
Can I get assistance from USPS in locating a misplaced package?
Yes, USPS’s Missing Mail case service may assist in tracking down a misplaced parcel.
Here is how it works:
Wait until seven days have gone since the estimated delivery date before opening a Missing Mail case; then, go to MissingMail.USPS.com and submit your tracking information there. You will need to login first in to be able to access this service. Or you can simply follow the procedure here
Postal inspectors will begin looking for your missing mail, which often entails a thorough search of the whole postal system from the moment your package or letter was sent out until the moment it was scheduled to be delivered to you.
What compensation can you expect from USPS?
If your package is lost or stolen, the most you can hope for is a refund of the shipping costs you incurred. You will not receive a refund for the value of the package or its contents. If your package is only delayed, you may be entitled to compensation for the delay, depending on the terms of your shipping contract.
How things pan out here relies significantly on whether or not either you or the sender purchased postal insurance. Postal insurance is cheap compared to the cost of replacing a lost item, so it’s a no-brainer to get it if you’re sending anything of value via the mail.
How do I file a claim with USPS?
If you believe your package was delivered but never received, you can file a claim with the United States Postal Service. There are 3 easy steps to follow when filling a claim with the USPS.
The steps are:
Step 1: Check Filing Periods
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Step 3: File Your Claim
Check Filing Periods
The first thing you need to do is check the filing periods. The USPS has a limited amount of time in which you can file a claim, so it’s important to know when you should submit your claim.
There are 2 filing periods you need to be aware of:
1) Domestic Claims:
You have 45 days from the date of mailing to file a domestic claim. If your package was delivered internationally, the claim deadline is 60 days from the date of mailing.
2) International Claims:
You have 90 days from the date of mailing to file an international claim.
If you don’t file within the appropriate timeframe, your claim will not be processed and you will not receive any compensation for your lost or damaged package. Also, your time frame depends a lot on your USPS shipping method
Gather Your Documents
Once you know the filing period for your claim, you need to gather all the necessary documents. The USPS will need proof of mailing in order to process your claim, so be sure to have your receipt or shipping label handy.
If your package was insured, you’ll also need to include a copy of the insurance certificate. If you don’t have a copy of the insurance certificate, you can request one from the USPS.
Lastly, you’ll need to include a detailed description of the contents of your package. This should include a list of all the items that were in your package, as well as their estimated value.
File Your Claim
Once you have all the necessary documentation, you’re ready to file your claim. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at your local post office.
To file online, simply go to the USPS website and select “File a Claim.” From there, you’ll be able to enter all the required information and submit your claim.
If you prefer to file by mail, you can download a claim form from the USPS website and send it to the address listed on the form.
Finally, if you’d like to file in person, you can visit your local post office and speak with a customer service representative. They’ll be able to help you fill out the necessary paperwork and file your claim.
Once your claim is filed, the USPS will investigate and determine whether or not you are eligible for compensation. If your claim is approved, you’ll receive a check for the value of your lost or damaged package. Visit here to learn more about how to file a claim with the USPS
How long do USPS refunds take?
The standard USPS processing time is two to three business days, but may be longer if additional information is required.
However, The refund process for packages that are delivered but not received can take up to four weeks. This is because the USPS has to investigate the matter and confirm that the package was indeed delivered but not received.
If your request is granted, the money will be reversed back to the credit card that is linked to your account. Learn how to request for USPS refund here
What happens if my USPS package was stolen?
It is not the responsibility of the Postal Service to pay the sender for an item that is lost, stolen, or damaged after it has been successfully delivered.
Regardless of the chosen shipping method, USPS assumes no liability for lost or stolen packages after they have been delivered safely.
If you suspect that the US Postal Service is responsible for the loss of your package, you may make a claim for its recovery by following the instructions discussed above (How do I file a claim with USPS?).
What to Do If the Post Office Loses Your Package
If USPS loses your package, there are some possible steps you can take which are
- File a Missing Mail Search
- Ask USPS for the GPS Coordinates
- Contact support
File a Missing Mail Search
Sometimes USPS mark package delivered by mistake, conducting a missing mail search may help locate the package.
Here’s how to do it:
To file a Missing Mail Search, you will need to provide the following information:
- Your name and full mailing address
- The package’s weight, contents, and value
- Date of mailing
- Delivery confirmation or tracking number
- Sender’s name and mailing address
- A description of the package, including color, size, and any unique identifying features
This will enhance the mail search process by giving USPS access to the most recent information about the nature of your goods.
Ask USPS for the GPS Coordinates of your package
If your package was shipped using USPS Tracking, you can ask USPS for the GPS coordinates of where your package was delivered. This information may help you to find your package if it was delivered to the wrong location.
To do this, you will need to contact USPS customer support and provide them with your tracking number.
Contact support
If you cannot find your package after taking these steps, you will need to contact USPS customer support for further assistance.
