Missing Mail and Lost Packages (2024)

Missing Mail and Lost Packages (1)

Whether you are sending it or receiving it, your mail is important to you and the U.S. Postal Service®. When mail is lost or delayed, we want to find it. If you think your package or mail is lost or delayed, follow these steps to help us find your mail.

Missing Mail and Lost Packages (2)

How to Start Your Search

1.Check the Current Status

Before you begin your search, if your package or mail has tracking, check USPS Tracking® to see its current status.

Go to Tracking

Informed Delivery® Users
Informed Delivery provides a digital preview of your incoming mail. There may be occasions where a mail item may be delayed in reaching its destination. For additional information, please visit Informed Delivery FAQs.

2.Complete a Help Request Form

We recommend that you complete our online help request form before you start a missing mail search. Please use a desktop computer to submit your form.

We'll forward your request to your local Post Office facility to help locate any missing items.

Start Your Form

3.Submit a Missing Mail Search Request

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:

  • Sender mailing address
  • Recipient mailing address
  • Size and type of container or envelope you used
  • Identifying information such as your USPS Tracking number(s), the mailing date from your mailing receipt, or Click-N-Ship® label receipt
  • Description of the contents such as what it is and the brand, model, color, or size, if applicable
  • Pictures that could help us recognize your item

Start Your Missing Mail Search

What to Expect Next

USPS® Mail Search

When we receive your Missing Mail search request, we will send you a confirmation email. We will also send you periodic updates about the search.

If we find your package or mail, we will send it to the address you provided. Please note, sometimes we cannot find missing mail items. It is also possible that your package or mail will not be recovered because it was not safe to forward.

Missing Mail Recovery Restrictions

Requesting a Refund

If you used a service with a money-back guarantee such as Priority Mail Express®, you may be able to request a refund.

Learn about Refunds

File a Claim

If your mail or package included insurance, you may be able to file an insurance claim. For damaged or missing contents, we recommend filing a claim immediately, but you must file no later than 60 days from the date of mailing.

Learn about Claims

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Missing Mail and Lost Packages (2024)

FAQs

Does the USPS actually investigate lost packages? ›

USPS® Mail Search

When we receive your Missing Mail search request, we will send you a confirmation email. We will also send you periodic updates about the search. If we find your package or mail, we will send it to the address you provided. Please note, sometimes we cannot find missing mail items.

What happens to packages that get lost in the mail? ›

The USPS processing centers send all their undeliverable mail to the Mail Recovery Center. They scan and open the packages to look for identifying info that may help get the package to its rightful owner if the item has a value of $25 or more. Packages under $25 in value are disposed of and/or recycled.

Why does the USPS lose so many packages? ›

There are several reasons that the U.S. Postal Service might fail to deliver a package or piece of mail to its intended recipient in a timely manner: e.g., the sender may have provided the wrong address (or an illegible one), or maybe the item was shipped with insufficient postage.

What do I do if my mail hasn't been delivered? ›

If you're not receiving any mail, the best decision is to call or visit your local post office and ask them what the issues could be with your address and what further steps you should take. They can also ask your carrier in person.

Who is responsible if USPS loses your package? ›

USPS Responsibility

In this case, they should contact USPS customer service to request a missing mail search investigation. The USPS may locate the package or discover that it was lost or damaged. In either case, the responsibility shifts from the sender to the carrier.

How long before the USPS considers a package lost? ›

Using the tracking numbers, you can check the delivery status online at USPS Tracking®. If seven (7) or more days have passed since the date of mailing and the recipient has confirmed the item has not arrived, you may either submit a search request for your lost mailpiece and/or email us.

Who is responsible for a package that never arrived? ›

Liability for Lost or Missing Packages

If the package is lost or damaged during transit with a third-party shipper or delivery service such as the United States Postal Service (USPS) or FedEx, the seller is responsible and usually must replace the item or give you a reimbursem*nt.

Who is responsible for delivery but not received? ›

If you bought something from a business to be delivered, it's the seller's responsibility to make sure the item is delivered to you.

Does USPS pay you for lost packages? ›

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.

Which carrier loses the most packages? ›

FedEx lost the most parcel volume in 2022, according to Pitney Bowes. Package volume at the Memphis giant was down 4.8% — though this led to only a slight drop in market share, from 20% in 2021, to 19% in 2022. The United States Postal Service had the second-largest decrease in parcel volume at 3.2% down.

How to tell if the USPS lost your package? ›

Step 1: Check your mail or package status:

If your mail has a tracking option (the sender can give you the tracking number if you're the recipient), go to USPS Tracking and check on the current status of your mail.

Does the USPS refund lost packages? ›

The Postal Service will refund postage only when: The inquiry process confirms that there is loss, damage, or missing contents.

How do I report a mail not being delivered? ›

Topics include delivery issues and complaints about USPS employees or facilities. Call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) or TTY: 711. Locate your local post office to speak with your station manager.

Where does my mail go if not delivered? ›

If the mailpiece is addressed incorrectly and has no return address, the mailpiece will either be handled by the local Post Office™ or sent to the Mail Recovery Center. If your mailpiece has not arrived within 7 days from its date of mailing, you can: Submit a search request in the Missing Mail application, OR.

Who to call when the USPS loses a package? ›

If your insured mailing has been lost or damaged in transit, you may file an insurance claim: Online: Go to www.usps.com⁄help⁄claims.htm for information on USPS domestic insurance. By mail: Call 800-ASK-USPS (800-275-8777) to have a claim form mailed to you.

Does UPS actually investigate lost packages? ›

2. How does UPS investigate lost packages? – UPS investigates lost packages by conducting a search of their facilities and transportation network.

Do police actually investigate stolen packages? ›

The police are more likely to pursue the case if you have evidence, such as security camera footage. Without any leads or evidence, there isn't much they can do.

Can USPS do anything about stolen packages? ›

Either the sender or the recipient may file a claim for insured mail that is lost, arrived damaged, or was missing contents. The person filing must have the original mailing receipt. Each claim must be filed within a certain time period and include proof of insurance, value, and damage.

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