- The package is not properly addressed
- The sender does not include a tracking number
- The package is not delivered to the intended recipient
- The package has been tampered with
Why does USPS Lose Packages?
The USPS package loss problem is caused by the zip code on the package label being the only piece of information that a parcel has to go through before it is delivered to its destination. If the zip code is smudged, comes off, or otherwise rendered indecipherable, the machines that feed and scan the parcels may route the item erroneously.
If you’re sending a package, it’s important to include a readable return address so that if the package is unable to reach the receiver, it will have a destination other than Lost Mail. Incorrect addresses, where the zip code and the address or name do not match, can also account for missing mail. ..
Package theft is on the rise, and one reason may be due to porch pirates. About 210 million packages were estimated to “disappear” from porches between November 2020 and November 2021 due to porch pirates (Rebecca 2021). According to some sources, lost packages are often stolen from someone’s doorway. In 2017, more than 26 million parcels were stolen from their destinations. Others may not even see their items arrive at their doorstep, raising the question of when a package should be considered officially lost. ..
When is a package officially lost with USPS, and When to take Action?
If you are mailing mail that is missing for more than seven days, you must file a search request with the USPS. The USPS will declare the mail lost and will need to wait at least seven days before looking for it.
First-Class, First-Class Package, and Priority are all three levels of service. The first two require 14 days, while the third requires only 6 p.m. guarantee on the date of purchase. If your package does not arrive by 6 p.m., the sender may immediately request a refund and the recipient may make a missing package claim.
Who Bears the Loss of Lost USPS Packages?
The USPS is legally responsible for the package’s loss, but the seller is ultimately responsible for the item’s replacement or refund. If the package were sent via Insurance or Priority Mail, or Priority Express, that would be a different story.
If you have $50 in insurance and $100 in insurance, your policy includes a $50 and $100 value automatically. You can then submit a claim to get your money back if you have insurance.
Conclusion
The U.S. Postal Service misplaced packages at a rate of 2 billion pieces in fiscal year 2016, according to the agency’s annual report. However, the Postal Service has devised ways to detect missing packages before they go missing and keep occurrences to a minimum. ..
If you have a lost or stolen package, there are a few things you can do to help get it back. First, make sure you have the package’s tracking number. If not, you can try calling the package’s sender and asking for the tracking number. If that doesn’t work, you can try looking for the package on social media or in a search engine. If all of those methods don’t help, you can contact your local police department or mail carrier to see if they can help find the package.
If you have not received mail from the USPS for a period of time, you may file a missing mail claim. To do so, visit the USPS website and follow the instructions. ..
When submitting a Missing Mail Search Request, be sure to include as much detail as possible about the lost mail item. There are a few pieces of information you should have ready to submit to USPS: the sender and recipient address, the package’s size and shape (as well as tracking information), and any related photographs.
If your package is not found after a reasonable amount of time, the USPS may declare it lost and issue you a refund. If you purchased insurance, the insurance company may cover the cost of a new package. ..
The Postal Service will begin searching for your misplaced mail as soon as you make your request online. The Postal Service will continue to search for your missing mail until the search period expires, which is usually three months after you make your request. If the search for your item is unsuccessful, an email notification will be sent to you.
