Keep reading for some helpful tips on how to report a missing package to USPS.
Every day, the United States Postal Office processes and delivers 187.8 million pieces of First-Class mail. With such large volumes, sometimes, mail gets lost. If you sent a package through USPS and the recipient hasn't received it yet, you can report it. Note that only the sender can start a missing package claim, not the recipient. If you're the recipient of the package, inform the sender that it's missing, and ask them to start a missing package claim with USPS.
Keep reading for the simple step-by-step instructions on how to report a missing package to USPS.
First, you'll want to double check the status of the package to confirm that it's missing.
Go to https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction_input and check the status of your package with the tracking ID. If the status shows that it's received and you know it isn't, or if the tracking isn't working, these are indications your package is missing. Make sure the package doesn't have any notes about delays in delivery due to weather, as this can occasionally happen.
If you believe your package is missing, the next step is to complete an online form with USPS. Go to https://emailus.usps.com/emailUs/iq/usps/request.do?forward=emailUs
You'll be asked if your package has a tracking number or a redelivery confirmation number. Select 'Yes' or 'No' as it applies to your package.
Continue with the prompted instructions to complete the form. USPS will forward the search request to your local post office for help locating the package.
If seven business days pass after submitting the online form, and you still haven't received your missing package, the next step is to send in a Missing Mail Search Request.
You'll be asked to sign into your USPS account with your username and password before proceeding. If you don't have a USPS account, you will need to create one, as this is necessary to submit a Missing Mail Search Request.
The Missing Mail Search Request will require you to provide:
The sender mailing address
The recipient mailing address
The size and type of envelope or contain you used
Identifying information such as your USPS tracking number, your Click-N-Ship receipt, or the mailing date from your mailing receipt
A description of the contents such as what it is, the brand, color, model, or size, if applicable
Pictures that could help identify your item
After submitting the Missing Mail Search Request, you'll receive a confirmation email.
USPS will forward the information to your local post office to help search for your item.
USPS will continue to send you updates via email about the status of your claim. If your package is found, it'll be sent to the mailing address originally provided.
There are times when a package cannot be located, or it's not safe to return the package to you. USPS will let you know via email if that is the case with your package.
If your package included a money-back guarantee service such as Priority Mail Express, you may be able to request a refund. You can reach out to the USPS Customer Support team via phone for help with this process.
If your package or mail included insurance, you may be able to file an insurance claim for the missing content. Its highly recommended you file the claim as soon as possible, as you only have a maximum of 60 days from the date of mailing. You can reach out to the USPS Customer Support team via phone for help with this process.
If during this process, you have issues or questions, you can reach out to the USPS Customer Support team via phone. The Customer Support team is available Monday to Fridays from 8:00 am to 8:30 pm and Saturdays from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm EST.
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