How Do I Get Usps to a Hold Package?

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is a standard in package delivery. If you are expecting a package from USPS and cannot be available at the original delivery date/time, you have the option of asking USPS hold your package. How do you get USPS to hold a package? You can get information and assistance from USPS customer service here, and below are steps you can take to place a hold on your package.

How to Request a Package Hold at USPS

There are four ways you can request a package be held at your local post office rather than USPS deliver it to your home: in writing, in person, over the phone or online.

In Writing Request

If you know you will be receiving a package that you don't want dropped off directly at your home, you can request in writing that the package be held at your local post office. Follow these steps to complete this process:

1. Address a letter to your local postmaster requesting a hold of your mail and/or packages.
2. Mail the letter to your local post office's mailing address.
3. Follow all the instructions in the response mail you receive from USPS.

In Person

To make a request in person that packages be held at the post office instead of being delivered to your home, do the following:

1. Go to your local post office.
2. Fill out an authorization to hold mail form (the clerk will provide this form to you).
3. Fill out all the information requested and leave the form with the customer care center or clerk.

Via Telephone

To request a package be held via telephone, do these steps:

1. Call USPS here and follow the prompts to USPS Hold Mail Services.
2. Provide all the information requested.
3. Follow any prompts or instructions you are given to confirm the hold request.
4. If requested, follow up at your local post office to complete the process.

Online Request

Online is the quickest, most convenient way to request a mail/package hold. To use this option, do the following:

1. Open the USPS Hold Mail service in your computer's browser.
2. Log into your account.
3. Follow the link to request mail hold.
4. Input all the requested information to complete the process.

If you are expecting a package and you have not requested a hold, but you still have not received your delivery, the postal carrier may have encountered a problem. Check with the shipper to see when the package was sent and any other pertinent information about your delivery, then call USPS to see if the package was listed as delivered or undeliverable. USPS will hold undelivered packages for 15 days (30 for international packages) before returning them to the sender.

If you want to have your packages held at your local post office, USPS provides you with that convenient service. For more information or assistance, call USPS customer service here.