Online shopping is on the rise, in fact for many people it has now become their preferred way to shop!
But, with more people ordering products to be delivered direct to their door, package theft rates are sky rocketing.
USPS handles billions of package deliveries every year, and unfortunately that means that there are plenty of examples of USPS packages going missing.
So, what can you do it your USPS package has been lost or stolen? Keep reading to find out!
If you were expecting a delivery from USPS and it isn’t at home waiting for you, the first thing you should try to do is track your package.
You’ll usually find your tracking number attached in the confirmation email you receive from whoever you’ve ordered from. With your tracking number you’ll be able to get all sorts of insights about the route and status of your delivery
If you check and your shipping status says “delivered”, then it’s highly likely something less than favorable has happened to your package.
If your package can’t be found using your tracking number, the next thing to do is check in with your neigbors.
Sometimes, if a delivery driver arrives and you’re not home, they might drop it off with someone next door to try and keep your package safe. If your neighbor does have your package, then great – problem solved!
If not, they might be able to give you some insights that could help. Maybe they saw your courier hide the package somewhere out of sight on your property? Or, maybe they noticed some sketchy looking strangers hovering around after your item was dropped off.
Whatever the outcome, starting with the people next door is a good next step to take if your package has gone missing.
If the search for your package still hasn’t shown up, it’s time to speak with the sender to let them know. A lot of retailers will have policies in place to deal with packages that go missing, whether that’s sending out a replacement or offering you a full refund.
However, what can you do if the seller doesn’t want to offer you a resolution? Or, maybe your package was sent by a friend or family member? If this is the case, don’t lose hope! There’s still more you can do to help resolve the situation.
If the sender isn’t able to help you, the next thing to do is contact USPS directly. This can be done one of two ways depending on whether your missing package was insured.
If your missing USPS package wasn’t insured, you’ll be able to do a missing mail search. This means that USPS will conduct a search to try and track your missing package down:
To do this, visit missingmail.usps.com. You’ll need to create a username and password if you don’t already have one.
Once your account is all set up, you’ll need to enter the date your package was sent, tracking number, sender’s address and your address – as well as a brief description of the package itself and its contents.
USPS will start a search of their facilities and keep you updated with their progress. If your package is found, they’ll let you know and forward your item back on to you.
If your package can’t be found it will likely be deemed stolen. If this happens, you can file a claim with USPS – but unfortunately un-insured package claims will only cover your shipping costs.
Keep reading to find out how to file a claim with USPS…
If your USPS package was insured, a claim through USPS will cover the shipping costs and the package value (up to the amount specified in your coverage). Here’s how to get started:
The filing period changes depending on the type of shipping service used. Check the shipping date on your receipt and use the below as a guide:
| Service | File After | File Before |
| Priority Mail Express® | 7 days | 60 days |
| Priority Mail Express COD | 15 days | 60 days |
| Priority Mail® | 15 days | 60 days |
| Insured Mail | 15 days | 60 days |
| Collect on Delivery (COD) | 15 days | 60 days |
| Registered Mail® & Registered COD Mail | 15 days | 60 days |
| APO/FPO Priority Mail Express Military® Service | 21 days | 60 days |
| APO/FPO/DPO Insured Mail, Registered Mail | 45 days | 180 days |
| APO/FPO/DPO Insured Mail (Surface only) | 75 days | 1 year |
Once you’ve determined you’re within your filing period, visit www.onlineclaims.usps.com, you’ll need to set up an account if you don’t have one already. All you need to do next is fill out your claim details and send it to USPS to process. If your claim is accepted, they’ll refund you for the value of your package and the shipping.
USPS’ claim form allows you space to upload proof of insurance and proof of value, so be sure to include these where possible to assist in your claim being processed quickly.
If your claim is approved, your refund should be with you within 7-10 working days. If, however, your claim was only partially approved or denied, you can file an appeal within 30 days.
If your USPS package has been stolen, you might be able to claim on your homeowners insurance to gain back the money you’ve lost. Otherwise, the best way to stop this happening in the future is to invest in package theft prevention!
If you’re looking for a way to keep your deliveries safe and secure, Locker Suites is the solution for you. Our secure and convenient package locker rooms mean that you can send all of your deliveries to us, and we’ll keep them safe for you.
We’ll accept deliveries from any vendor – regardless of who they use for shipping, the size of your package, and whether you order more than one in a day – you can have it delivered to us.
That means no more packages left out on your porch and no more debates about filing an insurance claim!
When you’re ready to collect, you can come down to your suite 24/7 on your schedule.
Signing up is quick and easy! Get started below:
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" There are many variations of passages of Lorem Ipsum available, but the majority have suffered alteration in some form, by injected humour "
" There are many variations of passages of Lorem Ipsum available, but the majority have suffered alteration in some form, by injected humour "
" There are many variations of passages of Lorem Ipsum available, but the majority have suffered alteration in some form, by injected humour "
Lorenzo Peterson
15th August, 2019 at 01:25 pm