USPS Lost My Package: What Do I Do?

In this post, we outline what to do if your USPS package goes missing and provide some tips on how to avoid it happening in the first place. Stay tuned!

It's happened to all of us: we wait patiently for a package to arrive, and when it doesn't show up, we scramble to figure out what went wrong. If your package never arrives or is lost in transit by the USPS, don't worry - there are steps you can take to get your parcel back. Here's what you need to know about USPS contact lost package.

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Submit A Request For Missing Mail

First and foremost, when seven days have gone from the day of delivery, you should make a missing mail.usps search request with the USPS. Of course, there isn't a guarantee that it will work, but USPS retrieves a large percentage of the parcels for which consumers file search requests! If USPS locates your item, it will be redirected to you or the original recipient.

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Here is what you need to do:

1. Obtain the necessary information before making your request to the USPS:

2. The postal address of the sender

3. Postal address of the recipient

4. The sort of box or envelope you utilized, as well as the size and shape of it

5. Identification information like your USPS tracking information, mailing date, or a photo of your delivery label

6. Contents explanation, including what it is and the name, type, color, and size (if applicable)

7. Images that may aid USPS in identifying your package

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Related: How Late Does USPS Deliver? A Complete Guide

What Is The Procedure For Submitting A Missing Mail Request?

The USPS will send an email verifying receipt of your Missing Mail Search Request when they have received it.


The USPS will utilize your tracking number and review all times your shipment was scanned in transit to determine where the USPS undelivered package went missing from the radar. You'll get updates on your shipment through email as the USPS can get more information about it.


Hopefully, you'll get an email letting you know that your shipment has been discovered! The USPS will next try its utmost to package and dispatch the goods to the address you supplied on your Missing Mail Search Request.


Check Out If You May File An Insurance Payout For A Lost Shipment

Once 15 days have gone since the shipment notification, you can file a USPS insurance complaint if you mailed your product with any Priority Mail service. If you sent your package using Priority Mail Express, you could be entitled to a complete refund!


If on the other side, you purchased supplementary shipping coverage, users can proceed to submit a complaint with their shipping software.


International shipments, on the other hand, are a different issue. Most third-party shipping insurance firms will not file a claim for a lost foreign cargo until 40 days following the shipment date.


The Most Common Reasons For Lost USPS Packages

The address label breaks off, or the mailing label becomes smudged or unreadable, which is the most typical reason for shipments being lost by the USPS. If this situation happens, the USPS and other major carriers recommend including an additional address label with destination and return addresses inside the item. The Post Office will be able to open the thing and create a new mailing label without returning it to the shipper.


When Is A Package Considered To Be Officially Lost By The United States Postal Service (USPS)?

Before you file a search query to find some mail, the USPS must determine that it is missing, and various types of lost mail have varying time restrictions. Before you request that the USPS look for a missing mail piece, it must've been missing for at least seven days from the date of sending for most mail categories.

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Related: Compare USPS Priority Mail to Priority Mail Express

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Will USPS Reimburse For Lost Package?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors. First, it's important to know that USPS will only reimburse for packages that are lost in transit. If your package is delivered to the wrong address or damaged in transit, you will not be eligible for reimbursement. Second, you must have proper insurance on your package for USPS to reimburse you for a lost package. Finally, you must file a claim with USPS within 60 days of the date your package was mailed to be eligible for reimbursement.


If all of these conditions are met, then yes, USPS will reimburse you for your lost package. The amount you will receive will depend on the insurance coverage you had on the package; however, typically damages and losses are covered up to $50 without insurance. If you have insurance on your package, you may be eligible for reimbursement up to the full value of your package.

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Recommended: What Does My USPS Tracking Status Mean?

Calculating Your Package's Cubic Tier

For Boxes and Rigid Packages:
  1. Measure the outer dimensions (length, width, height) in inches
  2. Round each measurement down to the nearest quarter inch
  3. Multiply length x width x height
  4. Divide the result by 1728 (cubic inches in a cubic foot)
  5. The result is your package's cubic feet measurement

Example: For a box measuring 12.3" x 9.5" x 3":

  1. Round down to 12.25" x 9.5" x 3"
  2. 12.25 x 9.5 x 3 = 349.125
  3. 349.125 / 1728 = 0.202 cubic feet
  4. This package falls into the 0.3 cubic feet pricing tier

Note: Maximum size for any single dimension is 18 inches

For Envelopes and Soft Packs:
  1. Measure the length and width of the empty envelope
  2. Round down to the nearest quarter inch
  3. Add the length and width together
  4. Use the total to determine the pricing tier:
    • Tier 0.1: Up to 21"
    • Tier 0.2: 21.01" to 27"
    • Tier 0.3: 27.01" to 31"
    • Tier 0.4: 31.01" to 34"
    • Tier 0.5: 34.01" to 36"

Restrictions

  • Tubes and rolls are not eligible for Cubic pricing
  • Maximum combined length and girth is 84 inches

Benefits of Using Priority Mail Cubic

  1. Cost savings: Cheaper than weight-based pricing for small, heavy items
  2. Predictable pricing: Easy to calculate shipping costs based on box dimensions
  3. Fast delivery: 1-3 business day delivery to any US address, including PO boxes
  4. Free tracking: Monitor shipments at no extra cost
  5. Included insurance: $100 of coverage with every shipment
  6. No surcharges: Residential and fuel surcharges included in the price

Tips for Maximizing Savings

  1. Optimize packaging: Use the smallest box possible that safely fits your items
  2. Consider breaking up large orders: Sometimes shipping in multiple smaller boxes can be cheaper
  3. Use cubic feet calculators: Online tools can help quickly determine your package's tier
  4. Compare rates: Always compare Cubic rates with other shipping methods
  5. Use Commercial Pricing: Accessing Commercial Pricing rates can lead to even more savings

2024 USPS Priority Mail Cubic Rates

Accessing Priority Mail Cubic Rates

Priority Mail Cubic isn't available at regular Post Office counters. However, many online shipping platforms and 3PL providers offer access to these rates. By partnering with a fulfillment provider, you can easily access these discounted rates and streamline your shipping process. For small-scale sellers not yet ready for a 3PL, Pirate Ship offers free access to USPS Priority Mail Cubic rates with no monthly fees or minimums.

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