USPS Tracking Says “Delivered,” but There Is No Package

Receiving a much-awaited package is one of life’s little pleasures. 

Whether a gift from a loved one or an item you bought online, opening a box containing something you’ve been looking forward to receiving is an exciting moment. 

However, suppose USPS (United States Postal Service) notifies you that your package has been “delivered,” but you can’t find the supposedly delivered mail or box anywhere. In that case, the experience can be pretty frustrating.

Consequently, you may wonder why the USPS tracking information tells you your package has already been delivered, even though you’re still waiting for it to arrive.

Various factors may cause such an incident to happen.

For instance, it may be that the delivery driver scanned the package’s barcode incorrectly. On the other hand, the postal worker may have left the item in a place you least expect. 

Don’t worry. Whatever the reason, you can resolve the issue and prevent it from happening again. For example, you can detail your concerns at the local post office.

FindPostOffice.org is your go-to website for all resources regarding post offices in the United States. Our free-access search tool lets you quickly look for the nearest USPS post office. 

This article explores what it means for USPS tracking to tag your package as “delivered,” even though you haven’t received it yet. In addition, you’ll learn how to address the tracking issue.  

 Whether you’re waiting for a product you purchased from an online shop or want to send mail to a loved one, this article will provide the information you need to secure package deliveries.

Sometimes USPS Packages Are Marked “Delivered” but Aren’t There When You Look for Them

You may experience this scenario when the USPS tracking system marks your expected package as “delivered” but has yet to reach you, the recipient.

This unfortunate event can happen for different reasons, including technical issues, human error, or bad weather conditions that may have affected the package while in transit.

Why Does USPS Say “Delivered” but There’s No Package?

As indicated above, there are various reasons why the USPS tracking status marks your package as “delivered” even though your item is nowhere to be found.

These reasons may include leaving the item in a hidden location, inaccurate shipping address, delivery to the wrong address, theft, technical problems, human error, or unfavorable weather conditions.

What Do You Do if USPS Says Delivered, but There’s No Package?

You can take the following steps to address this issue:

1. Check around the property, including any hidden locations, like your house’s back door, where the postal worker may have placed the package.
2. Check with your neighbors if they’ve received your package.
3. Double-check the package’s tracking number to ensure that it is correct.
4. Contact USPS directly by filing a missing mail search request or asking for the package’s GPS (Global Positioning System) location.

Says “Delivered” for Domestic

The issue of USPS marking an undelivered package “delivered” can happen for domestic and international packages.

If you’ve accessed domestic USPS mail services, you can follow the steps above to resolve the issue.

Says “Delivered” for International

Generally, the steps for addressing undelivered international package issues are similar to the required action when dealing with missing domestic packages. 

Still, with international shipments, you can check with your local customs office to see whether the agency is holding your item on their premises.

Expected Delivery Window

The expected delivery window refers to the package’s estimated delivery date. The timeframe usually depends on the carrier’s shipping speed, service features, and the recipient’s mailing address.

Domestic or local deliveries may take up to eight business days to complete. On the other hand, the timeframe for international shipments may reach a maximum of 20 business days.

Places To Check If Your Package Is Nowhere To Be Found

You should check these places if you don’t find your expected package:

1. Around your place: Check your entire property, including hidden locations where your regular mail delivery person may have left the package. 

The postal worker might have placed the mail or box behind a large planter, in your garage’s front door, or on your back porch.

2. Neighbors: Delivery drivers sometimes leave packages with neighbors if they think the item will be more secure with them than leaving the package outside. 

On the other hand, if the carrier delivered your package to the wrong address, your neighbor might have received it by mistake.

Does Your Neighbor Have It? Talk to the Neighbors

You could ask your friendly neighbors if they received your package on your behalf. This step often resolves the issue quickly and easily.

While many people are understanding and willing to help you, it is vital to ask your neighbor respectfully.  

Did the USPS Driver Put It Somewhere Hidden? Check Around the Property

Suppose you’ve received a delivery notification but can’t find your package. In that case, it is worth checking around your property to see if the USPS driver put it somewhere hidden.

They might have placed the packages in a safe or concealed location to protect the item from theft or inclement weather conditions.

Did They Give the Package to FedEx?

Generally, USPS doesn’t ship packages to FedEx (Federal Express) because these two carriers are distinct companies offering different shipping services.

However, FedEx has a service called FedEx Ground Economy (formerly known as FedEx SmartPost) which partners with USPS for the final delivery of packages to customers.

Double-Check Your Tracking Number

Verifying your tracking number’s accuracy is crucial before taking further steps in the delivery procedure. 

If your tracking number is inaccurate, you will probably get incorrect updates regarding your item’s delivery status.

Who Do You Call if Your Mail Is Not Being Delivered?

If you’ve looked around your property, asked your neighbor, and still haven’t seen your mail, you can visit the local post office to raise your concerns.

You can also contact USPS customer service via email or telephone at 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777).

These Are the Steps You Can Take If Your Package Was Lost

Request a Missing Mail Search through the USPS website or call the above number if you believe your package has been lost. The USPS website also lets you file a claim for a lost package.

Contact USPS Directly

When communicating with a USPS representative, it is best to have your delivery information and tracking number ready. You can also provide them with relevant information regarding the missing package, including its content and value.

What Should You Say to USPS?

When you speak to the USPS representative, explain your situation and ask if they can help you find the missing package. If you have a tracking number, give it to them along with other relevant information. 

  It’s good to follow up with a phone call or email to document your efforts and keep track of any information given.

Submit a Missing Mail Search Request

Filing a Missing Mail Search request with USPS is an excellent way to initiate the process of searching for your missing package. You can submit this request online, and the system will begin a search for your missing package within the USPS network.

If you submit the request early, you will have a better chance of recovering the package.

Ask USPS for a GPS Location

In some cases, you can request the GPS information of a particular package. You can then use this information to track your mail or box in transit. 

USPS Missing Mail Search

The USPS Missing Mail Search is a service that attempts to find a suspected lost package. This service may include searching for the package at USPS local offices, checking with neighbors, and reviewing delivery information.

What Will USPS Do To Find Your Package?

USPS has a standard process for helping customers locate missing packages. Customers can file a complaint with USPS when their package is marked as delivered but have yet to receive it.

You can start by visiting a nearby post office, contacting the USPS Consumer Affairs office, or filing a lost package case online. 

Following receipt of the complaint, USPS will initiate an investigation to locate the package. During this process, USPS may review the delivery information, check for updates in the tracking system, and contact the person who made the delivery. 

If the USPS search team finds the package during the investigation, they will immediately process its return to the customer.

On the other hand, if they can’t locate the package, eligible customers can request a refund for the purchase.

USPS, the sender, and the customer must work together to locate a missing package. Filing a complaint and working with USPS increases a customer’s chances of finding a missing item and receiving it.

Furthermore, by opting for signature confirmation, customers can prevent frustration and inconvenience due to missing packages.

Why Are You Not Getting Your Mail From the Post Office?

You might not receive your mail from the post office due to the following reasons:

• The delivery person left the mail at a different delivery location
• There USPS system has experienced logistical or technical problems related to the delivery process
• The address is incorrect

What Happens if USPS Loses Your Package?

If USPS confirms the loss of your package, you may be eligible for a refund or compensation. The first step is to submit a formal claim through the USPS website.

USPS: File a Claim for Lost Package

Sometimes, domestic mail or packages can get lost during delivery, arrive damaged, or have broken or missing pieces. However, if insurance covers the shipment, you can file for an “indemnity claim.”

You may be eligible for the claim if your item falls within any of the following categories:

• Collect on delivery (COD)
• Priority Mail Express items and other insured mail
• Insured Registered Mail

On the other hand, suppose the same unfortunate scenarios above happen with your international shipment, and insurance covers it. You can also submit an international claim for the item’s insured value in that case.

When Does USPS Offer Refunds?

USPS refunds lost or damaged packages. If you want to claim a refund, you can do so through the USPS website.

Methods of Requesting a Refund From USPS

Below are some crucial steps and reminders when requesting a refund from USPS:

• You must provide proof of purchase, including a tracking number, receipt, and photo I.D. (if requesting the refund in person).
• You can apply for a refund online or at a local post office.
• For Priority Mail Express items, you can apply within 2 to 30 days after the mailing date (if you didn’t buy additional services) or 30 to 60 days after the mailing date (if you bought additional services).
• If you received a partial refund or your request for a refund was denied, you can file a dispute within 30 days.
• An international shipment is only eligible for a refund if it meets the following conditions:
  • The item uses Global Express Guaranteed, Priority Mail Express International with Money-Back Guarantee, or Priority Mail Express International service.
  • You did not receive full service or were incorrectly charged return fees for undeliverable-as-addressed mail.
  • You were overcharged.

Additionally, it’s good to keep track of your packages to ensure secure and timely delivery.

You can use the USPS tracking system or sign up for Informed Delivery, which provides real-time information about your packages and allows you to take action if necessary. 

What Happens Next?

After you’ve submitted a Missing Mail Search request, USPS will put its package recovery process into motion.

The USPS search team will try to locate your package in their mail processing facilities. If they find the mail or box during this initial investigation, they’ll immediately process its return to you.

USPS may reimburse you based on the lost item’s value, insurance coverage, or other factors.

How To Prevent the Situation

There are several ways shippers can prevent the issue of the USPS system tagging undelivered items as “delivered.” These preventive measures include the following steps:

1. Ask for a Signature

Upon delivery, the recipient or sender can request signature confirmation. Having the recipient sign for the package can help prevent it from going missing or being stolen.

2. Invest in a Locked Box

You can prevent package theft and loss by installing a locked box on your property, such as a mailbox or parcel locker.

People frequently away from home and don’t have anyone to receive their packages will find this option especially helpful.

3. Sign Up for Informed Delivery

A USPS “Informed Delivery” service lets you see the image of your mail and packages before they arrive.

People can use this option to keep track of their packages and ensure that they are delivered to the correct shipping address.

4. Change Your Delivery Preferences

Changing your delivery preferences with USPS can include the following:

• Holding a package at a post office
• Redirecting it to another address
• Scheduling redelivery

These suggestions may help if you are concerned about your packages being lost or delivered to the wrong address.

5. Set Up Cameras

Keep track of your packages by installing cameras around your property.

You can increase your chances of receiving your package safely and securely by following these preventative measures. Remember, proactive measures can make all the difference in ensuring a successful delivery.

What Pickup Options Do You Have With USPS?

USPS offers various options for receiving packages. You may consider changing your pickup options if your USPS tracking says “delivered,” but you haven’t received the package. 

These pickup options may involve scheduling a package intercept, visiting a USPS office, scheduling redelivery, or renting a P.O. Box.

1. Visit the USPS Office

If you cannot receive a package at home, you can pick it up at your local post office.

This option is helpful for people who are frequently away from home or have a flexible schedule, as it allows them to pick up their packages at a convenient time.

2. Schedule a Package Intercept

With USPS package intercept, you can request that a package be held at a post office, redirected to a different address, or returned to the sender.

This option can be helpful for people who want to change the delivery address of a package or have it redirected to a different location.

3. Schedule a Redelivery

You could arrange redelivery through the USPS website or by contacting the carrier if you missed a delivery.

This option is helpful for customers who couldn’t receive their packages (usually due to forgetting about the delivery date) and want to ensure that they don’t miss the next delivery.

4. Rent a P.O. Box

A P.O. Box from USPS is a secure location for your mail and packages. You can rent one if you worry about your packages getting lost or stolen.

FAQs

1. Does USPS mark packages as “delivered” before delivering?

Yes. Sometimes, USPS marks a package as “delivered” before it has been delivered. This incident may be due to several reasons, including scanning inaccuracies and system errors.

2. Why does USPS say my package is delivered if I just shipped It?

In some cases, the USPS system may prematurely update your package’s tracking information, indicating that the package has already been delivered even though you’ve just shipped it. 

Like in other cases, this error may happen due to system glitches, scanning inaccuracies, or other technical issues.

3. How can I track down my package with USPS?

You can visit the USPS’ homepage (USPS.com) and enter your tracking number to track a package. 

You can also sign up for “Informed Delivery.” This USPS service will update you regarding your package’s delivery status via text or email.

However, you should contact USPS customer service for assistance if you still can’t find your package despite the abovementioned options.

4. Can USPS find a lost package?

While there’s no guarantee that it will find your lost package, USPS can perform a missing mail search for it.

If USPS tags your package as “lost,” you may be eligible for a refund.

5. Does USPS deliver packages on Saturdays?

Yes. USPS can deliver packages on Saturdays for some of its services, including Priority Mail Express and First-Class Package Service. 

However, some services may not offer Saturday delivery. For specific information, you can contact USPS. 

6. Can someone else sign for your package?

You can have someone else sign for your package, provided you authorize them. For example, you can have a relative, roommate, or co-worker sign for your package.

7. What If your USPS parcel is lost or damaged?

You can report a parcel’s loss or damage to USPS. However, you must be able to give proof of the damage or loss to make a valid claim. The approval of your claim may result in a refund or reimbursement.

References

1. USPS Delivery Times
   https://www.stamps.com/usps/usps-delivery-times/
2. FedEx SmartPost Guide
   http://www.fedex.com/us/software/pdf/FedEx_SmartPost_Guide_v2440_04202010.pdf
3. File a USPS Claim: Domestic
   https://www.usps.com/help/claims.htm
4. File a USPS Claim: International
   https://www.usps.com/help/international-claims.htm
5. Request a USPS Refund: Domestic
   https://www.usps.com/help/refunds.htm
6. Request a USPS Refund: International
   https://www.usps.com/help/international-refunds.htm