How to Find a Lost Package From the US Post Office
Every year, packages sent through the United States Postal Service never reach their intended destination. This usually is either because of an incorrect or illegible mailing address or because the return address was incorrect or illegible. There are a few options to try to recover the parcel or to collect the value of the package through the insurance. Most lost parcels, however, are not recovered and are sent to auction. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Contact the recipient to be sure that the parcel is truly lost. Sometimes packages are delayed because of inclement weather.
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Contact the post office where the parcel was mailed to find out if it is at the location and was undeliverable. This can happen because the address label was illegible or incorrect or because the return label was missing, incorrect or illegible.
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File a PS Form 1510 at the post office to report the lost parcel. It is best to do this within 14 days of the date the parcel was mailed. This can be done at the post office or, if you call during non peak hours, a postal worker might be willing to assist you with this over the phone.
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Contact the Mail Recovery Center that is closest to you. The three locations are: Atlanta, Georgia; St. Paul, Minnesota; and San Francisco, California. These facilities open the lost packages to try to identify someone to claim the item. Because unclaimed items go to auction, be sure to contact the facility immediately.
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File an insurance claim online if you insured the item. This can be done through the USPS website. Be sure to have proof that the item is lost.
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Tips & Warnings
Always include an additional return label inside the box.
Wrapped packages make it more difficult for a Mail Recovery Center to identify an owner.
Write legibly.
