Very so often we read about people on social media having their packages lost or damaged in transit by courier companies. Some companies offer you a tracking feature on their website to track the movements or delays of your parcel, including details of the various stops made by the courier company. But what happens when you suspect that your parcel is lost or missing? Let’s know about Does USPS Reimburse For Lost Packages?
USPS offers help to find your missing items, including a tracking tool and forms you fill that USPS uses to help locate your parcel. If they cannot find your items, you can either request a refund or file a claim; however, the parcels need to be insured. Let’s unpack everything below.
In the case of a missing/ delayed delivery
- Track your parcel
- Fill a Help Request Form
- Complete a Missing Mail Search Request
Start with using USPS tracking system
Using your parcel’s tracking number; go to USPS Tracking on their website to monitor the status of your delivery. They also have an Informed Delivery feature, where you receive notifications and pictures of your parcel while in transit; note that this feature is only available to eligible users in residential or P.O Box addresses across the country.
Request for help
Asking for assistance is the second step; you can do this while tracking the parcel. Here you choose a reason for inquiry that best describes your issue; in this case you select “Where is my package?” and complete the required information. USPS will contact your nearest post office for assistance with locating the parcel.
Proceed with the following if you haven’t received your parcel in seven days of submitting a Help Request Form:
Fill a Missing Mail Search Request
Different from the Help Request Form, the Missing Mail Search Request requires more details about your missing items, including but not limited to the USPS tracking number, a description of the items, and the sender and recipient’s mailing addresses. Once you’re done, USPS will send a confirmation email and also provide updates on the search for your missing items. If found; your parcel will be sent to the address you provided.
If USPS fails to locate your package
- Request a refund
If you use USPS’ Priority Mail Express which offers a money-back guarantee, you’re able to request a refund. While this option requires an additional cost, you can be sure that it’s the safest option as opposed to their Priority Mail service which may hurt your pocket a little less, but does not guarantee a refund should your parcel not be delivered on time or at all.
- File a claim
If you happen to receive a package that has been damaged, had pieces missing, or did not arrive at all; you’re required to fill an indemnity form to file a claim. Note that the parcel(s) would need to be insured and the claim needs to be done no later than 60 days from the mailing date.
How to file a claim
- Damaged parcels need to be filed immediately but no later than 60 days. In the case of a lost or missing package, you will need to adhere to the filing periods depending on the mail service you used. For instance, Priority Mail Express users can file after seven days of using the service.
- Provide the tracking number; evidence of insurance; proof of value (cost of the parcel, do not over-price); and a photo showing the extent of damage. Damaged items will be inspected to determine how and roughly when it may have been compromised.
- File the claim either online (faster and easier) or requesting a domestic claim form to be mailed to you to fill and send back.
What happens next?
You will need to allow additional time for your claim to be processed and a decision to be made by USPS’s accounting service. If your claim was;
- Approved partially or completely, allow up to 10 business days to receive the payment.
- Denied partially or completely, a decision list will detail the reason for denial.
Like many businesses, USPS affords their clients a reimbursement for their lost or damaged items so long as they meet their requirements. In this case, among the documents needed including proof of purchase, the package would need to be insured as this guarantees you getting your money back.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I appeal a rejected claim?
Yes, you can make an appeal within 30 days of receiving the decision, focus on the reasons for rejection, following the same process to file a claim. You can appeal more than once.
