How to Find Lost USPS Postal Service Mail Or A Package

Most mail arrives safely at its intended destination, even if it travels thousands of miles, but occasionally a parcel or letter goes astray. The U.S. Postal Service will attempt to track down lost mail, but recovering the missing correspondence requires perseverance and sometimes a little luck. Some types of mail are easier to track and recover than others. Postal workers destroy undeliverable letters, printed matter -- such as magazines -- and merchandise with a value of less than $25. In addition to relying on the Postal Service for help, you can do some things on your own to search for your lost mail.

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Information Gathering

Before you contact the Postal Service, verify that you used the correct address on your package or letter. If you shipped merchandise, a gift or some other item with monetary value, make a photocopy of the receipt to show the item’s value. If you have a tracking number for your item, take it with you when you visit the Postal Service office. Be prepared to describe the size and packaging and to provide any other information that will help identify the item.

Filing a Claim

The receipt for Priority Mail, Express Mail, insured mail, registered mail or an item shipped cash-on-delivery will include a tracking number. If you printed a mailing label online with Click-n-Ship, you’ll find tracking information on your Click-n-Ship receipt. If you have a tracking number, you can file a claim to track your lost mail. File online at USPS.com or in person at your local USPS office. You’ll need separate forms to track domestic and international mail. The Postal Service recommends filing your claim as soon as you realize your letter or package is missing, but not more than 60 days after you mail the item. It will attempt to track the package and reimburse you the value of the item if the search is unsuccessful.


Local Search

Even if you don’t have at tracking number for your letter or package, ask your local USPS office for help. The person you intended the package for should do the same. Local Postal workers can watch for your item to turn up. The addressee should also ask neighbors if the item was delivered to them by mistake. If the item is distinctive in any way, ask the mail carrier if he remembers seeing it. Finally, if the item was valuable and you have reason to believe it may have been stolen from your mail box, contact the police. Mail theft is a problem in some areas and police may be able to help you recover your missing items. Report mail theft to your local USPS office as well.

Mail Recovery Center

More valuable items without correct addresses end up at the Mail Recovery Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Postal workers attempt to find the owners of these items, but if they don’t have a correct address or anything indicating the owner’s identify, the items are sold or donated. If you mailed an item worth more than $25, it may have ended up at the Mail Recovery Center. Tell your local USPS office that you want to fill out a Form 1000. The Postal workers will forward your request to the Mail Recovery Center and workers there will conduct a search for it. From time to time the Mail Recovery Center conducts online auctions at GovDeals.com. Watch this site in case your item shows up for sale.

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