Who to blame when your package gets lost in the mail (2024)

FAQs

Who to blame when your package gets lost in the mail? ›

Often, it's up to the seller or retailer to ensure that you receive your package. Thus, anything that happens in transit is the responsibility of the seller; they are responsible if the package is lost or damaged during transit, and usually must replace it or give a reimbursem*nt.

In cases where the seller and buyer have fulfilled their responsibilities correctly, yet a parcel goes missing, the liability often falls onto the logistics company. The shipping company becomes responsible for the loss, especially due to their negligence or mishandling.

As a general rule of thumb, if you don't see any evidence to suggest otherwise, the seller or shipper is responsible. If a package is marked as delivered and you have not seen it, then the seller is responsible. The exception is that if a package is actually lost prior to being marked delivered.

If your delivery were insured, USPS's claim process would cover the costs of shipping and the package value, up to the amount specified. If you did not have insurance, but a Missing Mail Search determined your delivery is lost or damaged, a claim will cover the cost of shipping.

File a Claim

If your mail or package included insurance, you may be able to file an insurance claim. For damaged or missing contents, we recommend filing a claim immediately, but you must file no later than 60 days from the date of mailing.

MAIL THEFT CAN LEAD TO SERIOUS PENALTIES, SO DON'T TAKE IT LIGHTLY. Mail theft is a serious crime.

You may file a claim or lawsuit against the shipper if the cargo was not properly packaged and was damaged or lost as a result. You may sue the carrier if the shipment was improperly loaded, unloaded, or handled during transport.

A Lost Article is defined as any mailing that has not been received and has not been returned to the sender. Customers may file claims for damaged and/or missing contents immediately, but no later than 60 days from the date of mailing.

To submit a claim via post you'll need to get a P58 form from a branch and send it off to Royal Mail (their address is on the form) along with a photocopy of your proof of purchase. Please wait 15 days after posting before sending a P58.

Alas, if the package is still not found after the “missing mail search,” you may want to request a refund. For domestic mail in the 50 United States, you can submit a refund request by providing proof of purchase. The items you will need include: The tracking number.

What happens when USPS says they delivered but no package? ›

It's possible that the missing package was delivered to the wrong address or was misdelivered. If you're not sure, wait a day or two to see if it shows up before contacting USPS. They may be able to help you locate the missing package or provide information on its whereabouts.

The USPS® liability is restricted to lost, damaged, and/or missing content claims for the following products: Insured Mail (includes any mail class purchased with Insurance, i.e. First-Class Mail® or Priority Mail®) Registered Mail.

If the package is not claimed within 90 days, it's often auctioned off or sold to liquidators.

When the shipping carrier cannot locate the packages, you should file an insurance claim to cover the lost packages' combined insured value and shipment cost. This requires the tracking number, proof of the value of the item, and proof of insurance.

Here's what you need to know: You must file the claim within 60 days of the delivery date. You will need to provide documentation of the value of the contents of the package. USPS will reimburse you up to the insured value of the package, but not for any additional losses or damages.

As the recipient or buyer, you are ultimately responsible for resolving the issue of a lost or stolen package delivery. It is up to you to reach out to the sender or merchant with your tracking information, make a claim with the delivery service, and in some instances, report the crime to the local police.

Contact the sender or retailer. Report the stolen package to FedEx, UPS, or USPS. File a police report for the stolen package.

If you were asked to select a "safe place" for the courier to leave the parcel and it was stolen, then it's your responsibility. However, it's the courier's fault if it was stolen and you did not nominate a "safe place". Many couriers now take photos of the parcel when they deliver it to prove it has arrived.