last updated on Aug 13, 2022 by olivia
Sometimes mail carriers don’t deliver packages due to incomplete addresses or other reasons. In that case, USPS holds undeliverable mail for a few days before returning it to the sender.
So the question arises: How long does USPS hold mail before returning it to sender?
first you should know that when this happens, sometimes the postman will not be able to deliver the package or envelope due to the input address, or he may find the mailbox, but the box does not fit, in this case, he returns it to the post office.
after the first attempt, usps tries to deliver again on the second day [day two] and leaves a ps form 3849 if it fails. this form is a notice that the postman tried to deliver your package but was unable to do so.
To request the reshipment of the package, the recipient must fill out the form with all the information and leave it in the mailbox.
sometimes we forget to fill out the form or come home late, after a few days we find it, but it’s been a long time, so you can think.
How long will the post office hold my mail before returning it to the sender? then do not worry; this post will answer all your questions.
How long does the post office store or hold undelivered packages?
As I said before, the recipient must fill out the ps 3849 form to re-deliver, or the recipient can visit the post office to pick up that package within the deadline.
When a failed delivery occurs, the postman returns that package/envelope to the post office. the post office holds that package for 15 days before returning it to the sender.
There are two situations when a package returns to the post office, such as –
- first, the postman tries to deliver the package, if no one finds it there, and knows that someone lives in that place, then the postman will try to deliver that package to the next business; even if no one is there, the delivery person will leave the delivery notice and return the mail to the post office.
- if the delivery person knows from people nearby that this person does not live here or may not be available the next time to receive the package, then it will leave the notice at the first delivery attempt.
note -next time; the customer [receiver] can only request the carrier to re-deliver that package.
related: [explained] how long does usps keep tracking information?
There are two scenarios when a packet returns to the sender, like –
- if the sender’s address is written on the package/envelope, then the courier returns it to the sender after 15 days at the post office. if the local post office can’t find that place or address, then the package will be sent to the lost mail department.
- if the return address is not written on the package/envelope, then the item mail will be counted as dead mail and will be destroyed by the post office team due to privacy concerns. it only happens when the post office team can’t find the return address.
Related publications:
- can i pick up a package from usps before delivery?
- usps tracking not updating – how to fix?
- where is the tracking number tracking on usps receipt
- shipment received, pending package acceptance – explanation
final reflection
If you were not available at home in the next few days when the package is delivered, you will have the option to hold that package and receive it yourself at the post office. if you haven’t sent the request to hold an email then,
You can fill in the form ps 3849 [if you have received it at your address/mailbox] and collect your mail yourself within 15 days. after that, it will return to the sender.
I hope you now know all about how long does the USPS hold a package or how long will the post office hold my mail before returning it to the sender. If you have any questions, let me know in the comments section.