How to handle your lost, missing, stolen packages?

Prevent frustrating lost packages. Learn effective handling and prevention techniques with our step-by-step guide.
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Last update:

February 16, 2024
Unfortunately, you may lose your package at some point. All major US carriers will try to eliminate or at least decrease the risk as much as possible, but this still may happen sometimes. The first thing you can do is to stay perfectly calm and make sure you understand the situation. Today, we will tell you all the steps, things, and actions for each carrier.

Use Insurance When Possible

The first thing you need to do before you even lose a package is to insure it. All carriers will offer special and ordinary insurance for the packages. Shippers can purchase added insurance for items of high value or any other item they are shipping. Some additional rules exist, but you get the point.

If you insure a package and it gets lost, you can claim its complete value within days. As such, there are no money losses on your end. This insurance is usually cheap and comes in different options, so you can pick the one you prefer.

You can also use additional insurances. If your parcel is worth more than your current insurance covers, you can get extra insurance to ensure your safety.

What should I do if my UPS parcel is lost?

If the UPS package does not get delivered within 24 hours of the expected delivery time, you can report it. You can also file a claim for the lost package. Keep in mind that the recipient and also the sender can report this.

Once you report the issue, you can keep track of the status. The telephone number you can use for this purpose is 1-800-742-5877. Users can also use a dedicated claim page for this purpose.

In addition, shippers can use the page to submit a claim that affects damaged or Uncollected C.O.D packages. Also, users can request a refund for packages not delivered in a specified time frame. They do this on their UPS Billing Center.

Here is an instructional video for UPS claim support. This would help walk customers through key claims processes (filing a claim, uploading proof of value, etc.)

What should I do if my FedEx parcel is lost?

As you would expect, FedEx also offers a claim page for all lost packages. The process is similar to the aforementioned page, but there are some differences. For instance, you can enter your PRO number and track the status and package. At the same time, you can choose the claim type and complete a form to submit the issue to FedEx.

One major difference is the package value. For all packages that come with a value under $100, there is no need to file or provide additional documents. But, you can provide supporting documents for packages that exceed $100 in value, including the images of the package, ship manager scan, invoice, order confirmation, serial number, and more proof of worth.

You can inspect yourself or hire a professional. You can also track your claim online and observe how it resolves.

What should I do if my USPS parcel is lost?

You can report missing or damaged mail to USPS, just like any other courier in the US. But, they do offer fewer features, and the process is much simpler, but there are some limitations. You can claim lost packages that the delivery should be within US territories or to other countries.

To file the claim, you need to visit their claim page and provide the needed documentation. Another method is to submit the form using mail. Once you file the claim, you can keep track of the process. For international situations, you may want to locate the route first, and then you can file a claim.

GENERAL TIPS YOU CAN USE TO MAKE THE SITUATION SIMPLER

You should know that if you lose your package, you should file a claim, provide all the documentation they need, and wait. But there are a few more tips you can use that may help you solve the problem.

1. Always file a claim as soon as the time frame allows you. For most carriers, it is 24 hours after the scheduled delivery time. Stay in touch with your consumers, and you will be fine.

If the carrier says they delivered the package, they won't look into the problem and you can't get the package back. If that happens, you should contact the person who received it to make a complaint or give proof like a video. Together, you can file claims and try to resolve the issue.

3. If there is no record of the package, you can file a report to the U.S. Postal Inspector. They possess a unit that tracks and attempts to determine if and how the package was stolen. In most situations, they won’t get your package back, but they will be able to make their services more secure in the future. In addition, package theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the United States.

To make the process easier and faster, collect evidence of your packages. This evidence should include information such as their value, addresses, shipping date, and any other relevant documents. In most cases, you must provide those documents to the carriers when filing a claim.

5. Pair your packages with insurance if they are valuable to you. By using this, you can get your money back easily.

THE FINAL WORD

Important to note that some shipping carriers may have specific rules and requirements for filing claims. For example, some carriers may require that you purchase insurance for your shipment to be eligible for compensation. Read the carrier's policies carefully and follow their instructions when filing a claim.

Filing a claim for a lost or damaged package with a shipping carrier can be time-consuming. However, it is crucial to do so to receive compensation for your lost or damaged items.

Written on:

March 22, 2021
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