Lost Package

A lost package is a shipment that has gone missing during transit and cannot be located by the carrier. While most packages eventually arrive, truly lost packages require investigation and may result in a claim for compensation.

When Is a Package Considered Lost?

General guidelines:

• 7+ days past estimated delivery (domestic)
• 20+ days past estimated delivery (international)
• Tracking shows no movement for extended period
• Carrier investigation finds no package

Carrier-specific timelines:

Common Reasons Packages Go Missing

Carrier issues:

• Missorted at facility
• Fell off conveyor
• Mislabeled
• Damaged and discarded
• Stolen by employee

Delivery issues:

• Delivered to wrong address
• Left at unsafe location
• Stolen from porch
• Incorrect address on label

Customs/international:

• Held without notification
• Seized by customs
• Lost in foreign postal system

Steps When Your Package Is Lost

Step 1: Verify Delivery Status

• Check tracking thoroughly
• Look for hidden delivery locations
• Ask neighbors
• Check with building management

Step 2: Wait Appropriate Time

• Don’t panic immediately
• Tracking sometimes lags
• Package may still be in transit

Step 3: Contact Carrier

• Open investigation/trace
• Provide tracking number
• Describe package contents
• Give timeline

Step 4: File a Claim

• After investigation period
• Gather documentation
• Include proof of value
• Submit within deadlines

Lost Package Investigation

What carriers do:

• GPS tracking review
• Driver interview
• Facility search
• Route reconstruction

Typical timeline:

• USPS: Up to 30 days
• UPS: 8-15 business days
• FedEx: 5-7 business days

Filing a Lost Package Claim

Required documentation:

• Tracking number
• Proof of shipment (receipt, label)
• Proof of value (invoice, receipt)
• Description of contents
• Recipient/sender information

Compensation limits:

Preventing Lost Packages

For senders:

• Use accurate, complete addresses
• Require signature confirmation
• Add insurance for valuable items
• Use tracking with all shipments
• Package clearly with labels

For recipients:

• Provide delivery instructions
• Use secure delivery locations
• Consider package lockers
• Track packages actively
• Request holds when traveling

When Packages Reappear

Sometimes “lost” packages show up:

• Weeks later (stuck in system)
• At post office (unclaimed)
• Returned to sender
• If claim paid, contact carrier about return