Undeliverable

Undeliverable means a carrier has determined they cannot complete delivery of a package to the provided address. This status triggers specific carrier procedures, typically resulting in return to sender or package disposal.

Undeliverable Reasons

Address Problems

• Address doesn’t exist
• Incomplete address (missing apt #)
• Person unknown at address
• Business closed/moved
• Illegible address

Access Issues

• Gated community, no access code
• Locked building, no response
• Dangerous location
• Restricted area

Recipient Issues

• Recipient deceased
• Recipient moved, no forwarding
• Recipient refuses delivery
• Wrong name for address

Package Issues

• Prohibited contents
• Damaged beyond repair
• Missing required documentation
• Failed customs clearance

What Happens to Undeliverable Packages

USPS

1. First-Class Mail: Returned free
2. Priority Mail: Returned free
3. Marketing Mail: Usually discarded
4. No return address: Held, then disposed

UPS/FedEx

1. Address correction attempted (fee applies)
2. If correctable: Delivered to new address
3. If not: Returned to shipper
4. Shipper pays: Return shipping

International

1. Customs rejection: Returned or abandoned
2. Return shipping: Sender’s expense
3. Abandonment: Package destroyed

Undeliverable Status Codes

Resolving Undeliverable Packages

If You’re the Sender

1. Check tracking for specific reason
2. Contact carrier for details
3. Provide correct address if available
4. Wait for return or request redirect

If You’re the Recipient

1. Contact sender with correct info
2. Request re-shipment
3. Consider using verified address
4. Use pickup location for next shipment

Preventing Undeliverable Shipments

Address Verification

• Validate before shipping
• Use USPS Address API
• Include apartment/suite numbers
• Verify recipient name

Complete Information

• Full street address
• City, state, ZIP
• Phone number
• Email for notifications

Delivery Instructions

• Gate codes
• Building access info
• Alternative delivery locations
• Best time for delivery

Costs of Undeliverable Packages

Direct costs:

• Return shipping fees
• Address correction fees
• Reshipping costs
• Lost merchandise (if abandoned)

Indirect costs:

• Customer dissatisfaction
• Service time resolving
• Delayed revenue
• Potential lost customer

Business Metrics

Industry benchmarks:

• E-commerce: 2-5% undeliverable rate
• B2B: 1-2% undeliverable rate
• High rates signal data quality issues

Track and analyze:

• Undeliverable rate by period
• Common reasons
• Geographic patterns
• Customer segments affected