How to Collect a Failed Delivery Package at the Post Office

Have you ever encountered a situation where your package delivery has failed and left you wondering, can I pick up a failed delivery at the post office?

The answer is indeed yes, in most cases you can collect a failed delivery package at the post office. When a delivery attempt is unsuccessful, the postal service usually leaves a notice at your address informing you that the package is available for pickup. You will need to bring the notice and a valid form of identification to the post office to collect your package.

Understanding Postal Service Policies

It's important to know that different postal services may have varying policies depending on your location. While widely applicable, check with your specific postal service for the most accurate information.

Example: USPS Failed Delivery

USPS (United States Postal Service) is a reliable post office service. When a delivery attempt fails, they leave a notice at your address. You can go to the post office to pick up your package. However, if you're unclear about the process or need more information, it's advisable to call and confirm your package's location.

USPS often stores packages at the county distribution center. The local office typically deals with outbound mail and offers services such as selling stamps and printing labels.

Handling UPS Deliveries

Note that if your package was delivered by UPS (United Parcel Service), the process is slightly different. UPS is a private-sector delivery service, and they don't offload packages to the post office for pickup. Instead, you can call and request to hold the package at the terminal or distribution center. You can then visit this location to pick it up. UPS does not bring packages to post offices, as it is outside their network. The post office would then charge for their service, which UPS would have to pay, creating an added cost.

Handling Incorrect Deliveries

There might be situations where you don't succeed in collecting the package at the post office due to incorrect service. For example, if the package was not delivered correctly by UPS, you need to arrange with them to hold the package temporarily.

However, if the delivery attempt was unsuccessful and the post office does not have the package, they will return the package to the sender. In such cases, you can file a complaint with the postmaster or high-level management if you deem it necessary.

Personal Experience with Failed Delivery

A few years ago, my package was successfully delivered to the previous neighborhood post office which was 21 miles away. Initially, the supervisor refused to transfer the package to my new home address. Since I did not have the luxury of time to travel, they returned the package to the sender.

Despite this, I filed a complaint with the high-level postmaster. It's important to take action if you face such issues to resolve the matter and ensure future deliveries are handled more effectively.