Proper Handling of Misdelivered Mail and Packages

Have you ever received mail meant for someone else? It happens more often than you might think. Whether you're dealing with a neighbor's misdirected piece of mail or a package from UPS that wasn't supposed to end up at your doorstep, here's how to handle such situations effectively and efficiently.

Email Misdelivered Mail - Wrong Address

Typically, mail addressed to the wrong person is a result of a mail sorting error at one of the USPS facilities. It's imperative to address these issues promptly to avoid any further complications. Here’s what you should do:

Do not remove the mail from the mailbox. This action can complicate the process as the mail carrier may not have the necessary information to correct the issue. Do not write on the mailer or attempt to correct it yourself. It's important to maintain the integrity of the mail until the carrier can intervene. Raise a flag in your mailbox to indicate to the carrier that there's a piece of mail that someone else might have needed.

TIP:

If you're receiving mail from a common mailbox cluster (CBU cluster mailbox) or a PO Box, you can place the returned mail in the outgoing mail or USPS collection bin. For USPS Informed Delivery mailers, if the barcode is causing the issue, cross it out. This will ensure that the mail doesn’t loop back to your mailbox. Additionally, if you believe the sender has used an incorrect barcode for the address, it’s advisable to contact them and inform them of the mistake. The 4-integer ZIP code is often the problem. Use the USPS Address Lookup tool to find the correct 4-integer ZIP code for the recipient’s address.

USPS Packages - Leaving Delivery Time

For USPS packages, leave the package at the delivery address for a few days if it's safe and secure. This gives the intended recipient time to report the package as missing. It also gives the USPS or the mail carrier time to retrieve the package and deliver it to the correct address. If the package is not secure or hasn’t been collected within a few days, you should drop it off at a nearby post office that services your area.

Other Carrier Packages - Contacting the Carrier

If a package is delivered by UPS, FedEx, DHL, Amazon, or any other carrier, you should contact that carrier and inform them of the misdelivered package. Alternatively, you can drop it off at their brick-and-mortar store or at an USPS location that services your address. When in doubt, returning the package to the USPS is generally the best course of action.

Carrier Contact Information:

UPS: Call 1-800-PICK-UPS (800-742-5877). Press 0 a few times and say 'report a problem.' FedEx: Call 1.800.463.3339. Say 'misdelivered package.' DHL: Use the live chat option on their website or select 'customer service' at the top of the page. Enter the tracking number for the package to be redirected, or select the 'email us' option. Amazon: Most Amazon packages are delivered via USPS. If the package was delivered by an Amazon driver, contact Amazon for instructions.

Correct Address/Wrong Name - Past Resident Mail

If the mail is sent to an old address or to someone who no longer lives at the address, YOU should still contact the mail carrier. Your mail carrier needs to physically see these mailers to submit paperwork to reduce future mail in this name variation. Write 'NOT at this address' and place inside your mailbox with the flag up.

TIP:

For mailers received in a CBU cluster mailbox or USPS PO Box, you can place the returned mailers inside your addresses CBU slot or tie a ribbon around a bundle of returned mailers to make sure they get noticed.

Handling Returning Mailers - Crossing out Barcodes

Do not cross out barcodes as the mail carrier needs this information to submit MLNA (Moved Left No Address) via their handheld device, using option 'N'. This process allows the carrier to quickly and efficiently redirect mail to the correct address.

TIP:

Never place returned mailers in the outgoing mail slot or USPS collection box as they will often get lost among other mail and could be delivered to your mailbox again.

Sorting Packages - Wrong Address

Treating packages the same way as mail when they are misdelivered can be just as crucial. For UPS, FedEx, DHL, and other providers, write 'NOT at this address' or 'MOVED' and return the package to the carrier's brick-and-mortar store or drop it off at USPS. If the package is from a known retail store such as Amazon, try to scare the individual into updating their address by trying to log into their account or using a 'forgot password/username' trick. You can also use free online lookup sites like TruePeopleSearch to find their email addresses.

Whether you're dealing with mail or packages, taking these steps can save you time, frustration, and potential confusion. What's most important is to ensure that the mail and packages ultimately reach the correct recipient.