The USPS Return Process for Undeliverable Mail: What Happens to Your Undeliverable Package?

The United States Postal Service (USPS) handles a significant volume of mail, and sometimes due to various issues, mail can be returned to the sender. Understanding the process of what happens to such mail is crucial for businesses and individuals alike. In this article, we will explore the specifics of how unmailable mail is processed by the USPS, including the different scenarios and the ultimate fate of the mail.

Undeliverable Mail: Why and How It Is Handled

When a piece of mail is undeliverable for any reasonwhether the addressee is unknown, the property is vacant, there is an insufficient address, or the recipient has refused itthe USPS will take specific steps to ensure the mail is either successfully delivered or properly returned to the sender.

First Class Mail

If the undeliverable mail is first class and has a return address, it will be automatically returned to the sender. This process is swift and straightforward, as indicated by the fact that mailers are often flagged for future reference to avoid similar issues.

However, if the first class mail has no return address, it will be sent to a mail recovery center. Here, the mail is carefully opened to determine the intended return address. Once the return address is identified, the mail will be sent back to the sender. This step adds time to the process, but it ensures that the mail is not discarded.

Non-First Class Mail

Non-first class mail, such as marketing materials, junk mail, and other types of business bulk mail, is typically disposed of as Unaddressable Business Bulk Mail (UBBM). The categories of non-first class mail include:

Marketing/junk mail Presorted Standard Standard stamp "or current resident” EDDM (Every Door Directed Mail) ECRWSS (Every_consumer Requested Walk-Sorted Standard) ECRWSH (Every_consumer Requested Walk-Sorted Hygiene) ECRLOT (Every_consumer Requested Localized Organized Transaction) Charity and political mail not part of official election mail Non-profit mail

This classification of mail is handled with the understanding that these types of communications might not have the same urgency or importance as first class mail.

Special Cases and Exceptions

There are specific scenarios where mail is returned in a unique manner. If the mail was delivered as addressed but then returned to the USPS with a "Not at this address" notation, and if there is an active Change of Address (COA) with the USPS, the mail will be forwarded to the individual's new address. However, if the COA is expired or non-existent, the mail will be returned to the sender.

Consequences and Best Practices

The process of returning undeliverable mail can sometimes have long-term consequences for the sender. If the mailer has persistent issues with undeliverable mail and their mail is flagged repeatedly, they may be subject to more stringent screening and, in extreme cases, may be barred from receiving mail indefinitely.

After the mail is returned to the sender, the delivery process effectively ends. The sender retains full responsibility for the package and may choose to mail it again, but they will need to pay the postage again. This can be a costly exercise, as well as logistically challenging.

Upon receiving the returned package, the sender should take immediate action. They may need to contact the customer to confirm whether they still want the item and if the address has been corrected. Failure to correct address issues promptly can lead to further delays or permanent cancellation of mail service.

Recipient Absense: Moving or Deceased

In some cases, the mail is undeliverable because the recipient has moved or passed away. If a parcel arrives at the intended destination but the reason is that the receiver's address is unclaimed and has exceeded the post's storage time (15-30 days depending on the country), or if there is a missing critical detail like the door number or incorrect postcode, the parcel will be held at customs. To clear customs, necessary documents must be provided. If the sender does not provide these documents or if the customs declare that the parcel is no longer needed, the parcel may be refused and returned.

This stringent process highlights the importance of ensuring accurate and up-to-date addresses when sending mail through the USPS or any other postal service. Always double-check addresses and confirm mailing details to avoid delays and potential return of your mail.