What Happens When a USPS International Package Has Inadequate Postage

Shipping a USPS international package comes with a set of rules and procedures to ensure that your mail gets delivered. However, what happens if the mail weighs less than the required postage? This article explores the scenarios where a package might be returned to the sender or billed to the recipient.

Initial Screening and Return

When a package is shipped with inadequate postage, the situation is often caught early near the sender. In these cases, the package is typically returned with postage due notification. This means the sender is responsible for the additional postage costs.

Impact on the Recipient

If the package passes through the system and reaches the recipient, the USPS may present the postage due. Once this occurs, the recipient has the option to either:

Pay the additional fee and have the package delivered. Refuse to pay, in which case the package will be returned to the sender as postage due, provided the sender has a valid return address.

In most countries, it is the sender's responsibility to ensure that the package reaches its destination. Placing the burden on the recipient could lead to harassment and unnecessary complications.

Recipient's Responsibility

Often, the recipient is responsible for paying the difference. If you receive a notification from your postal carrier indicating the amount owed, you can simply put the payment back in your mailbox. If it is from UPS, the sender will be billed for the remaining balance. The procedure for FedEx is similar to UPS.

USPS's Policy and Procedures

According to USPS policies, the mail piece will be returned to the sender if the sender's return address is within the zip code of origin. If the zip code of the sender's address is different, the package will proceed to the recipient's address.

Once the recipient is notified of the postage due, they have a few options:

Pay the additional cost and have the package delivered. Claim the package and settle the outstanding fee. Refuse to pay, in which case the package will be returned to the sender as postage due.

If the sender refuses to pay the postage due, the item may be sent to a mail recovery center if there is value, or it may be destroyed if there is no value.

Understanding the processes involved in handling inadequate postage will help you make informed decisions and ensure that your international mail is delivered efficiently and smoothly.