What should I do if my package is lost or delayed?

Packages go missing or arrive late for many reasons: weather, sorting errors, incorrect addresses, or theft after delivery. Most late packages still arrive within a few days. The steps below help you find it, report it correctly, and recover your money if it never shows up.

What to do first

1. Check the tracking number. Go to the carrier's official website (USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, etc.) and enter the number. Look at the full scan history, not just the status label. A package marked "in transit" or "arriving late" is usually still moving.
2. Wait 24-48 hours past the estimated delivery date. Carriers often update tracking late. If the package is only one or two days late, give it a little time before filing a claim.
3. Verify the shipping address. Confirm the address you gave the seller is correct and complete, including apartment or unit numbers. A wrong or incomplete address is a common cause of delays.
4. Check around your home. Look at side doors, porches, garages, mailrooms, and with neighbors. Carriers sometimes leave packages in unexpected spots or with a neighbor.
5. Contact the seller or retailer. For most online purchases, the seller is responsible for the package until it is delivered to you. Report the problem and ask for a replacement or refund. Many sellers will reship or refund without waiting for a carrier claim.

If the package shows delivered but you cannot find it

• Check your email and messages for a delivery photo or note.
• Ask neighbors and building staff.
• Wait until the next business day; some carriers mark packages delivered early by mistake.
• File a missing package report with the carrier. USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL all have online claim or missing mail forms.
• If theft is likely, file a police report. Some carriers and sellers require it for a claim.

Filing a carrier claim

Claims usually must be filed within a set window, often 30 to 60 days from the ship date. You will need the tracking number, proof of value (receipt or order confirmation), and sometimes the shipping label. The seller or shipper usually files the claim because they bought the shipping label, but you can ask them to do it. If you shipped the package yourself, you file the claim.

What NOT to do

• Do not file a chargeback with your bank or credit card before contacting the seller; it can slow down a refund and may be reversed.
• Do not throw away the packaging or receipts if the package arrives damaged.
• Do not pay a second time for a replacement before the seller agrees to cover it.
• Do not ignore a "delivered" scan; report it quickly, as claim windows are limited.

When to escalate

Escalate to a formal complaint if the seller refuses to help and the carrier confirms the package is lost. You can file a complaint with the carrier's customer service, and for USPS issues, with the USPS Office of Inspector General or the Postal Regulatory Commission. For online purchases, your credit card issuer or payment platform (such as PayPal) may offer buyer protection, but use this only after the seller has failed to resolve the issue.

How to prevent future problems

• Use tracked and insured shipping for valuable items.
• Require a signature for expensive deliveries.
• Use a secure locker or hold-at-location option if you are often away.
• Keep order confirmations and tracking numbers until the package arrives.

Start by checking the tracking and contacting the seller. Most missing packages are found or refunded within a week.