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Lots of shippers wonder if USPS will refund them for the late delivery of their packages, and they expect full refunds for services such as First-Class Package, Media Mail, or Priority Mail. However, this won’t happen unless you paid for the specific money-back guaranteed service, Priority Mail Express.
Table of Contents
- The Timeframes That USPS Gives You Are Service Estimates and Not Guarantees
- USPS Won’t Offer Refunds for Late Delivery Unless You Shipped Priority Mail Express
- What Can I Do About a Late or Missing Package?
The Timeframes That USPS Gives You Are Service Estimates and Not Guarantees
First thing first: none of the regular USPS services offer money-back guarantees for late delivery. This includes First-Class Package, Parcel Select Ground, Media Mail, and Priority Mail (including Priority Mail Flat Rate & Regional Rate Boxes). Even if it says “2-Day Delivery” on your label after you pay for your postage, it doesn’t matter. These delivery timeframes that USPS gives you are estimates, not guarantees. So, USPS won’t refund for late delivery in those normal cases.
USPS Won’t Offer Refunds for Late Delivery Unless You Shipped Priority Mail Express
There is one instance where USPS will refund for late delivery: if you paid to ship Priority Mail Express. Priority Mail Express is the only money-back guaranteed service that the US Postal Service offers. It’s the most expensive service…but if your package arrives later than the timeframe USPS gives you, you’ll be eligible for a full refund for the cost of postage.
Since Priority Mail Express is the most expensive service, it’s also the fastest USPS service available. On top of the money-back guaranteed delivery within the given timeframe, Priority Mail Express features overnight delivery to most urban locations and delivery within two days to rural areas.
What Can I Do About a Late or Missing Package?
If it’s been 15 days since you shipped the package, you may be eligible to file an insurance claim with USPS. However, keep in mind that you only have USPS insurance if you paid for Priority Mail. Other popular services like First Class Package and Parcel Select Ground (aka Retail Ground at the Post Office) don’t come with insurance. So, if you shipped either of those two services, you may be out of luck.
Alternatively, if you purchased third-party shipping insurance, you can file a claim with the insurance provider you went with. If all else fails, you can also try to file a missing mail search with USPS. These searches don’t normally turn up much, but every so often, it might kick a package’s tracking updates into gear on the USPS website!
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F0l2saken
Just your atypical American capatalist company. They don’t have to pay or refund for anything when they don’t do their job, unless you pay them $100 extra to do their job, however as a citizen, if you were 3 days late on paying anything you’d have to pay fees for it.
Gotta love American capitalism.
DJ
Christmas shipping time is here and I am suggesting anyone shipping priority mail may consider services other than USPS. I discovered that a 3 lb package about 16″ square would cost $17.00 to ship at Fed Ex based on weight and dimension but was $27.00 at USPS to the same address and time period. Shame on me for for paying that much to ship a balloon and a small item to my small grandsons birthday. Due to something called dimension pounds for the size of this lightweight box, the price rose from $15.00 for the initial 3lb box to $27.00 once the dimensional weight based on size was added to it which resulted in being charged for a 12lb box instead of 3 lbs. Same box and address would cost $10.00 less at Fedex which is closer to the initial 3lb price Have never encountered this for similar size/ weight packages I’ve sent to this same address/ zipcode before from the same post office/ zipcode. I understand prices do increase…but this is dramatically more expensive than similar packages ive shipped to same address in recent months. Something new? or perhaps I’ve overlooked this charge before. It came to my attention by the exorbitant price this box cost this time. Will be shipping my packages with FedEx now, which is even cheaper than UPS at least from my zipcode.
TC MONEY
ALL I HAVE TO SAY ITS TRUE THAT AND WORD UP G
Deanna
When USPS gives you a receipt that states delivery dates, only a fool would believe the promise. So, if you actually believe that USPS has ANY interest in fulfilling their commitment, you are a ….
Robert John Buttaro
USPS service SUCKS! I mailed 2 identical packages to Pottstown, PA for my twin daughters on Tuesday July 5th. and their birthday was on July 9th. The packages were supposed to be there on the 7th. They both got to Philadelphia on the 8th. One package was delivered on the 9th and the other was sent 3 days later to NJ. It is now the 13th and all the tracking says it that is going to be delivered late and it is in transit to the next destination. This is the third time I sent a package 2 day and the last time it went to Philadelphia and they sent it to Ohio and it spent 17 days there. USPS SUCKS!
BEVERLY J SCHOBORG
Your Lucky, I sent a Halloween package to my granddaughter in Florida on October 28th, 2024. It’s now November 20th, and has been in Puerto Rico for the past week, I guess waiting for another plan to show up.
DJ
Sean….I appreciate that you took the time to clarify your position and resolve any misunderstanding.. Quite frankly, I have no issue with your viewpoint as expressed this time, as I was raised and believe very much the same. I agree that it is woesome that too many citizens, especially evangelical and conservative have been too lame in response to the development of ungodly and corrupt principles in political office, education and society in general for much too long. My whole point with you is simply that your zeal for these matters is understandable but your delivery was somewhat aggressive and demeaning. Though I mistakenly replied to your comments to Mr Campion, my point was to address the critical tone you took toward those who you assume were not standing up or appeared liberal etc. Yes I agree discussion is better than argument but you sort of prematurely lambasted your views in an almost personal deduction of people who haven’t really had the opportunity to even address the matters you speak of. Altogether, I think you are good at stirring up support for these political concerns and wake up people to resist wrong doing..I’m not sure the USPS shipping site is an appropriate place to pursue it. Most of us just want the post office to fix their problem and also the rest of the gov agencies we pay them for. Discontent , anger and unrest is sweeping society and yes many are ‘asleep’. Many are fearful. But rather than stirring strife, misunderstanding and alienation with hasty responses, it’s better to appeal to others with truth and respect in a mutual discussion. Hopefully it may motivate others to be stronger in their own jurisdiction, families and friends toward real unity and resolution. Why expend energy and risk offence or need to defend oneself through such a limited platform as the discussion of shipping errors and complaints, not intended for this type of rhetoric. Local avenues are much more effective if given the opportunity to speak and participate . Like the good old PTA that isn’t anymore. I actually do support and hope you continue to stand for right principles and encourage people in your area and other sites you address . But I respectfully suggest you may tone down the personal affront so people may actually be able to recieve the points you make . It’s not what people say but how they say it that makes all the difference. BTW, I am female…but in no way a feminist or liberal. I’m very ‘old school’ and value the wisdom of my elders. Sadly, therein is the folly and downfall of the indoctrinated youth of this country that rarely sees anything beyond the screen in front of them. Best wishes to you and trust that you will be temperate and kind in all communications you partake in. Nothing personal, but all people may benefit from this true parable about the state of our society and officials from Matthew 7:17. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit , and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Make the tree good and it’s fruits (works) will be good, but a corrupt tree will bear bad fruit (works). A tree is known by its fruit. Need to cut down the corrupt trees. This is where people need to look and be sure they are on the right tree in their practices and associations. sorry if i got a little off track.
DJ
Mr Clark, , your reply is welcome as i am mindful of free speech. Let me clarify that I originally put justified blame on the employees of USPS for their error. There was no displaced blame on my part in my post, not did I direct any aggressive or disparaging remarks towards the personnel. Also, in an later.post I corrected my comment that the USPS did fulfill my delivery. I gave credit where credit was due You, however, have returned more disrespectful and accusing rhetoric toward which you know nothing about me. You accuse me of being a liberal, being “silent” about this administration, assume I accept things the way they are , saying I’m complicent puts you way out of order in the context of this post. Voice your opinions all you want of course, but stop judging people you don’t know. Sometimes it’s wise for people to be silent in matters that are out of context , but even fools are thought to be wise if they keep silent and discerning if they hold their tongues. Fools are quick to quarrel. I was mistaken that your post was directed to Mr Campion and not to me, yet i chose to speak defense for whomever you were chastising. Nevertheless, it does not justify your response that I am in any way blind or agreeable to the what’s happening in the country. I have done plenty of my share to expose and decry the injustices of the political arena. By your expression of ignorance and retaliatory comments toward peoples comments beyond relevant to the purpose of this post, I believe you are simply part of the problem and not part of the solution. Your preaching to the choir replying to me any further along these lines. Quit trolling and pray instead for God’s mercy on the innocent citizens and employees of the USA and righteous judgement to the evils. And stick to USPS matters on this post, sir..
Sean
DJ,
I get the impression that you haven’t read my comments thoroughly, because this is the second time you have either misquoted or misunderstood what I said. I didn’t say YOU were a liberal, I stated that I thought you SUPPORTED the liberals that are currently in office. One can be a Republican and still support liberals. Look at McCain, McConnell, Cheney or Kinzinger. In my eyes, I do see silence as being complicit, but that’s just my opinion. I have no idea what you have or have not done to expose injustices of the political arena. Please allow me a quick explanation about this. I was raised by parents who believed in rules, fairness and equality. However, cheating, disobedience or favoritism were not tolerated. I was taught that when you see a wrongdoing, you bring attention to it and then correct it. If you said nothing or did nothing (such as look the other way), then you were just as guilty as the party who committed the wrongdoing. That is exactly why I had said that when I witnessed the corruption during the 2020 election, I spoke up about it and notified the authorities. I was quite shocked to see that they did nothing about it. That is why after the election, I supported many of the groups in the states where audits were taking place. I’m not the type of person to sit quietly on the sidelines. I believe in taking action and if that means that I have to cast the first stone, then so be it. More than anything, when it comes to the 2020 election, I want resolution. Again, I’m just trying to give you a bit of background information so that you can see where I’m coming from. I’m simply stating my opinion and by no means am I telling you or anybody what they “must do.” I realize that some people don’t feel comfortable speaking out about things. And while I find it unfortunate, I also understand that they have the right to choose if they want to or not. And just to set the record straight, I am far from ignorant and would choose to have a discussion rather than an argument or quarrel as you put it, any day of the week. Hopefully, you will read the context of this comment in that manner. After all, much can be accomplished through discussion or debate. However, arguments only end up being heated emotional screaming matches that never move forward and in many instances, set the parties further back than they were when the argument began. Thank you for your time and good day, sir/ma’am.
Kevin
Holy carp you two are idiots
Dj
Sean…your reply/ post is irrelevant and inappropriate regarding this matter. Though many may agree about tjis administration, do not assume we all voted for it. Keep your hateful comments to yourself. USPS may be aligned in this political arena, but stop hammering on customers and employees doing a job. And be sure to vote responsibly
Kathy
I ordered an item online and selected Priority Mail Express shipping and paid the extra for the guaranteed 2 day service. My item arrived on the 5th day, tracking showed it was in the possession of USPS from day 1. I contacted USPS to enquirer about how I get a refund and they stated only the sender can apply for a refund, not the receiver. The vendor I purchased from won’t issue me a refund as it was a “USPS issue” and they are not willing to do the leg work to get the refund and pass it in to me (bad customer service) seems crazy that I’m the one who paid the shipping, I’m the one inconvenienced by not receiving my package but I’m not able to apply for the refund!!
Jack
Maybe it’s time to replace DeJoy!!!!
Dj
Robin and Marlene…….seems this is becoming a frequent issue. Not even Christmas rush. So sorry for you both to deal with this. I never did get any satisfaction for my 3 week delivery. Final appeal was denied.I sent them a letter denouncing the system and that they need to consider cases on individual basis and not by policy or change the policy. Also the fact they took no accountability for their own tardinesss and in my case the error by P.O. Clerk with the 2 tracking numbers. I wrote that for the benefit of people like you who encounter this same issue. Hopefully they will take notice of everyone’s complaints and claims as remedy this. We pay extra for insurance as well which is invalidated by the delays or loss. I appreciate Shipping School for this site so we can post our experiences and opinions….hopefully USPS reads them?
Robin
So the original letter w ck in it was mailed reg mail on 2/9. It was apparently lost in mail so on 2/21 I had the check cancelled and reissued, sat on hold forever finally got a call back from usps, 54 mins later had a click n ship label set up and paid for , emailed it to the sender to send to me. It shipped on 2/23, was supposed to be to me 2/24 by 6pm, it wasn’t. So on 2/25 it arrives, so late I couldn’t get to bank and do anything with it. Couldn’t even go to a check cashing place bc of Incone tax refunds, all the places are out of money I’m told. So, since it was late and has cost me overdraft fees bc of this, am I able to get the $100 insurance money bc of the problems it caused me w the packages tardiness?? 609 filing indemnity claims for loss or damage Section 4.0 claims section 4.2 payable priority mail express a3: loss sustained by the use of funds to maintain cash balances during document reconstruction. and 4.2 c: negotiable items. Help me w this so I can recover some of my losses….
Marlene
14902200789302656695 Priority Mail.is STILL not delivered!!!
Mailed on the 11th. What A COLOSSAL RIP OFF!! WHAT IS THE ADAVANTAGE OF MAILING SOMRTHING PRIORITY???
Dj
Update on previous comment: I have needed to mail subsequent packages and report they have been delivered promptly. I also want to add that unknown to me at the time of prior posts, I had recieved a voicemail from a gentleman from USPS announcing that my package had been located and forwarded to its destination. This was in response to a Search Request option I had initiated 3 weeks after I mailed it. I was pleased that my search request was successful and that I was notified of its delivery. I just wanted to give credit where credit was due on in this circumstance. Let’s hope things continue to be resolved in these kind of situations
Dj
Thank you all for your comments and warnings of this practice. I have not heard response to my appeal of denied refund yet. Cost of priority mail express is too expensive for most common shipping items . It also seems pointless to pay for any extra insurance coverage at all above the allotted $50.00 included for priority mail since they dont pay out. ‘Late’ shipments seems to be more prevalent now. But l recall lost or damage claims being refunded for regular priority mail just a few years ago which are now denied even with proof and photo. Why bother to offer us an appeal process either if they just deny again? Waste of time.
John Campion
The GOP and especially Trump’s appointee to head the USPS are determined to destroy this great institution–deliberately slowing mail service and taking what belongs to the commons (THE PEOPLE FOLKS) and giving it to the private and unaccountable rich. I have lived in countries that went through this robbery–only the rich have mail service now. Wake up Sheeple–do you want a decent country to pass on to your children or an oligarchy full of greedy plutocrats?
Sean
Dude, have you been asleep for the last 18 months (12 at the time that you posted your comment)? Trump isn’t in charge anymore, it’s your favorite pathological liar, corrupt politician and head of the Biden crime family, Joe Biden! That’s right, the moron that you voted into office. Are you enjoying this inflation? The food shortages? The open border? The lawlessness in many of America’s cities? Let me guess, you’re one of those “true” democrats that thinks that Joe’s doing a fantastic job and that he’s just getting a bad rap because he has “so much” on his plate. Here’s a couple of facts you can research and discover the truth about- more people have died from Covid on Joe’s watch than Trump’s. Look it up. Also, Biden has recently made the claim that when he took office, the vaccine wasn’t available yet. The senile old bastard forgot that there is media footage receiving his first Covid shot which was prior to him taking office and there’s also footage of him receiving his first booster shot right when he took office. The problem for a scumbag like Joe, is that he tells so many lies, he can’t keep his story straight. And when you throw in his growing state of dementia, it certainly doesn’t do him any credit at all. Don’t worry, it won’t be long until he’s finger painting with his own poop during a press conference or his next meeting with some foreign leader. Give yourself a big round of applause for supporting one of the unquestionably biggest pieces of shit and poorest examples of leadership this country has ever had to endure. Bravo!
Dj
Sean…your reply/ post is irrelevant and inappropriate regarding this matter. Though many may agree about tjis administration, do not assume we all voted for it. Keep your hateful comments to yourself. USPS may be aligned in this political arena, but stop hammering on customers and employees doing a job. And be sure to vote responsibly
Sean Clark
DJ,
At no point in my prior comment did I “hammer” customers or employees of the USPS, but I notice that in your initial post that YOU did! Place the blame where the blame lies. As far as my hateful opinions, I will continue to voice my opinions as it is my right to do so until Biden is out of office. By not voicing your disapproval, in my eyes, means you support this liberal wanna be communist in office. I did vote responsibly and witnessed with my own eyes the corruption and cheating that took place in the 2020 election. I tried to alert authorities to it and was told to stand down. I won’t stand down or sit down and be subservient to an administration that shouldn’t even be in charge in the first place.Ifbyou choose to be one of many who just accept things for the way they are, that’s your problem to deal with, not mine. Just remember, that by being silent, it makes you complicit with what’s going on in our country. I can only hope that one day you wake up.
Sean Clark
DJ, one last detail, my original post was directed at the comment posted by John Campion, not you. However, I appreciate your commenting back, because it makes it clear to me just how many people in this country are blind to what is taking place.
Dj
Regarding your post on Jan 15, 2022 which aroused some ire and discussion…… I just want to tell you that I recognize and agreed with your comment . Others views that have been expressed in these matters have been addressed and hopefully, will encourage people to pay attention to the urgency of the days we live in. I appreciate your input and apologize for any undue attention these discussions have incurred. We do need to voice our concerns and speak the truth. You and others have reached out in this manner and I hope will continue to point people to the root of the problem not just its symptoms and consequences. People forget what real unity and sacrifice has been made to provide the freedom they enjoy today and it’s threatened existence. Thank you.
DJ
Shipping UPS from now on. Post office erred in applying two different tracking numbers for same package. One for priority mail extra insurance and one for priority retail ground. Mailed on December 6th , no tracking after leaving my p.o. I filed missing package request and it finally arrived day after Christmas, 3 weeks late. They denied my refund request for its great delay when it was initially their fault. I mailed 3 other priority mail packages that same day at same post office and they arrived when they were supposed to. Unethical insurance protection policy.
[email protected]
In my experience, USPS is absolutely the worst of all shipping companies! They either have the most archaic tracking system out there or they opt not to use it. They lost a set of 14 books I shipped in a heavy moving box last year at this time. No tracking and no help for days on end and then, poof- my shipment vanished into thin air- 14 books, all the same jacket design in “List Mail.” Had lots to pre-ship pics I sent them but to no avail. Just sent bday gift to granddaughter Priority Mail and instead of 2-3 days it was 8! They love to make promises but are not required to keep any of them. And good good luck with a refund. In my opinion, If possible, all other service carriers should be considered ahead of USPS. Their Nov-Dec performance is especially deplorable!
Rob
To whom it may concern and anyone who can help, in recent months, I have successfully filed refund requests for priority express two days guaranteed packages delivered beyond their guaranteed date. This time being late again on a guaranteed date I applied for the refund online but I was denied. I then contacted them and they denied me a second time on the same matter stating that they don’t guarantee refunds on regular priority mail. Nowhere did it ever say anything about priority regular mail what do I do at this point after two denials in the same matter when I’m in the right.
Noel
I need a refund went to the post office told me I was Past the 30 days and I was it the thing was you kept the package in Orlando for two extra days and now they don’t want to refund me because supposedly I was late I need your help to get my refund back ASAP