While the letters look similar, USPS is a completely different company than UPS. We were curious if you can drop off a UPS package at USPS.
This is what we discovered.
What should I do if I accidentally drop a UPS package at USPS?
Every delivery service advises customers to provide a return address for any package they send. If packages go missing, you can return them to your address. You can also make sure that you do this. The only thing left is to wait for your first tracking information.
Sometimes there is no information. Customers have complained of long, frustrating searches for UPS packages that they accidentally dropped off at USPS. There is still no trace of the package despite numerous inquiries at the local Post Office.
USPS will not have information about your parcel, unfortunately. The reason is that the UPS tracking system cannot be read by USPS scanners. UPS can only accept explanations and inquiries.
This article will explain what happens when UPS packages are dropped into the USPS delivery system.
Is it possible to drop a UPS package at USPS?
UPS will only accept UPS packages if they are UPS Mail Innovation packages. You cannot drop off your UPS package if it isn’t a UPS Mail Innovation Package.
There’s no reason to panic if your package is accidentally sent to the wrong mail system. It happens all the time, according to USPS. Once you are aware of your mistake, contact USPS or UPS (or FedEx) to explain the situation and track down your package.
Is it possible for USPS and United Parcel Service to work together?
The United States Postal Service is not the same as United Parcel Service. Although they do the same thing, they are completely separate entities.
But, USPS and UPS often work together. Your delivery may use both UPS and USPS during its journey from you up to the receiver.
However, if you place a package that has tracking for a specific system (such as UPS), into the USPS system (which uses completely separate tracking numbers), USPS can’t “read” it. They can’t move it. It cannot be received or scanned to upload its delivery status.
Human workers can only fix this kind of human error. This happens every day. Every day, USPS employees report misplaced packages. One reason is that UPS and USPS look confusingly similar!
What happens if I drop a UPS package off at USPS?
A USPS worker stated that big carriers like FedEx, UPS and USPS have a historic “gentleman’s agreement”. This is not an official policy, but there is a code of courtesy.
Each carrier returns packages that were not intended for their systems. This is because the carrier can’t read or update each other’s barcodes.
The facility where your package ends up will determine what happens to it. The most lost packages will be found at the busiest USPS offices. A staff member will notify the appropriate carrier to have a courier send them over when the parcels pile up.
Every depot will have its own way of dealing with interruptions and communicating them.
This can lead to a regularity that couriers of each shipping company make frequent package “retrieval trips”.
Staff members in smaller depots must alert UPS and other carriers (e.g. UPS) that they have parcels at USPS that need to be collected. UPS will then send someone to pick them up. It is up to the individual whether they do this weekly or daily.
Sometimes, USPS will just hand over any stray packages to UPS drivers when they are on regular business. USPS employees have reported that UPS delivery drivers will empty USPS collection boxes and then find UPS packages and place them in a nearby UPS Drop Box.
Important to note, however, is that delays can occur and your package delivery may be delayed. The delay will vary depending on where you live.
How do I submit an inquiry to UPS?
UPS offers a File UPS Claim page to consumers who have “a problem or package.”
UPS states that you can file a UPS claim within 60-days of delivery for packages that are damaged or lost …”. You will need to describe the reasons for the loss.
UPS may still be able help you, even though your package was misplaced.
You will be asked to:
- Give details about the package. You will need the tracking number as well as details about the recipient.
- UPS will need to know who you are in order to claim. This refers to your “relationship” with the package (sender/receiver, third party).
- Additional documentation is required – This includes receipts, tracking numbers, invoices, purchase orders, and invoices.
- Send the claim and you will receive confirmation right away. You can then check the status of your claim via your claims dashboard.
UPS has an online tracking bar. To find out the exact location of your items, you can submit your tracking numbers online. UPS will not receive your package if this information is not updated within 24 hours of dropping it off.
There will be some delay as USPS searches for the right carrier and delivers your package. If there is still no update after you have allowed for some delay, you should contact UPS and your local Post Office.
Learn more about UPS You can read our related article to find out if UPS ships Amazon packages and if UPS will deliver to a PO Box.
Summary
It is quite common to accidentally drop UPS packages in the USPS postal system. Although there is not an official process for resolving the problem, most packages will eventually find their way to the correct delivery system.
You will usually have to accept a delay in delivery and sometimes packages disappear due to human error.
However, the United States Postal Service staff as well as United Parcel Service staff will work together to return errant packages to the right service.
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