Community Chat

[Desert Lily]

Where do the packages that get lost by the shipper go?

-Are they thrown out?

-Are they pilfered?

-Are they sent to a different address?

-Are they taken by the driver of a delivery truck?

-Are they taken by a person processing them?

-Are they returned to the sender?

-Where do they go??

I recently ordered a dress that was first shipped by UPS and was then handed over to the USPS. On delivery day to the USPS, the item was lost; never to be seen again.

My address was on the label & QVC's address was on the label, so if it was "lost" it would've been able to be returned to the sender or sent to the receiver - but it wasn't. I know we saw pics of a couple drivers dumping their packages during the pandemic, but millions of packages are shipped every day.

So, where are all of the "lost" packages going?

Those packages have to be someplace and handled by someone.

[vermint]

@Desert Lily Probably all of the above.

I recently ordered something from Etsy, the label was created, but it was never scanned as "picked up". The seller said it had been, so we waited a couple weeks, still no movement. She refunded my money, and told me if it ever did show up to just keep and enjoy the item. Four months later, still nothing. Who knows where it ended up!

[SilleeMee]

They go here, are most likely stamped as 'unclaimed' and then when no one claims them who knows what happens after that.

[Foxxee]

I was told by a Postmaster, one of my packages was dumped in a California warehouse because USPS and Newgistics couldn't get enough people to deliver all of the boxes.  

If I get it at all, it might be 6 months from the date I began my search.  It's been 4 months.  

I'm sure some are stolen.  

[justashopper]

they get paired up with a lost sock and go to the future to reappear at a time of their choosing.  

[Puppy Lips]

Our business sent a $100 book to a customer.  It never showed up.  The tracking just stopped at one of the postal locations.  Never found out what happened to it.  And of course USPS is not responsible whatsoever.

[kitcat51]

If they can't be delivered or returned to the seller, they're sold-auctioned in lots.

[RespectLife]

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@Puppy Lips wrote:

Our business sent a $100 book to a customer.  It never showed up.  The tracking just stopped at one of the postal locations.  Never found out what happened to it.  And of course USPS is not responsible whatsoever.

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@Puppy Lips 

USPS IS responsible IF it was insured for the full value!!

Uninsured?  Tough luck!

For QVC returns, if we use the prepaid label, it is fully insured....pay on our own we must pay extra for insurance.

Our local PO had a guy arrested who dumped a truck load of packages in a ravine not too long ago.

While he obviously lost his job...he got a 'legal' slap on the wrist.

Many of the pkgs had been pilfered by passer-bys....but some did get their merch.

[Desert Lily]

@SilleeMee  I did a google image search, and the pic you posted is of empty boxes from a company that did a smart phone exchange. I don't think the lost packages are there.

[depglass]

I frequently send Priority packages to DD in another city.  Current insurance of $100.00 is included and you can pay for additional coverage.  That picture of lost boxes reminded me of a photo I saw of unclaimed luggage at an airline terminal.  I couldn't believe it.  Since then I try to include name & address inside as wel as outside of luggage.