Sometimes a package's tracking status can be updated as "Delivered" even though your recipient can't find it. While "Delivered" packages can sometimes go missing, we find that most often, packages are simply placed in unexpected areas at the delivery address.

What to do when a package is marked as "Delivered" but your recipient can't find it

Here's what you can do if you're trying to locate a missing package marked as Delivered:

Ask your recipient to check other locations: We first recommend asking your recipient to check any other locations where the package might be (the front door, back door, mailbox, or even a neighbor's house).
- Wait for correct delivery: If the package is still nowhere to be found, it’s possible that it was erroneously marked as delivered by USPS or UPS. If it’s a USPS or UPS error, the package will usually be delivered the next business day.

Following up with USPS

Post Office visits: If you shipped with USPS and the package is still nowhere to be found, it can sometimes be located by the recipient visiting their local Post Office or speaking with the letter carrier for that address.
- Contacting USPS: You can also try calling the Postal Service's main customer support line (1-800-ASK-USPS) or you can submit a missing mail search request.

Ask USPS for the GPS location scan information

USPS logs GPS locations of delivery scans: For USPS packages, a final option is to call your recipient's local Post Office and ask for the GPS location scan information.
- When you present the tracking number, USPS can tell you the GPS location where they scanned and delivered the package down to a 6-foot radius 👍
- Then, you can let your recipient know you requested the GPS scan info. This may be able to help narrow down the search area!

Following up with UPS

Check the tracking for a delivery point: For a missing UPS package, UPS suggests checking the tracking information, which should indicate where the driver left the package.
- Packages without Signature Confirmation sometimes end up on the front porch, back door, side door, garage area, etc. Alternatively, packages that don't require a signature sometimes get left with a neighbor or another resident at the delivery location.

Our crew can start a search with UPS: If the package is still nowhere to be found, contact our Support Crew and we can begin a trace process with UPS. You can read more about this process at the UPS Help Center.

Some packages are unfortunately stolen

Account for stolen packages: An unfortunate possibility when dealing with certain shared-delivery points such as apartment buildings or even porches in residential neighborhoods is that the package may have been stolen after delivery.
- Unless you purchased a Signature Confirmation service, neither USPS nor UPS will provide any recourse since they were only paid to deliver the package to the address, and not to ensure its protection after delivery.

Filing an insurance claim

If you've exhausted all the above steps and your package is truly missing, you may be able to file an insurance claim.

Pro Pirate Tip: If you want the most protection for your shipments, we recommend buying InsureShield coverage! Unlike standard USPS insurance or UPS carrier liability, InsureShield protects you in situations where a package marked as "Delivered" goes missing due to porch theft.

Learn more about the benefits of protecting your shipments with InsureShield.