Here are the steps you need to take to file a missing mail request with both USPS and UPS.

USPS recommends submitting a Help Request Form before submitting a Missing Mail Search

File a Help Request Form: Before submitting a Missing Mail Search Request, USPS recommends filing a Help Request Form on the Missing Mail and Lost Packages page. To do that, scroll down to option 2. Complete a Help Request Form. Here's how that looks:

Help Request Forms are optional: You technically don't need to file a Help Request Form to submit a Missing Mail Search. It's optional but recommended to give USPS extra time to locate the package 👍

How to file a Missing Mail Search Request

File a Missing Mail Search: After seven business days have passed since filing your Help Request form, file a Missing Mail Search on the USPS Missing Mail and Lost Packages page.
- From there, scroll down to option 3. Submit a Missing Mail Search Request. It will look like this:

USPS account required: Next, you'll be asked to log in to your USPS account. If you don’t have an account, you can create one; they’re completely free and give you access to a bunch of great features on the USPS site 😉

Enter the tracking number: When the next page loads (this could take a while), start by entering the tracking number for your shipment here:

Find your tracking number: If USPS recognizes the tracking number, the Mailing Date and Service Type should be filled in automatically. If it doesn’t, here’s where you can find that info on Pirate Ship:

Select "No" for insurance: Since USPS handles all of its insurance claims in-house, the answer to "Insurance?" will always be “No” for labels purchased on Pirate Ship.
- This is asking if additional insurance was purchased through USPS, which is only available when buying labels directly through them. So, it doesn’t pertain to the built-in insurance on USPS Ground Advantage shipments, Priority Mail shipments, or third-party insurance through InsureShield👌

Choose the destination: The next step is to let USPS know where to send that shipment when they find it! You can select to have it delivered to the original recipient by selecting "Addressee," have it sent back to you by selecting "Mailer," or have it sent to a new location by selecting "Another Address."
- In any case, you’ll need to fill out the address you want this package sent to. USPS will also ask for a name, email address, and phone number to reach out to you with updates on this search!
- Here's how that section looks:

Tell USPS What's Missing: The next step is letting USPS know what’s missing! The more information you provide, the better chance they’ll have of finding your shipment.
- If you can include the type of packaging as well as fill out the information on what item is missing, that’s a huge help for USPS to identify it 💪
- That section appears as follows:

Agree to the terms: Once you’ve filled out the information on your shipment, USPS will prompt you to agree to their Missing Mail Disclaimer and Terms & Conditions. Check the boxes, like this:

Address verification: You'll need to verify your address next. USPS may suggest some corrections, as seen here:

Submit the search: The final step is to review and submit your missing mail search. You’ll be able to go over the information you’ve entered to make sure it’s correct, and even go back and edit it if you need to make changes. When you're sure everything you've entered is right, you're ready to submit it!
- USPS will keep this page up to date with the results of the search, and they will also contact you at the email address you provided when they have updates 😊
- USPS will also provide you with an ID for your missing mail search, as shown below:

Missing Mail Searches for international USPS packages: You can also file Missing Mail Searches for international packages, but USPS will only be able to locate them if they're still in the US and have not been scanned at a USPS international distribution center.
- Unfortunately, once USPS either scans the package at one of these centers or hands the package over to the destination country, there isn't much they can do to track it down as the international leg of the journey has already begun 🙈

Submit a search: To submit a missing mail search request for international shipments, it's pretty much the same process... just select whether you want it sent to your Addressee, or back to you as the Mailer.
- Once that's selected, you should see the Country drop-down for entering an international address here:

Follow the same process: Once you've filled out Step 2, you can continue and complete the form as outlined above!

Submit a tracer request on the UPS website: To locate a UPS package you may believe to be lost, we recommend filing a tracer request on the UPS website. You can do this by clicking on that link and providing your shipment's tracking number.
File an InsureShield claim if UPS can't find your package: If UPS doesn't successfully locate your package once you've filed a tracer, you have the option to move forward with filing a carrier liability claim through the InsureShield Claims Portal.
- For more info on this process, see our article: How do I file a UPS carrier liability claim?