Lost Package – Shipment Went Missing, Now What?
Even after taking all measures and having the best shipment companies handle your shipment, it is still possible for it to go missing. Once you discover that your package is missing, here are some of the measures you should take, depending on the company chosen
UPS
First, you are encouraged to report a lost package as soon as possible. A package can only be considered to be lost if it remains undelivered 24 hours after the expected delivery date and time. In cases of adverse weather, clients are advised to give more time for the delivery to be made. The report is easily made online, and once you have made your report, you can check the status of the report online. However, online reporting should only be done for packages shipped and delivered within the USA, and other packages should be reported directly with the UPS.
UPS will carry out an investigation within the system, operating stations, shippers, and recipients. This process will take around 10 business days. If the missing package remains untraceable, a damage/loss notification letter is sent to the shipper, but if the lost package is found, delivery information will be sent to the shipper, and the reporting process will come to an end.
The shipper may be required to provide documents such as original invoices, purchase orders, proof of shipment and any other details that UPS deems necessary. UPS has to determine if any value was declared for the contents of the package and if the contents of the package are in line with the guidelines of the contract.
Once the claim has been approved, payment is processed. A check may be delivered to the shipper between three to five business days after the necessary documents are received. All claims are subject to terms and conditions, and if the claim is not approved, the shipper will be informed.
FedEx
If you discover that your package went missing, you can file a claim with FedEx online. The claim is then considered under the terms and conditions whether it was shipped via FedEx Ground, FedEx Express or FedEx Home Delivery.
Liability of each package is limited to US$100 unless a higher value is declared and a charge for the higher value is paid. Clients are advised to go through the list of terms and conditions to find out if their claims will be considered. However, FedEx’s liability for fragile items and others that are difficult to ascertain is limited to US$1000. For more information, clients should read the Declared Value and Limits of Liability section in the FedEx Service Guide.
Shippers can submit their claims online, write or Fax FedEx and attach necessary documents to support their claims. You can also call FedEx and follow the procedure thereafter. It is important to keep all necessary documents such as invoices, photos of the package, and proof-of-value documentation.
Remember that a claim for lost packages should be filed within sixty days from the shipment date for all domestic packages, and within 21 days from the shipment date for international packages. You can then follow the process online and even request email updates to know the status of the missing package.
USPS
Before filing a claim, it is important to check the current status of the package before filing a claim through the USPS Tracking. If the package has not been delivered after 7 business days, submit a Missing Mail Search Request and remember to include:
• the sender mailing address,
• the recipient’s mailing address,
• the size and type of container used,
• the tracking number,
• the receipts,
• Descriptions such as color, size, brands, and models.
• Pictures of the missing items if any.
USPS will send a confirmation email to show that the Missing Mail Search Request has been approved. The USPS will also send periodic emails to give updates on the search, and if the package is found, it is sent to the right address. Clients that use services such as Priority Mail Express with money-back guarantee may request a refund.
However, USPS may not always find your package and clients should contact USPS to find out the necessary measures to be taken. If the lost package includes insurance, you can make an insurance claim no later than 60 days from the date of mailing. Remember that it is important to keep the tracking number safe, because, without it, the package is invisible and untraceable.
Conclusion
USPS, FedEx, and UPS take all necessary precautions to prevent the loss of packages. Concentration to detail is important, and thanks to technology, clients can track their own packages until they get to the recipient’s address. If the package is lost, a thorough investigation of the system is carried out until the package is tracked.
Remember to keep the tracking number, receipts, and pictures with you until the package is delivered to make sure that tracking is easy. In addition, read the terms and conditions of each company before signing off on a delivery.