Picture this: you’ve been anxiously waiting for your package to arrive in the mail. You just bought something super cool online, and you can’t wait for it to arrive!
You know it’s supposed to come on a specific day, however the day comes and goes and there is no package to be found. So you go onto the USPS tracking, and it says your package was missent.
So what does that even mean? Now what? When will I get my package? Will I ever get my package?
If this has happened to you, continue reading to learn what a missent package means, what to do, how to avoid it, and even how to potentially gain compensation for your troubles.
Jump to:
- What Does Missent Mean?
- What Is Happening To My Package?
- What Should I Do?
- When Can I Expect My Missent Package?
- How To Avoid Missent Packages
- Obtaining Compensation
What Does Missent Mean?
When a package is missent, it basically means the package has been routed in the wrong direction. This may mean it was placed on the wrong mail truck, or it was sent to the wrong sorting facility.
This is typically due to human or machine error. For any reason, the package may have been sent on the wrong trajectory.
Thankfully, the United States Postal services makes every effort to avoid this mishap. For example, they structure their sorting bins where areas with similar zip codes are not placed adjacent to one another.
Additionally, zip codes with a large amount of parcels flowing through them are also not placed next to each other. These efforts aim at reducing the amount of human error which results in delays in delivery timelines.
What Is Happening To My Package?
Your package was unfortunately placed on the wrong conveyer belt or sorting bin. Once the item is scanned, the system will notify the USPS worker that the package is on the wrong trajectory.
From here, the package is routed back to the correct sorting facility. With the mail system being so vast with the capability to operate smoothly at large volumes, your package will start working on its way to the right location quickly.
What Should I Do?
The best thing you can do at this time is remain patient. The bad news is that your package was missent. But the good news is that USPS is aware of it and is actively trying to rectify it.
Once your package begins rerouting to the sorting facility, your package should be arriving soon. You can keep up with the location of the package by checking the tracking periodically.
At this point, you may want to hold off on contacting the post office. This is mostly because they will be unable to assist you further since you and USPS have the same information at this time.
However, it is different if your missent package appears as “delivered” on the tracking and you have not received the package. This would be the time to give USPS a call or pay a visit to your nearest location.
When Can I Expect My Missent Package?
The timeline regarding when you may receive your package will vary. However, you can typically expect to receive your package within 1-3 business days.
Keep in mind that this process may be slowed down by weekends or holidays. The timeframe in which you receive your item will also depend on the type of postage that it is shipping with. For example, Media Mail items may take longer than items sent with Priority Mail or Priority Mail Express.
If you package is still not delivered for an extended period of time, you can also navigate to the USPS website to fill out a missing mail form. It will ask for specific information including the tracking number, mailing date, service type, and if insurance was purchased or not.
How To Avoid Missent Packages
To avoid USPS missent packages, make sure to enter your correct mailing address. Outside of that, it is mostly up to the merchant and USPS to help avoid missent packages.
The merchant should make sure the shipping label is legible and the barcode is scannable. This includes not placing tape over the shipping label. Also, the label should be printed so there are no gaps in the label (gaps may happen if you’re running out of ink).
If for some reason your address will be written on the package, ensure it is clear and legible.
Obtaining Compensation
The first step to see if you can gain compensation for your late package is to reach out to the retailer you placed the order with. This is due to the Consumer Contracts Regulations laws which state you are entitled to request a refund for late packages.
You may speak with a customer service representative and explain the story to see if there is anything they can assist with. You can at least see if the shipping fees can be refunded due to the service not being provided as expected.
Additionally, you may request that the retailer contact USPS for potential reimbursement. Ensure to perform this task within 30 days from the date the item was shipped. Your ability to receive compensation may also depend on if insurance for the parcel was purchased.
Although it may be a major inconvenience to have your package(s) delayed, we have to remember we will run into human error from time to time. So in the meantime, the best policy may be to wait patiently for your package to arrive.
Have you ever had a missent package? How long did it take for the package to arrive?