For USPS a package missing in transit, start with the latest official tracking event and the shipment service. Domestic Missing Mail searches and insured indemnity claims are separate processes. For lost domestic insured articles, the addressee may need the original mailing receipt or relevant online record. International inquiry starts with the U.S. sender.
Before you act
Check the exact carrier, service, role, and date in the official order or tracking page. A support inquiry, carrier claim, and seller refund are separate paths.
What to do next
Work through these steps in order. Keep the carrier inquiry separate from any request for a seller refund or an insured claim.
- Identify whether only milestone scans are expected.
- Look for USPS acceptance rather than a shipping partner-only event.
- If the mail has been missing seven days since mailing, examine Missing Mail Search eligibility.
- Check actual USPS service and insurance before filing a separate indemnity claim.
- Keep inquiry number and proof; ask the merchant for order-level relief if a carrier claim does not pay you directly.
Who can act and who may be paid
The roles recorded for this carrier are: sender, recipient if eligible. An online inquiry may be open to a recipient even when the shipper controls a money claim or receives an approved payment. Check your shipping agreement and ask the merchant to take the carrier step if access is restricted.
Deadlines and service limits
| Procedure | Timing | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| USPS Missing Mail Search | 7–365 calendar day from date mailed | Domestic missing mail eligible for online search |
| USPS Priority Mail Express lost package | 7–60 calendar day from date mailed | Domestic Priority Mail Express insured indemnity |
| USPS domestic insured mail lost package | 15–60 calendar day from date mailed | Eligible insured mail incl. applicable Priority Mail and Ground Advantage |
| USPS Registered Mail loss | 15–60 calendar day from date mailed | Domestic Registered Mail with qualifying coverage |
| USPS Priority Mail Express COD loss | 15–60 calendar day from date mailed | Eligible PME COD service |
A filing window is not a finding of eligibility or a promise of payment. Calendar days, business days, and calendar months are different.
Use the named service on the label or order, not the carrier logo alone. A last-mile handoff can also change which company has the parcel.
What to save
- Last physical tracking event
- Shipping confirmation
- Order confirmation or receipt
Save the full tracking timeline, order receipt, and any case number on your own device. Submit private records only through the official carrier or seller account.
Official next step
Use the company website directly. Do not use a link from an unexpected delivery text or email.
Official sources and checking date
- USPS Find Missing Mail Official source · checked 2026-11-02
- USPS Domestic Mail Manual section 609 Official source · checked 2026-11-02
- USPS International Claims Official source · checked 2026-11-02
- USPS Where is My Package tracking statuses Official source · checked 2026-11-02
- DHL US Shipping FAQ Official source · checked 2026-11-02
Policies and contact routes can change. Verify the current US terms and the actual service before filing.