Tracking status

“Lost / Missing”: what this tracking status means

The package has not been delivered by the expected date and cannot be located from tracking alone. USPS defines Missing Mail as items that are undelivered, lost or late, and lets customers submit a search request at MissingMail.USPS.com. Canada Post lets you start an investigation once the expected delivery date has passed.

What to do

  1. Check tracking and all possible delivery spots (mailbox, lockers, neighbours).
  2. Contact the sender; for many carriers the sender opens the investigation.
  3. USPS: submit a Missing Mail search request with addresses, mailing date, tracking number and a description of the package and contents.
  4. File an insurance claim if the item was insured.

How long it usually takes

USPS: a Missing Mail search can be submitted from 7 days after mailing up to 365 days. Registered Mail: allow 14 days; Parcel Select: 8 days.

When to contact the sender or carrier

Start a search once the carrier's waiting period has passed; for USPS, 7 or more days after mailing and the recipient confirms non-arrival.

How carriers word it

Wording on the tracking pageCarrier
“Missing Mail”USPS
“Mailpiece Found / Expired (search statuses)”USPS
“Tracking information is unavailable”Canada Post

Check your package

Paste your tracking number to open the latest status on the official carrier website.

Works with parcel, AWB, container and postal numbers
Paste any tracking number and we detect the carrier automatically.
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