If you’re waiting for a package to arrive, USPS tracking can be an invaluable tool to receive status updates.
While USPS tracking is known to be quite accurate, on rare occasions USPS runs into problems with delivery. When this happens, tracking may update to show a message stating, ‘Delivery Attempted, Notice Left.’ However, the truth is, sometimes USPS puts this message and there is no notice to be found!
So why does this happen, and what happens if you didn’t receive a notice? In this article, we’ll cover everything that you need to know!
Why Wasn’t My Package Delivered, And Why Was No Notice Left?
If USPS states that a delivery has been attempted but couldn’t be completed, it typically comes down to a few reasons:
- There was nobody available to accept the package, and it needed to be signed for.
- The delivery location wasn’t accessible (in which case, USPS will write that there is no access to the delivery location.)
- USPS didn’t actually attempt delivery, and lied about it. This is rare, but USPS is made up of human employees and some of them aren’t always honest.
Typically, USPS notices (often called PS Form 3849) can be used to gain more insight as to whether or not USPS will attempt to redeliver, hold the package at the post office, or return the product to the sender.
Products aren’t usually returned to sender after the first delivery attempt, so don’t worry. Further guidance as to what to do next will be provided later on this article. However, you should continue to monitor any changes that occur via USPS’ tracking tool, as this will be able to give you the most up-to-date information regarding your package.
The estimated delivery date may update if the package is scheduled to be redelivered.
Note:Â Sometimes USPS won’t be able to leave a notice at your door. However, the notice may have been left inside of your mailbox instead. So, if USPS tracking claims that a notice was left, you should try looking for it inside of your mailbox as well.
Will USPS Attempt To Redeliver?
Yes. If USPS attempts a delivery but isn’t able to deliver the package, they will usually attempt to redeliver the following day (Sunday being an exception.)
However, there are cases where the package will be held at the post office for pickup instead.
For example, if postage is due on the shipment or they were repeatedly unable to access the delivery location, they may require you to retrieve the package in person. This is rare, however.
So, you really don’t have much to worry about. Although it may take an extra day for the package to arrive, it should still be delivered without any further issues. If you urgently need the package, you may be able to get it the same day (or the next morning) by visiting your local post office branch.
If you are concerned, you can always contact USPS for more information. To learn how to talk to a real person at USPS, click here!
Can I Still Get My Package From The Post Office Without A Notice?
Yes. You do not need a notice from USPS in order to be able to pick up a package from the post office.
However, there are a few things you will need.
First of all, be sure that you’re going to the right post office. If you live in a large city with multiple zip codes, the post office holding your package will usually be the one that matches the same zip code as the delivery address.
Secondly, be sure to bring a photo of your legal, government-issued ID. USPS may not release packages unless the ID matches the addressee on the package, or written authorization has been provided to pick up someone else’s package.
Finally, make sure you have a copy of your tracking number. This will make it easy for post office employees to look up and locate the package within the post office. So, it can save a lot of time!
Remember, a notice is not needed – so you don’t have to worry if USPS says that they’ve left a notice, when in reality they did not.
Conclusion
Although it can be frustrating when no notice is left, it usually isn’t anything to worry about.
USPS will usually attempt to redeliver your package the following day, with the exception of Sundays. If for whatever reason they don’t attempt to redeliver, you can always pick it up from the post office yourself, even if you don’t have a notice to present to them.
Just remember to bring your legal ID and your tracking number, and you’ll be all set!
I hope that you’ve found this article helpful. If you have any other questions about USPS, please ask them using the comment form below.
Wishing you the best,
– James McAllister