USPS.com FAQs (2024)

FAQs

How do I talk to a real person at USPS? ›

Self-service options are available 24/7 by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777). Customer Service representatives are also available to take your calls: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time (Alaska and Hawaii are 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. ET)

If it has been lost, late or missing for 7 days or more, you can: Go to for additional information: Find Missing Mail on USPS.com. Submit a Missing Mail search request at MissingMail.USPS.com. File a claim (for insured items meeting the appropriate timeframe).

If the package hasn't been delivered within 24 hours of this status, use your tracking number and submit a service request to your local Post Office™.

Click on “Delivery Instructions” next to your shipment tracking number. The system will ask you to login to your USPS.com account (you can set one up at that time, if you don't already have one). Follow the prompts to see if your address is eligible and to then specify instructions for delivery.

Dial "0". Most of the time, pressing "0" will take you to an operator. If it doesn't, press it multiple times. For many systems, pressing it twenty times will do the trick.

Often, it's up to the seller or retailer to ensure that you receive your package. Thus, anything that happens in transit is the responsibility of the seller; they are responsible if the package is lost or damaged during transit, and usually must replace it or give a reimbursem*nt.

For most mail classes, the package must be lost for at least 7 days from the date of mailing before you can initiate a request to have the USPS search for the missing mailpiece.

USPS^® Mail Search

When we receive your Missing Mail search request, we will send you a confirmation email. We will also send you periodic updates about the search. If we find your package or mail, we will send it to the address you provided. Please note, sometimes we cannot find missing mail items.

For its 1-800-ASK-USPS customer care line, the Postal Service employs an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system to answer calls, automatically handling routine issues such as package tracking, finding post office locations and hours, and submitting hold mail requests.

Do mailmen know what's in your package? ›

The best answer to the question “Does USPS know what's in your package?” is that USPS does not routinely inspect the contents of packages. However, they do have the authority to inspect packages if there is reasonable suspicion of illegal activity or if the package is deemed to be suspicious.

A "Waiver of Signature" is initiated by the Sender and authorizes delivery of mail at the letter carrier's discretion (if area is secured and protected from weather) without obtaining the recipient's signature. Note: Waiver of Signature must be checked at time of mailing by the Sender. It cannot be amended in transit.

Recipients can also ask the Postal Service to leave their packages at a specific location, such as a front or back door, or garage or porch.

Use enough 2-inch-wide packing tape to close and secure all seams. (But please don't wrap your box in string, cord, or twine, which gets caught in USPS sorting equipment.) Packages can't be larger than 130” total length (the longest side) + girth (the distance around the package, perpendicular to the length).

If you have a paper bill or a 10-digit account number, call the phone number on your invoice. If you don't have an invoice, call 1-800-811-1648 for domestic billing support or 1-866-493-7140 for import billing support.

File a complaint about mail services

Select the reason for your complaint, including delivery issues and complaints about USPS employees or facilities. Call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) or TTY: 711.

If your package is lost, or does not arrive, please contact customer support at: (855)-401-2000 to better assist you in tracking your item. How do I request a return or replacement? For directions to complete a return or replacement, please visit: https://bestwayusa.com/return-policy.