[SHIPPING] Do undeliverable packages (USPS domestic) show tracking updates indicating they have been returned to sender or sent to Recovery Center?

EDIT - Shipping info was updated eventually and shows the package being returned to sender. Removed the personally identifying info and posted screenshot. http://imgur.com/B0PXR4N

Hi all, looking for some informaton about USPS Priority Mail tracking after a package has been marked "Undeliverable as addressed".

I ordered a package from a reputable vendor on C9 that was marked shipped on Saturday, Sep 27. On Tuesday, the 30th, vendor proactively PM'd me on C9 stating that the tracking info indicated the package was "undeliverable as addressed", and provided me with the tracking number as evidence.

Tracking info shows the package being received by PO in the shipper's town on the 27th, same day it was marked shipped on C9. Then shows it arriving in my city's receiving facility on the 28th. On the 29th, it was marked as out for delivery. Then on the 30th, it was marked "undeliverable as addressed". The Additional Info section says that it is being returned to sender (in the past seller has used a fake address), which is obviously problematic.

Based on some research I've done, this could indicate one of a few things:

  1. It was seized. I seriously doubt this, as I do not order regularly and package was small / personal use. Shipper's stealth has been top notch in the past, and it appears his other orders have been received without incident. However if this does happen to be the case, that's my problem and I'll deal with it.

  2. There was a legitimate problem with the address because of a typo when I ordered. Again, my problem and I'll deal with it.

  3. Something screwed up the label during transit and it became illegible. If this is the case, hopefully a call to my local PO from a "concerned businessman" who shipped the package and discovered the tracking issue will be able to resolve / get it relabelled / redelivered. Burner phone, obviously. If vendor says address was okay, this may be my next step.

  4. USPS messed up, and put the package on the wrong delivery truck or dropped it in the PO somewhere. Or, the delivery guy ran out of "Sorry we missed you" slips and didn't feel comfortable leaving the package on the porch. This is what I think has happened, but can't be sure yet. This package would sit in the PO for a day or four and eventually they would attempt to redeliver it.

So I'm weighing options here, but I'd like to know if I have all the information I need. My question to this subreddit is - if delivery isn't reattempted, will USPS tracking information show the package leaving my local PO and heading back to sender or to some Recovery Center, or is this "Undeliverable as addressed" message the last thing I'll ever see in tracking info?

Would be great to hear from anyone who has experience with an undeliverable package that was returned to sender or sent to recovery. For instance, does tracking info update, if so what are the next updates I should expect to see, etc.

Thanks all!


Comments


[2 Points] sshootanthraxx:

most vendors use a real return address witha fake or real name or business name - so if the letter is returned to sender it will usually go to someone. using a fake address thats not in teh system is a risk because letters are scanned. that in itself can cause return to sender. thats not saying it always will, because ive received packages with no return address and vice versa.

chances are the return addressee will receive the package and open it becuase he will wonder who is sending drugs using his address and or name. what he does from there is up to him, he could forward it to the local police department, you could get a knock and talk.

whatever you do, do not admit to anything, or deny either.. get a lawyer ,use your 5th amendment rights.

ive never seen return to sender on tracking only undeliverable as addressed


[1 Points] None:

The last report you'll get is the one that you have; where it says it's being returned to sender. I have never seen "returned to sender as an update.

We use priority and express mail at work constantly and I have to track packages. Anytime there was an address problem, what you're reporting is exactly what happened. I do not believe they would have a status report if it was seized; whatever the most recent scan was is the last one they'll do.

The "out for delivery" means that it was scanned in by the carrier when he picked up his mail for route. Usually carriers know their routes, so it sounds most like there was a problem at the house number or street number (possibly) level. Were you using your correct name, as well as any apartment number?

I do not believe #4 could have happened since it said it's being returned. If it went in the wrong carrier, they would return it to the post office and put in the correct carrier sort; not mark as undeliverable. It's up to you if you want to call and see what the problem was. Most people advise against that, as it removes any chance you have at denying you know about the package. However, it's been shown several times that it's a really hard sell that someone is anonymously mailing drugs to other people, and the word "plausible" is in the phrase for a reason.

Your best bet is to check with the vendor as to what, exactly, the mailing label said and work it out with him about a reship or refund, depending on where the fault lies.


[1 Points] tvgn9545:

you can call the number on usps.com and give them the tracking number and they will tell you which PO it's at. You can go there and show ID and they will give it to you. I've done that twice because the postman was too lazy to knock on my door or leave receipt for attempted delivery on registered DNM packages. Unless it's already been returned to sender.