Losing a package during shipping is upsetting and annoying. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to foresee such an emergency as all carriers, even the most reliable ones, sometimes lose packages on the way.
But you can take urgent measures to locate the package and still get it delivered to the destination; experts of Pkge.net share some universal advice for such situations here.
“I Can’t Find My Package. Is It Lost?”
First, let’s clarify when the parcel may get the “missing” status. If you try to track it with the help of the tracking number minutes after the confirmation of its departure and don’t see data about it, then it’s not the cause for panic.
Depending on the carrier and the national/international delivery, online tracking may become available in 12-24 hours after registration. So, just be patient and wait some time for it to emerge in the system.
However, if you don’t get any notifications from the carrier for a couple of days and the shipping tracking number is not monitored then it’s time to contact the merchant and carrier. The package may be officially regarded as lost only if the carrier conducts an investigation and does not locate the package in any of its logistics centers.
Locating a Lost Parcel
So, you think your parcel was lost or stolen. Next steps?
We recommend contacting the carrier first to check the status of your package. Its representatives will conduct an investigation and will get back to you with a response. Sometimes global package tracking works inaccurately, so you may receive faulty data about your package’s location, while in reality, it is moving in your direction safe and sound.
If the package is lost and cannot be located, feel free to open a claim procedure with the shipper. Provide all billing and tracking information to verify your ownership of the lost parcel and its value. Even if the carrier refuses to compensate the lost items, you can always turn to the relevant national authority protecting consumer’s rights (such as FTC) and claim the refund of the lost property.
Recovering a Missing Parcel
Sometimes the package may be regarded as lost while in fact, it was simply wrongly delivered. In case of wrong delivery, the carrier has to recover it to you at their own expense and within the established period. However, before engaging in the lengthy recovery process, maybe you can ask neighbors? Maybe they received your parcel by mistake?
Other cases of wrong delivery may include the courier leaving your parcel at the doorstep without handling it into your hands. Such situations are still common despite the rising number of thefts and the problematic process of delivery confirmation.
Reconsider the Shipper Choice
Anyway, no matter whether the item was misdelivered or lost, any nuisances of this kind throw a shadow on the carrier’s reputation. So, in case you experience troubles with the delivery of your parcels or fail to track your order in a timely manner, we recommend considering a different carrier next time.
