When you’re waiting for an important package or letter, seeing the status “USPS Could Not Be Delivered As Addressed” can be frustrating and confusing. This message means that the United States Postal Service attempted to deliver your mail, but the address provided was incorrect, incomplete, or otherwise undeliverable. In this topic, we’ll explain what this message means, the reasons it happens, how to prevent it, and what actions you can take to resolve the issue.
Understanding “USPS Could Not Be Delivered As Addressed”
What Does It Mean?
When USPS marks a package or letter as “Could Not Be Delivered As Addressed”, it indicates that the postal worker was unable to complete the delivery due to problems with the address. The mailpiece will usually be returned to the sender if the return address is available, or it may be held at the local post office for a limited time.
Common USPS Tracking Status
This message often appears in USPS tracking updates along with statuses like “Return to Sender”, “Undeliverable as Addressed”, or “Delivery Attempted”.
Common Reasons for “Could Not Be Delivered As Addressed”
1. Incomplete Address
If the address is missing important details – such as the street number, apartment number, city, or ZIP code – USPS cannot deliver the package.
2. Incorrect Address
Even a small typo in the street name or ZIP code can lead to an undeliverable package. The postal system relies on exact information to route deliveries correctly.
3. Moved Without Forwarding
If the recipient has moved and not set up USPS mail forwarding, mail sent to the old address will often be marked undeliverable.
4. Unreadable Label
Smudged, faded, or torn shipping labels can make it impossible for USPS scanners or postal workers to read the delivery address.
5. Locked or Inaccessible Mailbox
If a mailbox is locked, full, or blocked, USPS may not be able to complete the delivery.
6. Delivery Restrictions
Some addresses may have delivery restrictions or require someone to sign for the package. If these conditions aren’t met, the mail won’t be delivered.
What Happens to Your Mail After This Status?
1. Returned to Sender
If there’s a return address on the package, USPS will return the mailpiece to the sender with a note explaining the reason.
2. Held at the Post Office
In some cases, USPS will hold the package at the nearest post office for pickup. You may receive a PS Form 3849, which is a notice informing you where to collect your package.
3. Disposed of by USPS
If there is no return address and the package cannot be delivered or held, USPS may dispose of the package or send it to the Mail Recovery Center.
How to Fix a USPS “Could Not Be Delivered As Addressed” Issue
1. Double-Check the Tracking Information
Visit the USPS tracking page and enter your tracking number. Check the most recent update to confirm the delivery attempt and see if the package is being returned or held at the post office.
2. Contact Your Local Post Office
If the package is being held, contact your local post office right away. Bring identification and any tracking information with you.
3. Update Your Address with USPS
If you’ve moved recently, ensure that you set up USPS Change of Address service so mail is forwarded to your new location.
4. Contact the Sender
If the package is being returned, contact the sender. Provide them with the correct address so they can re-send the package without errors.
5. Request Package Intercept (If Applicable)
USPS offers a Package Intercept service, which allows you to redirect the package to a different address or have it held for pickup. This service may incur additional fees and is only available for certain mail types.
How to Avoid Delivery Issues in the Future
1. Always Double-Check the Address
When ordering online or sending mail, always verify that you’ve entered the correct and complete address. Include apartment numbers, suite numbers, and ZIP+4 codes if available.
2. Use USPS Address Verification Tools
USPS provides address lookup and verification tools on their website. Using these tools can help ensure that your address is recognized and formatted correctly.
3. Ensure Clear and Legible Labels
Whether printing at home or writing by hand, make sure all labels are legible and securely attached to the package. Avoid smudges or tears that could make the address unreadable.
4. Use the Correct Packaging
Use sturdy, USPS-approved packaging materials. Poor-quality packaging may get damaged in transit, making labels unreadable.
5. Set Up Mail Forwarding
If you move, set up mail forwarding immediately to ensure you don’t miss important packages and letters.
USPS Delivery Attempt Notifications
PS Form 3849
If USPS attempts delivery and cannot deliver, they often leave a PS Form 3849 in your mailbox or on your door. This form will explain why the delivery could not be completed and provide instructions for pickup or redelivery.
Request Redelivery
USPS allows customers to request redelivery through their website. You can enter your tracking number and schedule a new delivery attempt.
What If There’s No Return Address?
If your package or letter has no return address and is marked “Could Not Be Delivered As Addressed”, USPS may send it to the Mail Recovery Center (MRC) in Atlanta, Georgia. This facility acts as the USPS’s lost and found for undeliverable mail.
Mail Recovery Process
At the MRC, USPS employees open mail items to search for clues about the sender or recipient. If no identifying information is found, the mail may eventually be auctioned, donated, or destroyed.
Can You Recover a Lost Package?
If your package has been sent to the Mail Recovery Center, recovery is not always possible, but you can try filing a Missing Mail Search on the USPS website. Provide as much information as possible, including tracking number, mailing date, sender, recipient address, and a detailed description of the contents.
USPS Customer Service for Undeliverable Mail
If you’re still unsure what to do, you can contact USPS customer service:
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Call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777)
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Visit your local post office
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Use the USPS website for tracking and redelivery services
Seeing the message “USPS Could Not Be Delivered As Addressed” can be concerning, but there are steps you can take to understand and fix the situation. Usually, it comes down to a simple address error or delivery issue. By checking your tracking information, contacting USPS, and ensuring accurate addresses in future shipments, you can prevent these problems from happening again.
Make sure to double-check every address you use for shipping, verify it with USPS tools, and keep your shipping labels clear and secure. When you take these small precautions, you can trust USPS to deliver your packages and mail accurately and on time.