Lost packages refer to the loss of mail or packages that were sent but never delivered to the person it was addressed to. In most cases, lost packages are usually sent to the wrong person or are misplaced.
It can be quite a challenging and time-consuming process to find out who is responsible for lost packages.
What are some common causes for Lost Packages?
Some of the most common reasons for lost packages are:
Damaged shipping label - If the barcode and label get damaged, then the courier is not able to identify the package and in the process it gets lost.
Bad Weather - Transportation prone damages can occur due to poor road visibility making it too hard to trace parcels.
Incorrect Labeling- Errors or emissions along with misspelling the address can lead to misdeliveries and thus leading to a lost package scenario.
Package Theft - Unfortunately, packages can be stolen during transport or even upon delivery and lost packages in the bargain.
Human Error- Handling, tracking or moving mistakes during everyday transit in shipping hubs can also result in packages getting lost.
The easiest way to determine if your package is lost or missing is by making use of the courier tracking tool. If the status in the tracking tool does not display any change in the position for long, then it is time to contact the courier company.
The courier company will declare the package as lost if it is still missing after conducting an investigation to try and locate the parcel. You can start the procedure to claim a refund once the carrier officially declares that your packages have been lost indeed.
Usually, the carrier is responsible for lost packages. However, in case of an online sale, the sender will be responsible for any loss or damages to the parcel, if caused by insufficient packaging or wrong labeling.
Consumers can receive reimbursement for shipping costs along with the cost of the item lost. Filing for claims can be a bit of a hassle, but carriers usually are willing to reimburse for lost packages.
The exact information and documentation necessary while filing a refund/insurance claim will vary from carrier to carrier. Typically, you will need to provide details like:
The weight of the package and tracking number.
Package recipient details.
Credit card information that was used while purchasing.
Receipts or invoices.
Shipping companies like UPS, FedEx are constantly dealing with issues like FedEx lost packages and UPS lost packages. Refund forms from some of the delivery services are as follows:
How to avoid Lost Packages with Stowfly Package Receiving and Package Acceptance Services
Lost packages can also be a result of packages getting stolen after they are delivered. Customers can make use of some best practices to effectively track all orders and make sure to be available during a scheduled delivery slot.
Though there are multiple ways to try and avoid a stolen package situation, it may not always be possible for package recipients to make themselves available to receive packages when the delivery agent arrives.
Package receiving and package acceptance services can solve this very issue by working as your alternate address to receive your parcels. Package receiving services involve locations that are closer to you in the form of either a grocery store or a coffee shop in all major cities like NYC, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, Chicago, Seattle, Dallas, Austin, Washington DC, Miami, Boston, Denver, Las Vegas & Philadelphia
Stowfly, is a package storage service provider with an extensive network of package acceptance locations, where verified location partners receive packages on your behalf and hold them for you to be picked up at your convenience. Your packages are safe once they are received at a Stowfly location as a unique pick-up PIN is generated for you which will need to be shared with our location partner for retrieving your parcels from them.
Making use of package receiving and package acceptance services by Stowfly can help you avoid packages getting lost thanks to porch pirates stealing them right off your doorsteps and save you from the agony of lost packages.
More details about benefiting with an effective last-mile delivery strategy in this blog.