What Does “No Access to Delivery Location” Mean? (USPS)

For those whose thumbs have gotten sore from refreshing the tracking page on USPS’ website, nothing can be more frustrating than seeing that USPS tried to deliver your package but wasn’t able to.

If this happens, you may see a postcard on your door saying “No Access to Delivery Location,” or you may see it on the USPS website. In this article, we’ll discuss what this message means, and how to fix it so that you can get your hands on your package, so keep reading!

What Does “No Access to Delivery Location” Mean In [currentyear]?

“No Access to Delivery Location” is a term USPS uses when a mail carrier is unable to deliver to an address in [currentyear]. Potential reasons include a damaged mailbox, a blocked road, inclement weather, a locked gate, or an untethered dog. This issue may also arise for new addresses that haven’t been added to USPS’ Address Management System.

If you’d like to learn more about why your mail isn’t getting delivered, as well as learn how to fix the problem, then check out the rest of this article for more information!

What Does “No Access to Delivery Location” Mean at USPS?

This message can mean a few different things, and thus it can be difficult to figure out.

In the simplest terms, getting this notification means that a USPS mail carrier wasn’t able to deliver your package.

It also means you’ll have to find an alternative solution in order to get your hands on your item.

You may get this message if there’s an issue with your mailbox. For example, it could be full, blocked by a car, or damaged.

Another possible explanation is that the carrier wasn’t able to gain access to your home or apartment because of a locked gate.

Other times, you’ll get this message because there were unavoidable issues that prevented your mail carrier from accepting your address and delivering the package.

This could be due to inclement weather or a fallen tree blocking the road to your house.

Similarly, issues like renovations, road construction, or a car accident could also prevent a mail carrier from being able to deliver your package.

An untethered/unrestrained dog can be another reason why delivery isn’t attempted. Dogs pose a potential safety threat to mail carriers, so they won’t deliver if a dog is outside.

Another explanation is that USPS never attempted delivery but left a notice saying that it did.

This happens frequently on weekends and in rural locations where mail delivery is more challenging. 

It’s also possible that USPS has no record of the mailing address in its system. While it sounds strange, it happens more than you might expect. 

Why Won’t USPS Deliver to My Address?

Besides the reasons listed in the last section, USPS may not deliver to you because there’s an issue with your address.

This is likely if you live on a new street, in a new housing development, or in a new apartment building.

Whenever new housing is built, USPS has to add the address(es) to its Address Management System in order to ensure correct and timely delivery.

If your home hasn’t been added to this list (or if it was entered incorrectly), then there’s a good chance that you’ll receive at least a few “No Access to Delivery Location” notices.

What Should I Do About a “No Access to Delivery Location” Notification?

What Should I Do About a “No Access to Delivery Location” Notification? USPS

Perhaps more important than why you’re getting a “No Access to Delivery Location” message is knowing how to fix the issue so it doesn’t happen again.

Luckily, there are a few (fairly simple) ways to remedy this issue. Let’s take a look at what to do:

1. Contact your local post office

Like most things, the easiest way to fix this issue is by talking to someone face-to-face.

To make the most out of your conversation, be prepared to summarize the situation, show any no delivery postcards or messages you’ve received, and share a couple of photos of the access to your house.

Hopefully, a postal clerk, manager, or local postmaster will be able to shed some light on the problem and offer you solutions.

If the issue stems from a missing or incorrect address in USPS’ Address Management System, then the local postmaster should be able to help you on the spot.

You’ll be asked to fill out a form, as well as provide information about your property and its location.

Afterwards, the postmaster will update information in the postal service’s system. Your address will be recognized the next time the system updates (usually in a day or two).

2. Get in touch with USPS customer service

In most cases, your local postal office should be able to help you out. However, if that’s not the case, your next option is to contact USPS’ national customer service.

You can reach this service by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777).

Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM (ET), and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (ET).

How Can I Avoid a “No Access to Delivery Location” Notification?

If you want to avoid this issue completely, there are a few options available.

One is to have your packages sent to a parcel locker. USPS calls its parcel locker service gopost

These lockers are secure, automated, self-service places where you can pick up packages when it’s convenient for you.

This should help you avoid almost all delivery problems related to weather, construction, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Another option is to rent a PO Box at your local post office. Similar to a parcel locker, having a PO Box means that your packages are secure and ready for pick up when you are.

To know more, you can also read our posts on USPS delivered to the wrong address, USPS delivery instructions, and does USPS delivers to PO boxes.

Conclusion

No Access to Delivery Location happens when a USPS mail carrier can’t access your home for one reason or another. It’s a frustrating message to receive, but there’s usually a good explanation.

Usually, all you need to do to resolve the issue is to speak to someone at your local post office. In more extreme cases, you may have to change where your mail is delivered, but in any case, a solution is always available.

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Marques Thomas

Marques Thomas graduated with a MBA in 2011. Since then, Marques has worked in the retail and consumer service industry as a manager, advisor, and marketer. Marques is also the head writer and founder of QuerySprout.com.

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