It’s easy to miss a package delivery. Whether you’re on a video call or had to run out for a midday coffee, sometimes you’re just not around to catch your mail carrier. In some cases, they’ll leave the package, but in others, they might not.
If this happens, you need to know about USPS’ redelivery policies and service. In this article, we’ll explain what redelivery is, why it happens, and how to schedule redelivery!
What Is USPS Redelivery In [currentyear]?
USPS redelivery happens when a package cannot be delivered. Depending on the mail class and the delivery location, a mail carrier may automatically attempt redelivery 1 or 2 times. In other cases, mail carriers leave PS 3849 – We ReDeliver for You!, a notice giving instructions about how to schedule redelivery in [currentyear].
To find out more about why redelivery happens and how to schedule one, check out our article for more useful facts!
What Is USPS Redelivery?
There are various reasons why mail is not able to be delivered on the first attempt. These include:
- A signature is required or postage and/or fees are required
- The item(s) does not fit in the mail receptacle
- The item(s) could not be left in a secure place
In some cases, the mail carrier will attempt redelivery automatically on the next business day.
In other cases, the mail carrier will leave PS Form 3849 (We ReDeliver for You!). This form gives the recipient instructions about how to schedule a redelivery.
Fortunately, scheduling redelivery is free!
Where Is USPS’ Redelivery Service Available?
USPS offers redelivery services in many, but not all, areas in the United States.
To check the availability in your area, enter your contact information (name, address, phone number, and email address) on the Redelivery Service page and click “Check Availability.”
If redelivery is not available in your area (or if you prefer to collect your package in person), then you can pick up the item at the Post Office indicated on the We ReDeliver for You! form.
How Many Times Will USPS Attempt to Deliver a Package?
USPS will make 1 or 2 attempts to deliver, based on the carrier’s knowledge of the recipient.
For example, if a carrier knows that a recipient isn’t usually around to accept packages, they will attempt delivery once and leave a We ReDeliver for You! form after the initial attempt.
On the other hand, if a carrier knows that a recipient is usually around, they may make a second attempt without leaving a We ReDeliver for You! form on the first attempt.
When a carrier isn’t sure, a form is left after the first attempt and redelivery is only made at the customer’s request.
After 1 or 2 unsuccessful delivery attempts, the package will be held for 15 days from the initial delivery attempt. If it’s not collected in that time period, it will be returned to the sender.
How Does USPS Redelivery Handle Priority Mail Express?
USPS handles Priority Mail Express redeliveries differently than redeliveries for other mail classes.
If the initial delivery attempt of a Priority Mail Express package is unsuccessful, the mail carrier will leave a PS Form 3849 (We ReDeliver for You!)
If the recipient doesn’t schedule a redelivery or does not pick up the item at the Post Office, a second PS Form 3849 will be left on the 3rd calendar day after the initial delivery attempt.
Furthermore, if a customer doesn’t pick up the item from the Post Office or schedule a Redelivery by the close of business 5 calendar days, the item will be returned to the sender.
How Do I Schedule a USPS Redelivery?
You can schedule a redelivery online using the package’s tracking number or the barcode number shown on the back of the We ReDeliver for You! form.
After entering this information, choose when you want your package redelivered and make sure you’re available to receive it at the appointed time.
Redeliveries can be scheduled online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
When Can a USPS Redelivery Be Scheduled?
You can schedule package redelivery for pretty much any day that’s convenient for you. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, if you want to request same-day redelivery, you need to submit your request by 2 AM CST Monday through Saturday.
Next, redelivery items will be delivered on the requested date, but customers are not able to request a specific time, so be sure to choose a day when you know you’re available all day.
You can choose a redelivery day up to the day the item is scheduled to be returned to the sender (you can find this date on the front of the We ReDeliver for You! form).
If you go this route, just be sure to keep in mind that scheduling must be done with advanced notice and not on the date the item will be returned to the sender.
In addition, if a redelivery attempt is made on the last day before it’s scheduled to be returned to the sender and the item cannot be delivered, it will still be sent back.
Why Is My Package Not Available for Redelivery?
There are a few reasons why you’re not able to schedule a redelivery.
For example, you won’t be able to schedule if the address you entered for the tracking number doesn’t match the original delivery address.
You also won’t be able to schedule if a redelivery request already exists for the package.
Finally, you’ll be blocked from scheduling if the package was returned to the sender and is no longer available for redelivery.
To know more, you can also read our posts on what days does USPS deliver, USPS delivered to wrong address, and does USPS deliver to door.
Conclusion
Missed deliveries happen, but luckily, USPS is dedicated to making sure you get your package, which is made possible with the redelivery system.
With this system, delivery is usually attempted automatically. If the delivery is still unsuccessful, a mail carrier will leave a form allowing the customer to schedule delivery at a time that’s most convenient for them.
