A 'Delivered' Notification But No Package: What to Do with USPS, FedEx, and DHL
You get the email or text alert you’ve been waiting for: “Your package has been delivered!” You open the front door, ready to greet your new purchase, but your porch is empty. The initial excitement quickly turns to confusion, then frustration. It’s one of the most common and infuriating delivery problems, leaving you to wonder: where is my package?
Was it a simple mistake? Was it left with a neighbor? Or has a porch pirate struck again? With millions of packages delivered daily across the country, and a reported 45% of Americans having experienced package theft, it's a valid concern.
Before you panic, know that there's a clear process for handling this situation. Here are the exact steps to take for each of the major carriers.
First, Check the Obvious Places
Delivery drivers often try to place packages out of plain sight to protect them from theft. Before escalating the issue, do a quick but thorough search:
Around your property: Check behind planters, under benches, near the back door, or inside your garage.
With others: Ask other members of your household if they brought a package inside. Check with your building manager or mailroom if you live in an apartment complex.
Your neighbors: It’s very common for a package to be misdelivered to a next-door neighbor by mistake.
Waited 24 hours and still no sign of your delivery? It's time to contact the carrier.
What to Do for a Missing USPS Package
The United States Postal Service (USPS) handles a massive volume of packages. If your tracking says "delivered" but the package is missing, here’s the protocol:
Wait a Full Business Day: USPS sometimes marks packages as delivered prematurely. They recommend waiting at least 24 hours after the ‘delivered’ status appears before taking action.
Contact Your Local Post Office: Your first and best point of contact is the local post office that handles your mail delivery. You can find their direct number by searching online. Speak with them directly, as your regular mail carrier may remember where they placed the package.
Submit a Missing Mail Search Request: If your local post office can't locate the package, the next step is to file a Missing Mail Search Request online. You'll need your tracking number and details about the package and its contents.
File a Claim (If Insured): If your package was insured (Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express services include insurance), you can file a claim for the value of the lost item. You can file a claim online but must do so within a specific timeframe—typically between 15 and 60 days after the mailing date.
What to Do for a Missing FedEx Package
FedEx offers detailed tracking and, in many cases, picture proof of delivery. Here’s how to handle a missing delivery:
Check for Photo Proof: Use your tracking number on the FedEx website. For many residential deliveries, they will include a photo of where the package was left. This can often solve the mystery instantly.
Report the Missing Package Online: If you still can’t find it, you can report it directly from the tracking page. Select "Manage Delivery," then "Report Missing Package." You will be assigned a case number.
Contact Customer Support: If you prefer to speak with someone, you can call FedEx customer support at 1-800-Go-FedEx (1-800-463-3339).
File a Claim: The shipper or the recipient can file a claim. You'll need your tracking number and supporting documentation, like a receipt or proof of value. It's crucial to file your claim quickly—for damaged items, it's within 60 days, and for lost items, it's within nine months of shipment.
What to Do for a Missing DHL Package
For international and domestic express shipments, DHL has a clear process for resolving delivery issues.
Contact the Shipper First: DHL advises that the first point of contact should be the merchant or online shop where you made your purchase. As the contract partner with DHL, they are best positioned to initiate an investigation for a lost package.
Contact DHL Express Directly: While the shipper often starts the process, you can also contact DHL Express for support. The best way is to call their U.S. customer service at 1-800-CALL-DHL (1-800-225-5345). Have your tracking number ready.
File a Claim: If the package is confirmed as lost, a claim must be filed. This is typically done by the shipper. However, if you need to file it, you can find the necessary forms and instructions on the DHL U.S. claims page. You have 30 days from the date the shipment was accepted by DHL to file.
The Ultimate Proof: Why a Doorbell Camera is Your Best Ally
The biggest challenge in this situation is the lack of proof. A doorbell camera can instantly solve the mystery: Was it delivered to a neighbor by mistake? Was it never dropped off at all? Or was it stolen? Having that video clip is the single most powerful tool you can have.
When you file a claim, being able to provide video evidence of a non-delivery or, worse, a theft, dramatically strengthens your case with the shipper and the carrier. It removes all doubt and helps you get a replacement or refund faster.
This is where Kangaroo steps in. Our Video Doorbell Camera + Chime is designed to provide simple, affordable security for every home. For less than the cost of a few pizzas, you get:
Motion and Ring Alerts: Get instant notifications on your phone when someone is at your door, whether they ring the bell or not.
Photo and Video Clips: See exactly who came to your door and when. With our optional Camera Protection Plan, you get 365 days of cloud storage and package theft reimbursement.
Easy, Wire-Free Installation: Set it up in minutes without any complicated wiring.
Don’t just wonder what happened to your package. See for yourself. A Kangaroo Doorbell Camera gives you peace of mind with every delivery notification. Explore our full range of simple, smart home security solutions on our website and take the first step towards a more secure home today.
