Packages are typically not forwarded with USPS when you submit a Change of Address (COA) order. The COA order primarily applies to First-Class Mail and Periodicals, but not USPS Marketing Mail or Package Services Mail. This means that packages sent through USPS may not be forwarded to your new address if you have moved.
The COA order allows for the forwarding of primarily First-Class Mail for a duration of 12 months. This means that any First-Class Mail that is sent to your old address will be redirected to your new address for a year after you submit the COA order. This can be particularly useful for important documents, letters, or other valuable items that are sent through First-Class Mail.
On the other hand, Periodicals are only forwarded for a shorter duration of 60 days. After that, any Periodicals that are addressed to your old address will no longer be forwarded to your new address. This shorter forwarding period is likely due to the frequency of Periodicals being published and the expectation that subscribers would update their address with the publisher within this timeframe.
However, it’s important to note that USPS Marketing Mail and Package Services Mail are generally not forwarded through a COA order. USPS Marketing Mail includes items such as flyers, advertisements, and other bulk mailings. Package Services Mail refers to packages sent through USPS, including items ordered online or through other retailers.
If you have recently moved and are expecting packages to be delivered to your old address, it is recommended to update your address with the sender as soon as possible. This will ensure that any packages are sent directly to your new address instead of being forwarded. It’s also a good practice to notify your contacts and update your address with any relevant institutions, subscriptions, or online retailers to avoid any potential issues with package delivery.
In my personal experience, I have had instances where packages were not forwarded when I moved and had only submitted a COA order. It was a frustrating situation as I had expected the packages to be redirected to my new address. However, I learned from that experience and now make sure to update my address with the sender whenever I move to avoid any delays or complications with package delivery.