The United States Postal Service (USPS) holds packages for a certain number of days before they are returned to the mailer. The duration of the hold period depends on the type of service used for shipping the package.
For articles with extra services, such as Signature Confirmation or insurance, USPS holds the package for 15 days. This allows sufficient time for the recipient to collect the package or make arrangements for its delivery. The 15-day hold period applies unless the mailer designates a shorter duration.
However, there are a few exceptions to this general rule. If the package includes Cash on Delivery (COD) service, USPS holds it for a slightly shorter period of 10 days. This means that the recipient has a limited time frame to pay for the package upon delivery. If the payment is not made within the designated period, the package will be returned to the sender.
Priority Mail Express, USPS’s fastest domestic service, has the shortest hold period. Packages sent via Priority Mail Express are held for 5 days before being returned to the mailer. This quicker hold period reflects the urgent nature of this service, as customers expect their packages to be delivered swiftly.
It is important to note that these hold periods are default settings by USPS. However, mailers have the option to specify a different hold duration based on their requirements. In some cases, the mailer may choose to use USPS’s Hold For Pickup service, which allows the recipient to pick up the package from a designated Post Office location. The hold period for packages with Hold For Pickup service may vary depending on the specific arrangement made by the mailer.
USPS generally holds packages with extra services for 15 days, unless a shorter duration is specified by the mailer. COD packages are held for 10 days, and Priority Mail Express packages are held for 5 days. It is essential for recipients to collect their packages within the designated hold period to avoid them being returned to the sender.