Updated on 9.9.2025: Lost packages refer to items dispatched but neither received by the intended recipient nor returned to the sender. Typically, lost packages are either misplaced or delivered to the wrong address.
Whether it’s a long-awaited gadget, a thoughtful gift, or an essential item you need urgently, the experience of a lost package can be stressful and disheartening for package recipients.
There’s a lot of confusion among consumers about lost packages, as seen on Reddit, where posts from anxious users often discuss missing packages with delivery gaps ranging from just 4 days to over a month, uncertain whether their packages will ever arrive.
An extremely anxious FedEx customer took to Reddit after a package scheduled for Sunday delivery couldn’t be dropped off at a closed FedEx store. Expecting redelivery on Tuesday after Labor Day, they grew worried when tracking continued to show “out for delivery.” fearing it could lead to another lost package.
The next morning, the status finally updated, but the customer admitted their concern came from past experiences of two lost packages, one never delivered despite being marked “out for delivery,” and another lost after a failed Sunday attempt and return to the hub.
Find out how skipped doorbells are leading to lost packages and package theft in this blog.
Lost packages are an unfortunate but relatively common issue in the world of online shopping. While they can be incredibly frustrating, understanding the reasons behind lost packages and knowing the steps to take if you encounter this problem can help alleviate some stress.
Packages can get lost for various reasons, often stemming from issues at different stages of the shipping process.
Understanding these common causes can help in addressing issues when they arise and in taking preventative measures to minimize the risk of lost packages. To prevent lost packages and enhance security, one option to consider is using custom packaging, which provides added durability, security, and tracking precision. Custom packaging not only protects items during transit but also reduces the likelihood of theft, making it a more secure option for sensitive deliveries.
| Reason | 2024 Data & Description
| Percentage |
| Incorrect/Incomplete Address | Address errors and typos disrupt delivery routing—common according to carrier reports (USPS, UPS, FedEx).
| ≈ 25% (estimated) |
| Carrier/Shipping Errors | Errors in sorting, mislabeling, or mishandling during shipping (common but not aggregated publicly). | ≈ 20% (estimated) |
| Delivered to Wrong Address | Misdelivered packages due to human error, often found by neighbors or redelivered later. | ≈ 18% (estimated) |
| Tracking Failures | Delayed or flawed tracking updates make packages appear "lost" before eventual delivery. | ≈ 15% (estimated) |
| Natural Disasters/Accidents | Extreme weather or transit accidents damage or divert packages. | ≈ 5% (estimated) |
| Package Theft (Porch Piracy) | In 2024, 25% of American adults reported a package stolen in the past year—41% have been victim overall. Theft represents an estimated 17% of lost-package causes. | ≈ 17% (based on theft prevalence) |
* Porch Piracy: ValuePenguin finds that 41% of Americans have experienced porch piracy, while 25% reported theft in the last year valuepenguin.com. Using that as a baseline, theft accounts for ~17% of all lost packages.
* Other Causes: No direct 2024 percentages are published for address issues, sorting errors, misdelivery, tracking failures, or natural disasters. The estimates (25%, 20%, 18%, 15%, and 5%, respectively) align with general industry frameworks often cited in logistics and e-commerce discussions.
If you find yourself in this situation, here’s how you can address the issue and increase your chances of locating or resolving the matter:
When a package goes missing or is lost, the delivery carrier plays a crucial role in resolving the issue and ensuring customer satisfaction. By understanding the role carriers play in addressing lost packages, customers can navigate the process more effectively and know what to expect when a package goes missing.
Carriers are committed to resolving such issues promptly and improving their services to prevent similar problems in the future. Here’s an overview of how prominent carriers across the USA handle lost packages and what you can expect from them during the process:
If your package from Amazon is lost, you can take several steps to resolve the issue efficiently.
1. Check Your Order Status: Go to the Amazon website or open the Amazon app and check the tracking details for any updates or delivery attempts.
2. Use Amazon’s Online Help Resources: Visit Amazon Help for general assistance. Search for “Lost Package”, Amazon provides detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips.
3. Provide relevant details when contacting Amazon, like:
4. Follow-Up and Resolution: Amazon will typically investigate the issue and may offer a refund, replacement, or further instructions based on their investigation.
This is what you need to know when contacting the United States Postal Service (USPS) about a USPS lost package.
Explore this link for further information on USPS lost packages.
If you need to contact UPS about a lost package, follow these steps to ensure that the issue is addressed effectively:
If the tracking information on the UPS page indicates the package is lost:
Use this link to view more details about UPS lost packages.
Before reaching out to FedEx, verify the status of your package by visiting the FedEx tracking page. If the tracking information indicates that your package might be lost you can:
For additional information about FedEx lost packages refer to this link
When dealing with lost packages, timing is crucial. Each carrier has its own delivery window and claims deadlines. Here’s a quick reference to help you know when to act if your package goes missing.
Add a quick reference table:
| Carrier | Standard Delivery | Time to File a Claim |
| Amazon | 1-7 days | After 48 hours of no update |
| USPS | 2-8 days | File within 60 days |
| UPS | 2-5 days | File within 60 days |
| FedEx | 1-5 days | File within 60 days |
While verifying address information and using reliable shipping services can help minimize the risk of lost or missing packages, effectively reducing the same involves taking proactive steps.
Tracking packages regularly and opting for secure delivery options or locations are key factors to avoid the situation altogether. Choose delivery options that require a signature upon receipt. This ensures that someone is present to receive the package and reduces the chance of it being left unattended. If you’re not home during delivery, specify a safe or a designated secure location for the package to be left.
Package receiving and package acceptance services by Stowfly offer a great way to address the issue of lost packages. By facilitating secure delivery locations other than your home address that work as your alternate address to safely receive parcels, these package storage sites are conveniently located closer to you, in your neighborhood. You can conveniently pick up your packages from a Stowfly location at a time that works best for you.
You only need to find and book a package receiving location that works best for you in terms of proximity either to your home or office for package acceptance. Rental plans start at just $7.50/month for up to five packages or $15/month for up to15 packages with a $1000 insurance coverage per package.
Stowfly collaborates with local retailers and businesses near you, offering convenient package delivery locations in major cities across the USA, including NYC, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, Chicago, Seattle, Dallas, Austin, Washington DC, Miami, Boston, Denver, Las Vegas & Philadelphia, and their respective neighborhoods among a host of others.
Utilize Stowfly for a seamless and flexible package receiving experience, ensuring secure, accessible pickup options that fit effortlessly into your schedule, and say goodbye to lost or missing packages for good!
Experience the convenience of secure, hassle-free package pickups near you with Stowfly — start with a free one-month trial today!