Signing For Mail

As a recipient you have the responsibility to check the package, box, or mail that you are receiving. You may not open the package and examine the items, but you may look on the outside as long as the carrier (UPS, USPS, FedEx, etc.) is holding it before you choose to sign for it. As you examine the exterior of the package or envelope, check for any signs of damage, holes/dents, torn or smashed carton, or other signs of tempering. If you see anything unusual we advise you to note the bill of lading with the type of damage on the package or if the damage is significant with large holes and openings (which might have caused for items to fall out) simply refuse the shipment. The sender will be able to be recouped monetary as long as the package was insured.

Filing a Claim with USPS

You can file a claim for compensation for loss or damage of Insured Mail, Registered Mail, and Express Mail. Take the damaged item and proof of its value along with the original box and packaging materials to your Post Office. A clerk will help you file your claim.
Customer Concerns: If you are unhappy with USPS service give them the opportunity to serve you better by visiting www.usps.com, calling 1·800·ASK·USPS, or speaking to the Postmaster or manager at your local Post Office.

When to File?
For Damage or Partial Loss of Contents: File immediately, but no later than 60 days from the date of mailing.
For a Complete Loss: File within the time limits in the chart below.

What You Will Need

Claims Form
Download and complete the customer portion of Form 1000, Domestic Claim or Registered Mail Inquiry and take to any Post Office, or request a copy and complete it at the Post Office.
Claims Form, PS Form 1000, Domestic Claim or Registered Mail Inquiry.

Evidence of Insurance
Submit evidence that Insured Mail, Collect on Delivery (COD), Registered Mail(TM), or Express Mail® was purchased for the mailed package.

• For insurance purchased at a Post Office or through a rural carrier, you will need the original mailing receipt that you were given at the time of mailing. This can be a sales receipt or a postmarked Insured Mail, Registered Mail, or COD receipt.
• For insurance purchased online you will need a computer printout from the web-based application where the label was printed and insurance was purchased. The printout must clearly identify all of the following information: Delivery Confirmation(TM) or Signature Confirmation(TM) number of the insured item, Total Postage Paid, Origin ZIP Code(TM), Declared Value, Insurance Fee Paid, Declared Mailing Date, Delivery ZIP Code
  For example, in Click-N-Ship® a copy of the Online Label Record or of the Shipping History Details page provides evidence of insurance.
  
  
• For a detailed list of acceptable evidence check the General Filing Instructions in the Domestic Mail Manual.

Evidence of Value
Submit evidence - such as a sales receipt or invoice - showing the value of the article when it was mailed. For a detailed list of acceptable evidence check the General Filing Instructions in the Domestic Mail Manual. For Internet transactions conducted through a Web-based payment network, provide a computer printout of the online transaction identifying the purchaser and seller, price paid, date of transaction, description of item purchased, and assurance that the transaction status is completed. The printout must clearly identify the Web-based payment network provider through which the Internet transaction was conducted.

Depending on the type of claim you'll need to provide

Proof of Damage or Partial Loss of Contents for unnumbered insured, numbered insured, and all items insured online. If the article was damaged - or if some or all of the contents were missing - take the article, box, wrapper, and all packing materials to your local Post Office immediately with the required documentation.

Proof of Complete Loss

• For unnumbered insured items and items insured online for $50 or less: o If the article was never delivered a written and signed document from the addressee (such as a letter) dated at least 21 days from the date of mailing (15 days for Registered Mail), that states the addressee did not receive the article. The statement, or a copy of it, must be attached to the claim.
• For numbered insured, Registered Mail, COD, Express Mail, or items insured online for more than $50: o Proof of loss is not required

When to Expect Payment

A properly completed and supported claim is usually paid within 30 days.

   Recent Online Auctions Articles