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Understanding the ‘Package Research Case Closed’ Status

“Package Research Case Closed” in the context of USPS (United States Postal Service) typically means that the USPS has completed its investigation into a reported issue or inquiry regarding a specific mail or package delivery.

When a recipient or sender reports that a package is lost, delayed, or misdelivered, USPS initiates a “Package Research Case” to trace and determine the status or location of the package. Once their internal investigation is completed and they have determined the outcome (whether they located the package, delivered it, or could not find it), they close the research case.

The closing provides a resolution or explanation to the individual who initiated the inquiry, even if the desired outcome wasn’t achieved.

When Is the USPS “Package Research Case Closed” Update Triggered?

When the USPS issues a “Package Research Case Closed” update, it is triggered after they’ve completed their investigation into a specific inquiry or reported issue related to a mail or package delivery. This tracking update is always received after a “Package Research Case Created” alert. This occurs when a recipient or sender reports a package as lost, delayed, or misdelivered.

USPS conducts an internal investigation to trace the package , determine its status, or locate its whereabouts.

Based on their findings, they provide an outcome: this might be that the package was located and delivered, that it was determined to be truly lost, or any other relevant resolution.

Once this outcome is determined and there’s no further action to be taken from their end, the case is officially closed, triggering the “Package Research Case Closed” status update.

What Happens Next To USPS “Package Research Case Closed” Update

Package found and delivered.

If USPS successfully located the package during the research phase, the “Package Research Case Closed” update often means the package is either already delivered or back on track to be delivered to the intended recipient. In this case, tracking will generally be updated to show its new status and estimated delivery time. Customers can expect to receive their package shortly.

Package Not Found

If USPS couldn’t locate the package, the “Package research Case Closed” update means the internal investigation is completed, but the package remains lost or unaccounted for. The customer might be eligible for a refund or insurance claim, depending on the shipping service purchased and other variables. The sender will often have to initiate this process.

Tracking Stuck On “Package Research Case Closed”

When the USPS tracking is stuck on “Package Research Case Closed,” it suggests that while USPS has concluded its internal investigation regarding an issue with your package, its status hasn’t been updated further. This could leave senders or recipients in the dark about the current status or next steps.

Reasons Your Package Is Stuck On “Package Research Case Closed” USPS Update

Incomplete or unclear resolution.

When USPS concludes its investigation, there might be times when the findings aren’t clear-cut. This could lead to a “Package Research Case Closed” status without explicit information on the package’s whereabouts or next steps, causing uncertainty for the customer.

Technical Glitches

USPS’s tracking system, like any digital platform, can experience errors or downtimes. These technical glitches could prevent the system from displaying the most recent status of a package, leaving it stuck on the “Package Research Case Closed” update even if there have been further developments.

No Further Action Taken

After the research phase, there might be instances where USPS deems no additional steps are necessary, or they might be awaiting further instructions. This can leave the package without any forward movement, resulting in a persistent “Package Research Case Closed” status without subsequent updates.

Miscommunication Between Departments

The USPS is a vast organization with multiple departments handling distinct package processing and delivery phases. If there’s a lapse in communication between these departments, it might cause the tracking to stagnate, not reflecting the actual status of the package.

External Factors

Unpredictable events such as extreme weather conditions, operational disruptions, or even manual mistakes can impede the regular processing and updating of packages. These unforeseen challenges can cause the tracking to remain on the “Package Research Case Closed” status longer than expected.

What Steps To Take If USPS Tracking Stuck At “Package Research Case Closed”?

If your USPS tracking is stuck at “Package Research Case Closed,” it’s crucial to act proactively. Contact USPS customer service and provide your tracking number to get specific details on the package’s status.

If this doesn’t yield results, consider visiting your local post office; sometimes, direct interaction can expedite resolution. If your package had insurance and remains undelivered, initiate a claim with USPS.

Regularly check your mailbox or delivery area, as there might be delivery discrepancies. If the item was essential and remains missing, consider the possibility of reordering or arranging for a reshipment with the sender.

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• Service Guides
• CANADA POST

USPS “Package Research Case Created” – Tracking Guide

• by Nic Smith

Welcome to our comprehensive tracking guide for USPS packages. In this article, we will be discussing the “Package Research Case Created” update from USPS and what it means for you as a sender or recipient. Understanding this update is crucial for tracking your package and knowing the next steps to take. So, let’s dive in and unravel the details of this important USPS tracking status.

Key Takeaways:

• The “Package Research Case Created” update indicates that a package has been reported missing, and USPS has opened a case to locate it.
• This update is typically initiated by the sender after not receiving the package within the expected timeframe.
• USPS will review the tracking information and any details provided by the person who opened the search case, usually the recipient.
• The duration of the research case can range from 5 to 10 days, depending on the postage service used.
• The outcome of the research case will be communicated through a subsequent tracking update.

What Does the “Package Research Case Created” Update Mean?

The “Package Research Case Created” update from USPS signifies that a package has been reported missing and a case for locating the item has been initiated. This alert is often triggered by the sender after not receiving the package within the expected timeframe.

USPS will start the process of locating the missing package by reviewing the tracking information and relying on any details provided by the party who opened the search case, typically the recipient. For eCommerce transactions, the recipient may request a refund or replacement item from the seller upon receiving this update.

Whether the sender can recoup the cost through USPS will depend on the outcome of the research case and the level of delivery service initially purchased. The research case typically takes between 5 and 10 days to reach a decision, with different timeframes for opening a case depending on the postage service used.

USPS does not disclose the specific actions taken during an open research case, but the final outcome and any necessary follow-up will be communicated through a subsequent tracking update.

How Long Does a “Package Research Case” Take?

The duration of a “Package Research Case” opened by USPS can vary depending on the type of postage service used and the timing of opening the case. Generally, USPS will take between 5 and 10 days to reach a decision and provide a resolution for the missing package .

The specific timeframe for opening a case differs based on the postage service. For Priority Mail, First Class, and Certified Mail classes, a case can be opened 7 days after the original postage date. Domestic Registered and Ground services require a 14-day waiting period before a case can be opened.

It is important to note that the case itself should be resolved within the 5 to 10-day window once it has been requested. During this time, USPS will investigate the whereabouts of the package, including its last scanned location and any relevant tracking information.

The final tracking update after the research case will be “Package Research Case Closed,” indicating the outcome of the case – either the package is considered missing and eligible for an insurance claim, or the package has been located and is on its way to the destination address.

Note: The durations mentioned above are subject to change and may vary based on USPS policies and regulations.

In conclusion, the “Package Research Case Created” update from USPS indicates that a package has been reported missing and a search case has been initiated to locate the item. If you receive this alert, it means that the sender has not received the package within the expected timeframe and has taken action to find it.

USPS will review the tracking information and any details provided by the person who opened the search case, typically the recipient, to begin the process of locating the missing package. The duration of the research case varies depending on the type of postage service used and the timing of opening the case, usually taking between 5 and 10 days to reach a resolution.

During the research case, USPS investigates the whereabouts of the package and takes necessary actions to locate it. The outcome of the case will be communicated through a subsequent tracking update, which will indicate whether the package is considered missing or if it has been located. If you encounter a “Package Research Case Created” alert, it is important to follow USPS guidelines and wait for the resolution of the research case.

What does the “Package Research Case Created” update mean?

The “Package Research Case Created” update from USPS indicates that a package has been reported missing and a case for locating the item has been opened. This update is usually triggered by the sender after not receiving the package within the expected timeframe. USPS will initiate the process of locating the missing package by reviewing the tracking information and any details provided by the person who opened the search case, usually the recipient. The sender may be notified of the case through this update, and it can lead to the recipient requesting a refund or replacement item. The duration of the research case will vary depending on the type of postage service used, typically taking between 5 and 10 days to reach a resolution. USPS does not provide specific details about the actions taken during the research case, but the outcome will be communicated through a subsequent tracking update.

How long does a “Package Research Case” take?

The duration of a “Package Research Case” opened by USPS can vary depending on the type of postage service used and the timing of opening the case. Generally, USPS will take between 5 and 10 days to reach a decision and provide a resolution for the missing package. The specific timeframe for opening a case differs based on the postage service. For Priority Mail, First Class, and Certified Mail classes, a case can be opened 7 days after the original postage date. Domestic Registered and Ground services require a 14-day waiting period before a case can be opened. It is important to note that the case itself should be resolved within the 5 to 10-day window once it has been requested. During this time, USPS will investigate the whereabouts of the package, including its last scanned location and any relevant tracking information. The final tracking update after the research case will be “Package Research Case Closed,” indicating the outcome of the case – either the package is considered missing and eligible for an insurance claim, or the package has been located and is on its way to the destination address.

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How to report a missing USPS package, file a help request and submit a missing mail claim

• You can report a missing USPS package by filing a claim at the USPS claims site.
• The sender or receiver of a USPS package can file a claim, but the original purchase receipt must be available.
• You can receive a refund for mail that is lost or never delivered to its final destination as long as the package is insured.
• Collect on Delivery (COD) items, registered mail with insurance, Priority Mail Express, and other insured mail services are eligible for refunds via the USPS claim service. 

When a parcel sent via the United States Postal Service gets lost in transit, customers and businesses can find themselves out of money and valuable goods. Luckily, if the missing mail was sent using one of USPS's insured services, both senders and receivers are eligible to file a claim for a full refund — so long as you meet specific criteria. 

Before you file a claim, however, there are a few other avenues to explore when it comes to locating the missing mail. First, you should track your package to see where your package is. In some rare cases, packages may show "delivered" but could take another 24 hours. 

If it's been over 24 hours and still no package, you've got a few options:

• Complete the USPS help request form: This initates a search at your local post office branch, where they may be able to locate the package and deliver it to you. 
• Submit a missing mail search request: If your missing package isn't located within a week, you can then escalate the issue by submitting a missing mail request via the USPS website.
• File for a refund or insurance claim: If all else fails, you can file a claim for a refund. However, you'll have to have used a USPS insured mail service either purchased separately or included in your Priority Mail Express or Registered Mail service to do this. 

Here's how to report a missing package, file a claim, and submit a refund request with USPS.

How to complete the USPS help request form

1. Visit the Help Request Form site. 

2. Fill in the information requested, including the item's tracking number. You should be able to find the tracking number on the post office receipt or shipping confirmation email. 

3. In the pop-up that appears, fill in the requested fields, including the type of USPS service used, the type and class of mail, the contents, the value, and any additional information you may have. 

4. Once all fields are completed, click "Next." 

5. Fill in the name and address of both the sender of the missing package and the recipient.

6. Select "Next."

7. On the following page, fill in your name and address regardless of whether you're the shipper or receiver.

8. Choose the way you would like USPS to contact you.

9. Select "Finish" to submit your request. The USPS will forward this to your local post office.

How to submit a USPS missing mail search request

If your package hasn't arrived in a week, you can submit a missing mail search request. To do this, you'll need to sign up for a USPS account or log in if you already have one. Once logged in, head to the Missing Mail section of the USPS website with the following information available to initiate your package search: 

• The address of both the sender and recipient 
• The size and type of the box or shipping container
• A full description of the package's contents, including size, brand, model, or other applicable info 
• Identifying information about your package, including the tracking number, Click-N-Ship label receipts, or the mailing date printed on your receipt

1. In the fields provided, fill in the requested information, including your tracking number, the mailing date and service type, whether or not your mail was insured, the address to which the mail should be sent if located, and the mail's contents.

2. At the bottom of the page, read the Missing Mail Search Disclaimer and click the box to confirm you understand and accept the terms as outlined.

3. Click "Verify address" before reviewing the information shown on the following page and clicking "Submit." 

If your package is located, it will be sent to the address you chose while submitting the search request. Here's how to initiate your missing mail search. 

How to file a refund or insurance claim

If you used Priority Mail Express service, you may be able to request a refund . Otherwise, if your mail or package was insured, you can file an insurance claim.

Generally speaking, USPS makes claim decisions within 5 to 10 days. The sender or receiver can file the claim, but it must be submitted within 60 days of the shipping date. It should also be noted that you cannot file a claim until a certain amount of time has passed based on the service you use, per the USPS guidelines .  

1. Before you begin the digital filing process, you'll need to gather your documentation. This includes tracking numbers, proof of insurance, and proof of value. 

Note: How you provide these will differ depending on your package's contents. For instance, you may provide sales receipts or invoices, credit card billing statements, printouts of online transactions. 

2. After logging into your USPS account, you can go to the File a Domestic Claim page and enter your tracking number to begin a search. 

3. Enter the information requested, including package contents, shipper and receiver address, service used, and other details. 

4. Click "Submit."

Related coverage from  Tech Reference :

How to track a usps order, get updates on your expected delivery, and find a missing package, how to track down a missing fedex package by filing a claim, how to track a ups order, leave instructions for delivery, or find a missing package, how to track a fedex order online or contact fedex for delivery issues, how to track your amazon order on a computer or mobile device.

Watch: WATCH: The CMO of American Express explains why advertising has come full circle, and why it's so important to hire diverse talent

• Main content

What Does “Package Research Case Closed” Mean? (USPS)

If you are expecting a delivery from USPS and have received a “ Package Research Case Closed ” tracking update, you might now be wondering when your mail will arrive.

If you are the recipient, you likely opened the original research case. As the sender, you will be hoping that the mail item has been found and that delivery is imminent.

Either way, let’s look at what the update means and if there is anything you need to do…

Summary: Package Research Case Closed

The “Package Research Case Closed” update means that USPS has looked into the whereabouts of a missing mail item and has reached a conclusion. Namely, it has been found or the loss has been confirmed. You should find out the outcome via an update following the alert.

Package Research Case Closed – Guide

Needless to say, this tracking update is what follows the “ Package Research Case Created ” alert. Normally, it is the recipient that opens a case of this nature .

When a mail item doesn’t arrive, the tracking doesn’t update and the recipient suspects it might be missing, they have the opportunity to open a package research case, ( see full article here ).

USPS will then begin looking into the potential location of the package and will aim to get it moving again toward the destination address.

Once USPS has concluded the case, (which can take anything between 5 and 10 days), they will notify both parties (recipient and sender) via a tracking update .

However, the “Package Research Case Closed” will be automatically triggered before the new update is sent out.

• Related Content: USPS Tracking: “Delivered, Left with Individual” – What Now?

No Update After a “Package Research Case Closed” Alert

This scenario is probably why you have reached this article in the first place.

USPS has opened a research case on a missing package you have been expecting, you have received the new “Package Research Case Closed” alert but then received no new information.

In fact, another day or two has passed and there is still no sign of your mail item.

In most situations, the package is on its way to you when this happens. As mentioned above, the “Package Research Case Closed” update is triggered automatically once USPS has enough information about the whereabouts of the item for it to continue its journey.

In other words, transit toward the destination address is again underway, however, no new scan has been created of the package to signify that it is moving.

It will either have to reach a facility or local post office or even receive an out-for-delivery scan before you are made aware of its location.

Long story short, the “Package Research Case Closed” update generally means that USPS has found your mail item and it is making its way to you via the normal delivery process.

It is of course late by now, so you may have means of compensation depending on the delivery service used .

Update Confirming That the Package is Lost

If after the “Package Research Case Closed” tracking alert you receive confirmation that USPS cannot locate your mail item, you will have grounds to begin a missing item claim .

The full process for this is beyond the scope of this article, however, you can find more about that here .

• Related Content: Check Lost in Mail: A Complete Guide

Tracking Stuck on “Package Research Case Closed”

If you receive no follow-up alert after several business days, (enough time for the delivery to resume and be completed) you will have to contact USPS for more information .

There are several forum posts online from disgruntled USPS customers who have received this alert and then waited and waited for their package to arrive, yet to no avail.

USPS Customer Services can be contacted here . Explain that you opened a Research Case, that seemingly reached a conclusion and no further information has been received.

With any luck, the representative will be able to provide more details on the location of the item and whether it is lost.

If the latter proves true, you will need to begin a missing item claim for compensation.

Final Words

Essentially, the “Package Research Case Closed” tracking update means that USPS has concluded the missing item case that the recipient has opened.

In most cases, the package has been found and the item will be arriving at the destination address.

You should receive follow-up updates that confirm the whereabouts of the mail item and whether there is anything you need to do. 

If no information is forthcoming, you will need to contact USPS directly .

I’m a 25 year veteran of USPS. I’m retired now, but as the editor of Mailbox Master, I can’t quite remove myself from the carrier industry just yet. 🙂

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You can initiate inquiries for Global Express Guaranteed (GXG), Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail International parcels, and Registered Mail items. The Postal Service does not accept inquiries for ordinary letters, First-Class Package International Service parcels, Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelopes, Priority Mail International Small Flat Rate Priced Boxes, or M-bags.

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If you receive an international package that is damaged or has missing contents, you may file a claim immediately, but no later than 60 days from the date of mailing, and you must present the article, container, or packaging and all contents to a local Post Office. Payments for international claims may be payable only to the mailer, regardless of destination country, unless the mailer signs a waiver of rights to payment.

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• 713 Treatment of Dutiable Mail at Delivery Office
• 721 What Is Subject to Inspection
• 722 Segregation and Handling
• 723 Agriculture Inspection Stations and Offices
• 731 Computation of Postage Due
• 732 Shortpaid Letters and Cards From Canada
• 733 Shortpaid Items Bearing U.S. Postage
• 741 Invalid Foreign Postage
• 742 Stamps Not Affixed
• 743 Parcels Addressed Through Banks or Other Organizations
• 744 Foreign Dispatch Notes
• 751 Insured Parcels
• 752 Registered Mail
• 753 Return Receipt
• 754 Restricted Delivery
• 761 General Procedures
• 762 Mail of Domestic Origin
• 763 Items Mailed Aboard Ships (Paquebot)
• 764 Mail of Foreign Origin
• 765 Directory Service
• 766 Retention Period
• 771 Mail of Domestic Origin
• 772 Mail of Foreign Origin
• 781 Payment Required
• 782 Definition of Terms
• 783 Advance Payment Required
• 784 Advance Payment Not Made
• 785 Report of Mailings
• 790 International Inbound Mail Entry
• 8 (Reserved)
• 910 Reports Encouraged

921 Inquiries

• 923 Disposition of Damaged Mail
• 931 Adjudication and Approval
• 932 General Exceptions to Payment Registered Mail and Priority Mail International Parcels
• 933 Payments for Priority Mail International Parcels
• 934 Payments for Registered Mail
• 935 Payments for Priority Mail Express International
• 941 Postage Refunds for First-Class Mail International, First-Class Package International Service, and Priority Mail International
• 942 Postage Refunds for Priority Mail Express International Items
• 943 Processing Refund Applications
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• Country Price Groups and Weight Limits
• Afghanistan
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bonaire, Sint Eustatius,and Saba
• Bosnia-Herzegovina
• British Virgin Islands
• Brunei Darussalam
• Burkina Faso
• Cayman Islands
• Central African Republic
• Congo, Democratic Republic of the
• Congo, Republic of the
• Cote d'Ivoire
• Czech Republic
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Falkland Islands
• Faroe Islands
• French Guiana
• French Polynesia
• Georgia, Republic of
• Guinea-Bissau
• Korea, Democratic People's Republic of
• Korea, Republic of
• Kosovo, Republic of
• Liechtenstein
• Netherlands
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand
• North Macedonia, Republic of
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Pitcairn Island
• Saint Helena
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Pierre and Miquelon
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Saudi Arabia
• Serbia, Republic of
• Sierra Leone
• Sint Maarten
• Slovak Republic
• Solomon Islands
• South Africa
• South Sudan, Republic of
• Switzerland
• Syrian Arab Republic (Syria)
• Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of
• Togo - Zimbabwe
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Tristan da Cunha
• Turkmenistan
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
• Vatican City
• Wallis and Futuna Islands
• List of Exhibits

920 Inquiries and Claims

921.1 definition.

“Inquiry” is a general term that includes:

• Requests concerning the disposition of an item mailed to or from a foreign country.
• Complaints or reports concerning the loss, damage, missing contents, or improper delivery or return of an item mailed to or from a foreign country.

921.2 Initiating an Inquiry

Inquiries can be initiated for Global Express Guaranteed (GXG) items, Priority Mail Express International items, Priority Mail International items, and registered items. Inquiries are not accepted for ordinary letters or M-bags. Customers must wait a reasonable amount of time for an international item to be delivered in the foreign country before initiating an inquiry. Customers must initiate inquiries within the time limits in Exhibit 921.2 .

Exhibit 921.2  

Time Limits for Inquiries

The Postal Service does not process online inquiries and claims for Global Express Guaranteed service. To initiate a claim, call 800-222-1811.

No sooner than 3 days or the scheduled date of delivery.

For a list of participating countries, refer to 221.2.

Only the U.S. sender can initiate an online inquiry.

921.3 How to Initiate an Inquiry

921.31 online inquiry.

To initiate an International Inquiry Online at usps.com/help/claims.htm , the customer must be the U.S. sender and a registered usps.com account holder — U.S. senders without a registered usps.com account must create an account at the beginning of the online inquiry process (see 921.41 ). Also, the customer must do the following:

• Create an International Inquiry Online within the time limits listed in Exhibit 921.2 .
• Provide information regarding the mailing, including but not limited to the following:
• The USPS Tracking number that appears on the receipt.
• The sender’s name, mailing address, email address, and telephone number.
• The addressee’s name and mailing address.
• The addressee’s email address and telephone number, if available.
• The date of the mailing, weight, postage paid, and additional fees (if applicable).
• A description of the contents.
• Evidence of mailing.
• Evidence of value.

921.32 Telephone Inquiry

To start the inquiry process by telephone (see 921.42 ), the customer must be the U.S. sender. Also, the customer must do the following:

• Call 800-222-1811 within the time limits listed in Exhibit 921.2 .
• A description of the contents and its value.

921.4 Inquiry Process

921.41 online inquiry process.

After the Postal Service customer provides the relevant mailing information and documentation online, the following occurs:

• The International Research Group corresponds with the appropriate foreign post and advises the customer of the results by updating the customer’s online inquiry. For inquiries on Priority Mail International items or Registered Mail items, customers must allow foreign posts approximately 60 days to research and respond to the International Research Group.
• When the International Research Group determines that an inquiry is eligible for a claim, it changes the claim status to “Claim Sent for Review” and emails the customer a notification of a change in claim status.
• After the International Research Group notifies the customer, the Accounting Service Center begins the claims process.

921.42 Telephone Inquiry Process

After the Postal Service customer provides the relevant mailing information by telephone, the following occurs:

• The International Research Group corresponds with the appropriate foreign post and advises the customer of the results of the inquiry. For inquiries on Priority Mail International items or Registered Mail items, customers must allow foreign posts approximately 60 days to research and respond to the International Research Group.
• When the International Research Group determines that an inquiry is eligible for a claim, it mails a claim packet to the customer. The packet includes a letter of instruction on how to complete and submit the claim by mail.
• After the Accounting Service Center receives the completed claim packet, the claims process begins.

921.5 General Procedures

921.51 nondelivery.

The U.S. Postal Service will initiate an inquiry within the timeframes specified in 921.2 with the destination postal administration in any case involving a Priority Mail Express International item, a registered item, or a Priority Mail International item that has not been delivered. Inquiries are not accepted for ordinary letters or M-bags. For nondelivery of Global Express Guaranteed shipments, see 212.46 .

921.52 Return Receipts Improperly Completed or Not Received

If the sender receives an improperly completed return receipt (see 341 for completion at destination) or if a return receipt is not received, the sender may go to any Post Office and request a refund of the return receipt extra service fee. If the sender wants to inquire about the delivery of the article, the sender must call 800-222-1811 to initiate an inquiry (see 921.1 ).

921.53 Priority Mail Express International Items, Registered Mail Items, and Insured and Ordinary Parcels With Damaged or Missing Contents

Customers must go to a Post Office to report items that are damaged or are missing contents. Postal personnel should complete PS Form 673, Report of Rifled Parcel , in accordance with POM 169.3 or PS Form 2856, Damage Report of Insured Article and Contents , in accordance with POM 146.112 for international and/or domestic articles as applicable.

921.54 Wrapper Found Without Contents

921.541 parcels of domestic origin.

When the contents of a parcel of domestic origin become separated from the wrapper, Postal Service personnel should inform the sender in accordance with the instructions on PS Form 3760, Parcel Search Request.

921.542 Parcels of Foreign Origin

If the parcel is of foreign origin, send PS Form 3760, appropriately modified, to the addressee.

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