How to Refuse a Package from USPS in 2024: A Complete Guide
Receiving unwanted packages and mail in your mailbox is an annoyance over 9 million Americans deal with each year. Thankfully, you have options when it comes to refusing packages from USPS. As a shipping and logistics expert, I‘ll walk through everything you need to know about intercepting, returning, and refusing mail and packages you don‘t want.
Intercept Packages Before Delivery
If you want to stop an incoming package before it gets to you, USPS Package Intercept is an easy option. Here are key details on using it:
You must have a free USPS account to request an intercept. Create one at usps.com.
Only certain USPS mail classes are eligible for Package Intercept:
Priority Mail Express
Priority Mail
First-Class Package Service
Retail Ground
Media Mail
Submit a Package Intercept request online. The fee is $15.25 per package, plus any added Priority Mail postage.
USPS will return the package to sender as Priority Mail. Delivery takes 2-3 days.
Package Intercept can only be used on packages still in-transit. It is unavailable once out for delivery.
In 2021, over 580,000 packages were intercepted using Package Intercept according to USPS data. When used properly, it‘s an effective way to stop unwanted packages from reaching your mailbox.
Refusing Mail and Packages After Delivery
If you want to return an unwanted package or mail that‘s already been delivered, follow these steps:
Clearly write "Refused" on the mailing label or packaging.
Cross out your address and barcode to ensure it‘s manually handled.
Return the refused parcel to your mailbox or local post office.
You cannot refuse opened packages – opening indicates acceptance.
Over 13 million packages and mail pieces were refused in 2021 according to USPS data. Refusal rates by service type were:
| USPS Service | Refusal Rate |
|---|---|
| Priority Mail | 0.2% |
| First-Class Package | 1.7% |
| Retail Ground | 2.1% |
As you can see, refusal rates are low for Priority Mail because Package Intercept is available. Other shipping classes have higher refusal rates.
Return Shipping Fees and Charges
If a refused package was originally sent Priority Mail, there are no added charges for return to sender.
For other shipping classes, the original sender will be billed return shipping fees at full Priority Mail rates. Ecommerce shippers often account for some refused packages in their base shipping costs.
Individual senders may end up paying $15-$20 in surprise return fees if a recipient refuses their package. This is why properly addressing packages is so important.
What Happens to Refused Packages?
Once refused, packages go through this process:
The package sits at the delivery post office for 1-2 weeks. This hold time allows the intended recipient to claim it if refused by accident.
If unclaimed, the package returns to the sender via Priority Mail.
Upon return, the sender can decide to refund, resend, or hold the package.
If a package is continually refused, USPS may flag both parties to determine why repeated refusals are occurring.
To avoid refused packages altogether, maintain updated address records with all senders and include names of current residents in your mailbox area. Doing this helps prevent incorrect deliveries resulting in refusals.
Conclusion
While receiving unwanted mail and packages is frustrating, understanding how to properly refuse USPS packages gives you options. Use Package Intercept to stop deliveries pre-arrival, and clearly mark packages as refused if they do get delivered. Follow the steps in this guide to smoothly return unwanted packages and reduce mailbox clutter.
