How To Refuse a Package USPS? (The Ultimate Guide 2023)

Picking up a delivery from the United States Postal Service can be an exciting experience, but sometimes, you may not be expecting one. What do you do if you get an item that you do not want or were not expecting? Well, there are some simple steps you can take. 

So, let’s take a look at how to refuse a package USPS?

What Is Refusing A Delivery?

If you have a parcel delivered by USPS that you were not expecting or do not want, you can refuse it. Refusing a package means that the mail carrier will take the item back with them and return it to the sender. This is a free service that USPS offers, and there is no charge for refused packages.

Why Would You Refuse a Package?

There are a few reasons why you might choose to refuse a delivery. Maybe you were sent the wrong item, or perhaps you did not order anything at all. 

Maybe the item was damaged in transit, and you do not want to accept it. Whatever the reason, you have the right to refuse a package. It is important to note that once you refuse a delivery, you cannot change your mind and have it sent to you at a later date.

How To Refuse A Package USPS?

If you have a parcel that you want to reject, there are a few steps that you need to take. First, you should not open it. Once a package has been opened, it cannot be returned. If the box is unopened, you can simply write “Refused” on the package and give it back to the mail carrier. 

You can also take the package to your local post office and tell them that you are refusing the parcel. The postal worker will then process the package for return to the sender.

Can you Refuse Packages before they are Delivered?

Yes, you can refuse them before they are delivered. If you know that you are not expecting a delivery, or do not want a parcel, you can use USPS’s Package Intercept Program. 

This program allows you to intercept a package and have it returned to the sender. There is a fee for this service; it will cost $15.25 plus priority mail postage in order to send it back to the original poster.

Only for parcels in transit…

To set up Package Intercept, you will need to go to the USPS website and sign in with your account. From there, you can enter the tracking number of the delivery that you want to intercept. Once you have done this, you will need to select the reason why you are refusing the item and pay the fee. The package will then be returned to the sender.

Remember this can only be done for items currently in transit.

Is There Any Mail You Cannot Refuse?

Registered or Certified mail is mail that requires a signature upon delivery. This means that you cannot reject this type of mail. If you try to reject Registered or Certified mail, the mail carrier will not take it back, and you will have to sign for it. This is because it usually contains important documents or items that need to be signed for.

Can You Refuse Opened Packages?

No, you cannot refuse opened packages. Once a box has been opened, it is considered to be delivered, and you cannot refuse it. If you have an opened package that you do not want, you can try to return it to the sender. However, many companies will not accept returns on opened items.

If you have an opened parcel that you want to return, you can try to take it to your local post office and ask them to process it as a return to sender. The post office will then deal with it, but you will have to pay a fee.

Check for missing deliveries…

If you opened a package that was not meant for you by accident, you can take it to your local post office and ask them if anyone has reported a missing delivery. If not, then they can process it as a return to sender. You should also include a note explaining that you opened the package by mistake.

What Happens To Refused Packages?

Once you have refused it, it will be returned to the sender. The sender will then have to pay for the cost of shipping the package back.

If the sender does not want to pay for the return shipping, they may choose to abandon the package. This means that it will be destroyed, and you will not receive it. Initially, however, the parcel will remain in the post office for around two weeks. This is in case it was sent to the wrong address and that the intended recipient contacts the post office to have it transferred.

Will You Get Charged For Refusing A Package?

No, you will not be charged. The only time you may be charged is if you use the Package Intercept Program to intercept it. There is a fee for this service; it will cost $15.25 plus priority mail postage in order to send it back to the original poster.

The original sender will be charged a fee for the return shipping of a normally refused parcel. However, if they have originally posted the item using priority mail, they will not have to pay an additional fee. Also, larger companies usually do not pay any fees for refused items as they provide USPS with a lot of business.

Waiting For A Parcel From USPS?

When posting or receiving a parcel, you want to be certain that it reaches its destination. So, let’s help answer a few questions such as What Is A USPS Parcel Locker, Can I Drop A Package In A USPS Mailbox, as well as Does USPS Have First Class Tracking, and Can You Track A USPS Package Without A Tracking Number.

Furthermore, you might also want to know What Does Delivered To An Agent Mean USPS, and if your parcel hasn’t arrived yet, Does USPS Deliver On Sunday, along with Does USPS Deliver At Night, and finally, what is the Departed USPS Destination Facility Meaning notification?

Of course, if you’re job hunting, check out our in-depth guide to the USPS Application, and as a great job option, the USPS Mail Processing Clerk Job Description, and please check up on Does USPS Hire Felons if you have a criminal record before applying in 2023.

How To Refuse A Package USPS? – Final Thoughts?

So, you now know how to refuse a package from USPS.

You also know what happens to rejected deliveries and will not get charged for refusing one. Overall, refusing a package is quite simple and easy to do. Just remember that you cannot do it to Registered or Certified mail and that once a parcel has been opened, you cannot refuse it.

All the very best with your next Package Delivery from USPS!