Does the post office hold returned mail

Yes, the United States Postal Service (USPS) typically holds returned mail for a period of time before it is considered abandoned and disposed of. The exact holding period can vary depending on the type of mail and the circumstances surrounding its return.

Here are some general guidelines:

  1. First-Class Mail: The USPS typically holds returned First-Class Mail for 15 to 30 days before it is returned to the sender or disposed of.
  2. Priority Mail: Returned Priority Mail is typically held for 30 to 60 days before it is returned to the sender or disposed of.
  3. Periodicals: Returned periodicals (such as magazines and newspapers) are typically held for 30 to 60 days before they are returned to the sender or disposed of.
  4. International Mail: Returned international mail is typically held for 30 to 60 days before it is returned to the sender or disposed of.

If you're expecting a piece of mail that has been returned to the post office, you can try the following:

  1. Contact the post office: Reach out to the post office where the mail was returned and ask if they have your mail. They may be able to hold it for you or provide information on how to retrieve it.
  2. Check with the sender: If you're not sure where the mail was sent from, try contacting the sender to see if they have any information on the status of the mail.
  3. File a claim: If you believe the mail was lost or stolen, you can file a claim with the USPS to try to recover the lost mail.

It's worth noting that the USPS has a process for handling returned mail, which includes:

  1. Sorting and processing: Returned mail is sorted and processed at the post office where it was returned.
  2. Holding: The mail is held for a period of time to allow the sender or recipient to retrieve it.
  3. Disposal: If the mail is not retrieved, it is typically disposed of after the holding period has expired.