How long do mail keep parcels before returning to sender

The time it takes for a mail carrier to return a parcel to the sender can vary depending on several factors, including the type of mail service used, the distance between the sender and the recipient, and the specific policies of the postal service. Here are some general guidelines:

USPS (United States Postal Service)

• If a parcel is undeliverable due to an incorrect or incomplete address, the USPS will attempt to forward it to the recipient for a period of 15 days.
• If the parcel is still undeliverable after 15 days, it will be returned to the sender.
• If a parcel is refused by the recipient, it will be returned to the sender within 2-3 business days.
• If a parcel is lost or missing, the USPS will investigate and may return it to the sender if it is found.

Canada Post

• If a parcel is undeliverable due to an incorrect or incomplete address, Canada Post will attempt to forward it to the recipient for a period of 30 days.
• If the parcel is still undeliverable after 30 days, it will be returned to the sender.
• If a parcel is refused by the recipient, it will be returned to the sender within 2-3 business days.

Other countries

• The return policies of other countries' postal services may vary, but generally, they follow similar guidelines:
  • If a parcel is undeliverable, it will be returned to the sender after a certain period (e.g., 15-30 days).
  • If a parcel is refused by the recipient, it will be returned to the sender within a few days.
  • If a parcel is lost or missing, the postal service will investigate and may return it to the sender if it is found.

What happens to the parcel after it's returned

• When a parcel is returned to the sender, it will typically be sent back to the original shipping address.
• The sender will usually receive a notification from the postal service indicating that the parcel has been returned and why it was undeliverable.
• The sender can then choose to reship the parcel to the correct address, request a refund, or cancel the order.

Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and the specific return policies of a postal service may vary. If you're concerned about the status of a parcel, it's always a good idea to contact the postal service or the sender directly for more information.