How long does royal mail hold mail
Royal Mail, the UK's postal service, has a standard holding period for mail, which varies depending on the type of mail and the circumstances. Here are some general guidelines:
- Standard Mail: Royal Mail typically holds standard mail (letters, postcards, and small packets) for 7-10 working days before returning it to the sender as "undeliverable" if it cannot be delivered.
- Large Letters and Parcels: For larger items, such as parcels, Royal Mail may hold them for up to 14 working days before returning them to the sender.
- Special Delivery: For items sent via Special Delivery, Royal Mail will hold them for up to 14 working days before returning them to the sender.
- International Mail: For international mail, Royal Mail may hold it for up to 21 working days before returning it to the sender.
- Holidays and Bank Holidays: During holidays and bank holidays, Royal Mail's holding period may be extended, as their offices may be closed.
If your mail is held for an extended period, you can contact Royal Mail to inquire about its status. They may be able to provide more information or help you track down your missing mail.
It's worth noting that Royal Mail may also hold mail if there are issues with the address, the item is too large or too heavy, or if there are concerns about the item's contents. In these cases, they may contact the sender to resolve the issue before attempting to deliver the mail.