Can't open USPS Missing Mail Search, says it is too soon but cutoff date given is already past!

[babclassics]

On USPS.com there is a Contact Us / Missing Mail Search.  Both lead to the same starting point where you enter the tracking number to start the Mail Search.  This is NOT working, the date they give when an inquiry  can be first opened is already 5 days in the PAST.  So they are giving an error in error that it is too soon 🙂

This shipment is already 11 days in transit and wayyyy late. See attached screen shot from USPS site.  Today is Jan 28 and the USPS error message states I have to wait until Jan 23 to inquire which was 5 day ago.  Guess I am in a time warp or something.

Any ideas on this error message please speak up!

BTW, the below very old thread is very accurate, but when you get to the step after inputting the tracking number, there is an error instead of allowing the search / email to USPS to be created

. 

https://community.ebay.com/t5/Selling/TUTORIAL-For-Sellers-Don-t-Know-How-To-File-A-Search-With-USPS...

[ebooksdiva]

It clearly says "Your mail piece is currently traveling within the Postal network"

That is why you can't proceed with the Mail search. 
When you were on USPS did you not see this? 

[dbfolks166mt]

     What day does the USPS tracking show they took possession of the item? If I just go by your post it's 11 days in transit which means you shipped it on the 17th. The soonest you can open a request is 15 days after mailing which would make the first day you could open a trace would be 1 February. 

[babclassics]

Thanks, but the main thing I was trying to understand is the USPS ERROR MESSAGE, blocking me says i CAN make a search request AFTER JAN 23rd.  But now it is JAN28 and I still cant request a search.

FYI, am not trying to file a claim.  I am trying to open a missing mail search which I really think can be done sooner than a claim. The origin scan was Jan 17 as you guessed and there has been no movement since the Jan 20. In the past contacting them with a search request has worked to locate the package. 

I am simply confused by the wording in the error message that says you can open a search after JAN 23 and nothing has changed in the tracking.  That date JAN 23 in the message seems to be way off date wise.

[hartungcards]

They never find anything based on a Missing Mail Search anyway - and if they do, it's by accident, not from a Missing Mail Request.  Get your local postmaster to contact the last place it was shown at and ask them what the problem seems to be.

[dbfolks166mt]

Thanks, but the main thing I was trying to understand is the USPS ERROR MESSAGE, blocking me says i CAN make a search request AFTER JAN 23rd.  But now it is JAN28 and I still cant request a search.

FYI, am not trying to file a claim.  I am trying to open a missing mail search which I really think can be done sooner than a claim. The origin scan was Jan 17 as you guessed and there has been no movement since the Jan 20. In the past contacting them with a search request has worked to locate the package. 

I am simply confused by the wording in the error message that says you can open a search after JAN 23 and nothing has changed in the tracking.  That date JAN 23 in the message seems to be way off date wise.

     I can't explain the error message obviously USPS is having some calculation problems. You are correct you can file a missing mail request 7 business days after the initial mailing. My guess is since the 7th day would have been on Friday 26 January that they moved it to the next business day which would be Monday 29 January. USPS has a few problems these days. 

[babclassics]

Sounds like I should try again Monday on the request.  If they did push it out 1 more day to the theoretically "8th business day" then there is still a chance.   If the request goes through, I know it does not mean the package will be found,  but I suspect there is a least some chance to get "found"

Also, it would be nice to show the buyer a search is being done to give a little more time to hopefully still get delivered without having to refund. Will post back Monday night with results on this experiment.  Don't you just love fuzzy math!

[babclassics]

Well... 3 more days have passed and still can not open a missing mail search or send an email to USPS.  Still get the error that I have to wait until JAN 23 before that can be done.  Well it is now JAN 31 and still getting the same wait till JAN 23 error trying to open a request.  There seems to be no hope.  Guess I will just have to refund the buyer and apologize for USPS loosing their parcel.

[wastingtime101]

Have you tried calling the USPS customer service number @babclassics ?

Screenshot says you insured the package. Did you try to file an insurance claim or just the missing mail request?

[nobody*s_perfect]

In another day or two you'll be able to skip the "Missing mail" step and go straight to filing an insurance claim for a lost package.  I've read on these boards that USPS's first step in the insurance claims process involves the same actions as with a missing mail request.

I hope your buyer has some patience, but if he has already filed a claim with eBay for "Not received" then be sure that you don't ignore the timelines for that claim.

[babclassics]

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@nobody*s_perfect  @wastingtime101 

Thanks for your replies.  Ship date was Jan 17 so should be able to try to file a claim on Feb 01.  Just am afraid will get the same error about wait until Jan 23 trying to file claim since as you say the first step they do is missing mail.  Won't know until tomorrow!

The buyer has been good and is waiting for a resolution from me so at least that is good.  Probably will ship them another same item instead of refund if that sounds like a good idea and they agree?  Probably leaves some doors open for further claims but they seem honest enough.

Yes package was insured but so far have only tried missing mail since it is only day 14 right now.

Have not called 800 number, figured they would just see the same date error I am seeing.  But if you think it is worth a shot I can try it?

[curtiscutlery]

On my windows 10 pro I can not file a missing mail search, but it will file a claim. I have to use my windows 7 pro to file a missing mail search.