What Happens If I Miss a Delivery Attempt?

A missed delivery attempt occurs when a courier goes to your address to deliver a package but cannot complete the delivery. The most common reason is that no one was home to receive it or sign for it.

What happens immediately:

1. The courier leaves a delivery attempt notice (often called a "door tag" or "notice of attempt") at your address
2. The package is returned to the local carrier facility
3. Your tracking updates to show "Consignee Not Available," "Delivery Attempt Could Not Be Completed," or similar
4. The carrier plans a reattempt for the next business day

This is not the end of the process — missing one delivery doesn't mean you lose the package. Carriers make multiple attempts, and you have several ways to resolve the situation before any final attempt deadline.

1. No one home (most common) You weren't available during the delivery window. Couriers have schedules and can't wait at addresses — they move on to the next stop.

2. Signature required If the shipper marked the package signature-required or ID-required, the courier cannot leave it unattended even if you're home but didn't answer the door.

3. Building access issue The courier couldn't access a locked building, gate, or apartment. See Incorrect Address for specific access problems.

4. Safety concern The courier judged that the delivery location was unsafe for leaving the package unattended (busy street, yard exposed to theft, etc.).

5. Incomplete or wrong address The delivery address was missing a unit number, floor, or suite, preventing the courier from locating the correct delivery point.

6. Package damage Rarely, the package was damaged in transit and the courier couldn't complete delivery until it's replaced or approved for acceptance as-is.

Missed delivery resolution timeline:

• Day 1: First delivery attempt fails; notice left; package at depot
• Day 2–3: Reattempt occurs (automatic unless you intervene)
• After 3 failed attempts: Package is held at local depot or ServicePoint for 5–7 days
• After hold period: Package is returned to sender

Carriers make how many attempts?

• USPS: 1–2 attempts for most services; held 5–7 days then returned
• UPS: 2–3 attempts; held 5 days then returned
• FedEx: 2–3 attempts; held 5 days then returned
• DHL: 2–3 attempts; held 3–5 days then returned

Critical timeline: You have a limited window (typically 5–7 days after the final failed attempt) to collect the package from the carrier's facility before it's returned to sender. After return-to-sender, you must contact the retailer for reshipment.

No need to panic, but act quickly. This is a solvable situation, but time is limited.

Don't worry if:

• It's the first failed attempt
• You act within 24 hours to reschedule or pick up
• The package is with a reliable carrier

Act immediately if:

• The failed attempt already shows 2–3 on your tracking
• It's been more than 48 hours since the failed attempt and you haven't taken action
• The package contains time-sensitive items (perishable, date-dependent)
• Your return-to-sender deadline is approaching (check with the carrier)

The biggest risk: Waiting too long and missing the pickup window. The package will be returned to sender, and you'll have to start over with the retailer.

Option 1: Reschedule delivery (fastest if you'll be home) Use the carrier's online On Demand Delivery service to pick a new delivery window:

• USPS: Redelivery Request
• UPS: UPS My Choice
• FedEx: FedEx Delivery Manager
• DHL: DHL On Demand Delivery

Select a date and time when you'll definitely be home, and the carrier will attempt delivery again.

Option 2: Pick up from carrier facility (fastest if you can get there) Locate your local carrier facility using the tracking page or by calling:

• USPS: 1-800-275-8777 (or your local post office)
• UPS: UPS Store Locator
• FedEx: FedEx Location Finder
• DHL: DHL ServicePoint Locator

Bring your tracking number and valid photo ID.

Option 3: Authorize safe place delivery Use the carrier's online tools to authorize the courier to leave the package in a safe location (porch, side door, mailroom):

• This works if the shipper hasn't prohibited it
• The courier will only do this if they judge it reasonably safe from theft/weather

Option 4: Arrange delivery to someone else If you can't receive it, authorize the carrier to leave it with a neighbor or building staff:

• Some carriers allow this online; some require a phone call
• Must be done before the next delivery attempt

Option 5: Contact the retailer If the above options don't work, contact the retailer and explain the situation. Some retailers can:

• Contact the carrier on your behalf to escalate
• Re-ship via a different method
• Issue a refund

Do this within 24 hours of the failed attempt to maximize your options.

Contact the carrier if:

• You're not sure what options you have
• The online tools don't work or don't show your address
• You've had 2+ failed attempts and want to ensure the next one succeeds
• You want to pick up instead of waiting for a reattempt

Carrier contacts:

• USPS: 1-800-275-8777
• UPS: 1-800-742-5877
• FedEx: 1-800-463-3339
• DHL: 1-800-225-5345

Related guides:

• DHL Consignee Not Available meaning
• DHL Delivery Attempt Could Not Be Completed
• DHL Incorrect Address meaning
• Why was my package returned to sender?
• What does delivery exception mean?