Why USPS Says "No Access to Delivery Location" & How to Get Your Package

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A quick guide for tracking your missing package
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We've been there: As the delivery date approaches, we eagerly track a package's status, only to often be disappointed by a dreaded error message informing us that something went wrong. To add insult to injury, a confusing notification arrives, stating the package could not be delivered due to "no access to delivery location." If you've encountered this less-than-ideal package status, read on to learn more.

Understanding the “No Access to Delivery Location” Status

“No Access to Delivery Location” means that your carrier was unable to access your mailbox, porch, or garage. This could be due to an object or vehicle blocking your mailbox, bad weather, road work, etc. The USPS will attempt to redeliver the package the next business day.

Section 1 of 3:

What does “no access to delivery location” mean?

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    “No Access to Delivery Location” means your carrier was not able to deliver your package due to something preventing them from reaching your mailbox, home, or apartment. [1]
    • Common complications include a vehicle blocking your mailbox or driveway, animal interferences such a loose dog or insects and their nests, emergency responders, road closings, bad weather, and car accidents. [2]
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    Sometimes, mail carriers run into problems accessing locked or gated communities. If they were unable to get past a locked entrance, it’s unlikely they were able to successfully deliver your package.
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    If you have ruled out bad weather or traffic delays as reasons for your mail person to have been unable to reach your location, it’s possible that your address has not been entered into the USPS system yet. This is often because it is a newly created address or it was registered as a different address. [3] You may continue to receive error messages until the address is officially part of the USPS database.
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Section 2 of 3:

What to Do When You Receive the “No Access to Delivery Location” Status

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    The first thing you should do after receiving the “No Access to Delivery Location” status is to simply, well, do nothing. USPS will automatically try to deliver the package again the next business day, but don't worry—USPS is still in possession of your parcel. [4]
    • To ensure the mail carrier has no further issues accessing your mailbox or porch the next day, go out and check to see that there is nothing blocking their way. If there’s not, simply wait for tomorrow.
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    If you’re super worried about your package but it’s been less than 24 hours, you can still contact your local post office to try to get a better grasp on what may have happened. Explain the notification you received and ask what needs to be done to resolve the problem.
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    If your local post office can’t seem to help, contact the USPS Postal Service customer service hotline at 1-800-275-8777. [5]
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    If it’s been more than 24 hours since you received your “No Access to Delivery Location” notice and you still haven't received your package, you can submit a service request online here or call your local post office. [6] Once you submit a service request, USPS will take steps to help you locate and receive your package.
    • Important information that might be helpful to your case includes tracking numbers, receipts, photographs, and delivery dates.
    • If it's been more than 24 hours and your package still hasn't been delivered, this doesn't mean your package is lost, as a package is not considered "lost" until 7 days after the expected delivery date. [7] This could simply mean there was another issue with trying to access the delivery location, or it could mean you need to update or add your address to the database.
    • The USPS will work with you regarding your specific case after the Service Request has been submitted, and there is still a good chance you will receive your package.
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Section 3 of 3:

Preventing a Future “No Access to Delivery Location” Status

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    If your address is new or it has recently been updated, find your local AMS office and schedule an appointment to visit them. [8] They will make sure your address is current and in the system, in turn preventing any possible “No Access to Delivery Location” errors.
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    The United States Postal Service provides parcel locker services. If they are located near you, you can request your package to be placed in a parcel locker for pickup. [9]
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    PO boxes are a great option if you are worried about your carrier being unable to reach your mailbox or delivery location. You can choose which size box you’d like to rent and pay a monthly fee for as long as you’d like to keep it. To apply for a PO box, you’ll need to visit your local post office and apply in person with 2 forms of valid ID. [10]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Where-is-my-package#
      2. ↑ https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Where-is-my-package#
      3. ↑ https://www.serviceobjects.com/blog/adding-an-address-to-the-usps-database/
      4. ↑ https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Where-is-my-package#
      5. ↑ https://about.usps.com/newsroom/local-releases/pa/2020/0504-helping-customers-connect-with-their-mail.htm#
      6. ↑ https://qwintry.global/posts/usps-service-request
      7. ↑ https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Missing-Mail-The-Basics
      8. ↑ https://www.simplfulfillment.com/blog/how-to-add-an-address-to-the-usps-database-3-steps
      9. ↑ https://faq.usps.com/s/article/USPS-Smart-Locker
      1. ↑ https://www.usps.com/manage/po-boxes.htm

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