Have any of you had any luck in getting a refund from USPS for lost Certfied Mail? (work, service)

[jfsoto1988]

On July 6, 2016, I took an envelope to the post office, so it could be sent as USPS Certified Mail. The Post Office I took it to is also the Mail Processing Center for the area. I thought because its the processing center, the delivery process would be quick. The estimated delivery date was July 9, 2016. A month went by & its still at the processing center. The envelope was headed for Sacramento, which is basically in the same state. A week after the failed delivery date, I sent a USPS Lost Mail claim, but never received a response.

I had to use UPS & paid about $30, but at least it arrived.

Still, should I fight to get those $3.77 back.

This isn't the first time this has happened, although at least the first time they were able to find it.

in-transit

• Expected Delivery Day: Saturday, July 9, 2016

Product & Tracking Information

Postal Product:

• First-Class Mail®

Features:

• • Certified Mailâ„¢

Date & Time
Status of Item
Location
July 6, 2016 , 11:09 pm
Departed USPS Facility
SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92403

Your item departed our USPS facility in SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92403 on July 6, 2016 at 11:09 pm. The item is currently in transit to the destination.

July 6, 2016 , 7:49 pm
Arrived at USPS Origin Facility
SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92403
July 6, 2016 , 6:12 pm
Departed Post Office
SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92403
July 6, 2016 , 4:56 pm
Acceptance
SAN BERNARDINO, CA 92403


Available Actions


Text Updates

[jfsoto1988]

The mail processing center for the San Bernardino Area is in Redlands BTW. That place has a lot of complaints online for lost mail.

[jfsoto1988]

There is no refund information on the back of the Certified Mail label.

[freemkt]

Here's something that might be good to know:

What Happens if USPS Cannot Provide Me Proof Of Letter Delivery?

If you mailed a Certified Mail letter and your letter has not been delivered after 30 days you should request a refund since the Certified Mail Special service was not preformed. We understand the refund is not what’s important – but by requesting a ‘Refund for Postage’ it causes an internal review as to why the Certified Mail service was not performed. We know many local Postmasters don’t like reviews or headquarters asking questions so they will work extra hard to help you get your issue resolved. If needed, request PS-Form 3533 the Application and Voucher for Refund of Postage and Services.

If you continue to have problems, customers have found reporting the delivery problems directly to USPS Headquarters in Washington, DC. helpful. Ask for Special Services or the Postmaster General at Headquarters.

FAQ's about USPS Certified Mail

[lae60]

I am dealing with that now for 2 packages and one insured package, all went from the mountains above you and likely followed the same pathway as yours. My packages were lost in May. Just now got the refund for one package for $10.79 after filling out the form and waiting for 3 months. Still have not heard back on the insured one. Or the other one.

I only got a refund of the postage, so not too happy. They found none of the boxes content. This one was not insured.

In one case they delivered an empty ripped up box. In the other just the label attached to a claim form and for the insured they dumped the box content minus the bubble wrap or box into a post office bag and delivered 1/2 of it broken that way. Other half totally lost.

Good luck!