How to Redirect USPS Package? Step-by-Step

Can you redirect a USPS package? Yes, USPS Package Intercept allows a customer to redirect a USPS package to another destination any time before delivery. 

Sometimes it might so happen that you already shipped a parcel to an address only to know later that it’s the wrong one! It happens if the recipient has shifted house but entered the old address by mistake or if they are out of town with no one to receive their package at the address. 

However, like all USPS services, Package Intercept too has a particular procedure that demands to be followed to avail it.

Also, certain restrictions come under Package Intercept and several other points that you need to keep in mind while deciding to opt for the service. 

So, let us now directly hop on to everything you should know about how to redirect USPS packages using the Package Intercept service.

Packages at doorstep
How to Redirect USPS Package?

How to Redirect USPS Package (Step by Step Guide)

To redirect a package with USPS Package Intercept, you must have a USPS account. If you do, you can easily follow these steps below to redirect your USPS package:

Step 1: Check Eligibility 

The first step is to track your package and check whether it is eligible for Package Intercept. For this, you need to:

Log in to your USPS account.
➤ Click on the Receive tab at the top of the screen.
➤ Choose the option Redirecting a Package.
➤ Select Intercept a Package.
➤ Enter the tracking information in the required field to check whether it’s eligible.

steps for redirecting packages

Step 2: Change Delivery Address (USPS)

If your package is eligible for redirecting, then you need to:

➤ Click on the Create Request button which will take you to a field where you need to enter the address.
➤ Check carefully and confirm the address where the package is to be shipped.
➤ Choose whether you want to Return to Sender or Hold for Pickup at the Post Office or Send to a Different Address.
➤ If you choose to hold for pick up then you will have to enter the ZIP code of the nearest Post Office from where you can pick up the package.
➤ If you choose to send the package to a different address, then you will have to enter the new address. (This option might not always be available, depending on the type of package, delivery option, etc.)

Step 3: Pay the Fees

Once you are done filling up all the required fields, pay the Package Intercept fees of $15.95 via your credit card to complete the process. USPS will charge the fees only if they are successful in redirecting your package.

Also, it’s important to remember that there might be some additional postage charges required to redirect Your package to a new address. Your credit card will have to bear those charges as well.

Also, you can go for certain additional services (like a signature confirmation, restricted delivery, etc.) at an extra cost at the time of creating your request.


Redirect USPS Package: Things You Should Know

Here is a few additional information that is very important for you to know if you want to use Package Intercept to redirect your USPS Package: 

Do you still need to pay if the package intercept fails?

Once they receive your Package Intercept request, USPS will make every possible effort to track your shipment and redirect it as per your instruction.

However, the company doesn’t guarantee success for this service. But if they fail, your credit card will be exempted from paying the intercept fees.

Domestic and International Package Redirections

The service is only available for letters, flats, or packages as long as the maximum dimension of the parcel doesn’t cross 108 inches.

Only domestic packages with tracking services or packages with barcode services are eligible for redirection. International packages, packages for APO/FPO/DPO destinations, or any other package that requires a customs form are not eligible for USPS Package Intercept.


USPS Package Redirections: Terms and Conditions 

  • Since all intercepted packages are treated as Priority Mail during redirection, you will have to pay the Priority Mail postage charge if you didn’t use the service originally to post the shipment.
  • You can request a package intercept and redirect only after your package has been scanned.
  • You cannot request for a package intercept if it’s out for delivery or is already delivered.
  • Both retail and commercial customers can use the USPS Package Intercept service, but the options available to them will be different. Retail customers are only allowed to redirect packages to the sender. In the case of a commercial customer, two more options will be available which are either to redirect the parcel to a new location or hold the parcel at the Post Office for a pickup.
  • Standard Mail, USPS Marketing Mail products, periodicals, and items addressed to Commercial Mail Receiving Agency are not eligible for Package Intercept, even if they fall under domestic shipment.
  • USPS Package Intercept cannot be used to redirect a package to a PO Box. You will have to choose from the three available options only.
  • USPS Package Intercept requests are valid for 7 days from the date of submission of the request. Within this time, USPS attempts to locate the package and redirect it as per instruction. If it fails, it loses its validity. Fees will be charged only if the requested intercept is accomplished.

Conclusion

As for the service of USPS Package Intercept, we have provided the step-by-step procedure on how to redirect USPS packages, along with the important information which one must know to avail of the service.

So, you must keep in mind every little point mentioned in this article before you request for package intercept and avoid facing any inconvenience.

Avatar for Jaren Helms

Jaren worked for over a decade in the industry as a Package Handler. He started his career with FedEx but he later also worked with companies like USPS and Deutsche Post.

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