Where the heck is that package?

You spent your time and money finding the perfect gift for a special loved one who lives far away. You even get it in the mail on time! But your perfect gift never gets there. Does the post office eat packages? It seems very frustrating, but it doesn't have to be. The post office actually has three places for missing packages - Atlanta, Ga., St. Paul, Minn., and San Francisco, Calif. Your missing package will be sent to whichever of these sites is closest.

If your mail has no postage, an incorrect delivery address and no return address, the post office has no choice but to sent it to one of the mail recovery stations. When the package arrives at the recovery station it is opened, first to try to find an address, if that is unsuccessful they inventory the contents, and input the information on a computer. They hold the package for at least 90 days for regular mail, 6 months for Express Mail and 1 year for registered or insured mail.

To try to find the whereabouts of your package you can visit the post office that the package was mailed from and complete form 1510. The post office will do the rest for you. You can even call the post office and have them complete this form for you. So remember, if you don't receive a thank you card or call, be sure to inquire. They may never have received it and there is something you can do about it.