Why haven't I received my package from USPS?

I received a package yesterday via USPS that was missing certain items. What can I do?

• Not only were certain items that were meant to be in the package missing, but items that were not originally shipped in the box were in the package. This must mean the box broke at some point and that someone else has my things. My mother sent it to me last week from AZ to OH, in an old Amazon box, so maybe someone ordering something from Amazon got my things? I called USPS, but since no insurance was on the package, they can't reimburse me. the things in the package weren't highly valuable, but I'd like to see if I can get them and if I can return the objects that don't belong to me. I am missing some Trader Joe's food, including a can of TJ soy protein powder, and several New Yorker magazines. I received a new Blu-Ray copy of Wall-E (barcode: X000agdxc7) and several used, colorful wooden block toys with holes in the middle of them.

• Answer:

  Poor packaging on the shipping end often results in boxes rupturing during the sorting process, as more and more sorting is being done by automated machinery. When things break open, there's not always someone around to see what fell out of what. If you get two or more ruptures on a line, this can happen. Folks do their best to patch things up - they look at invoices to try to match items, and often, things turn out just fine. But, especially with random stuff like in your case, it's pure guesswork. And I'm guessing that's what happened. Seriously, who's going to steal some already-read magazines and not take a Blu-Ray that they could throw on eBay? I don't think anyone tampered with/stole your items. But the bottom line is, no insurance (and written proof of what was in there to back up your claim), no coverage for loss or damage or theft. The best advice I can give is to package wisely and securely. Use strong boxes. Re-used boxes have already taken some punishment. If you can't get new boxes, check used ones for weak points. Tape all seams, and tape the corners (just leave room for the postage). Wrap the items in bubble wrap or paper that can expand to fill the area of the box without letting the items move around, but not so much outer packaging that you have to stuff it in to close and seal the box. Overstuffed packages are one of the prime causes of bursting. And always include a packing list, even for personal items, that shows both the shipping and return addresses. This gives you the best chance of recovering loose items.