I shipped parts to the wrong country....

[blykins]

I shipped about $2500 worth of parts to a customer in the UK (Scotland).  I don't know if it was my fault or if it was the USPS' fault, but the package is now sitting in Dubai, UAE. 

I have no way of getting in touch with anyone, anywhere.  USPS doesn't allow you to talk to an actual human and the shipment was done online, not by going to my local post office.

It is insured.   It is set to "return to sender" in the event of something happening, but at this point, how in the world did no one between here and the UAE catch that the address didn't jive?

Anyone have any suggestions?

[rockhouse66]

Brent
There is a form you can file online to recall a package you have shipped that has not yet been delivered.  It is a slow process internally at USPS but you can eventually get your package back that way.  I don't know if it is different for international shipments though, because the one experience I had with this Internationally involved FedEx who USPS used for the delivery.


Your next step will be to try to get a refund on the charges so you can ship again.  If you can prove that you did everything right and USPS screwed up, you should be able to win this.  I had a similar situation (though it was a domestic shipment) and I had to find a way to reach my local Postmaster to get any help from my USPS Branch.  I think it depends on the management at your branch on how hard it will be to get help.

[MeanGene]

Do you have a pic of the shipping label that shows the correct destination?

[blykins]

No, I'm pretty sure it was my fault.  I do everything online and the UK country entry is right above the UAE country entry.  I think I just accidentally clicked the wrong one and didn't catch it. 

However, you would think that *someone* would catch it between here and the UAE, given the rest of the address doesn't exist in the UAE.

[frnkeore]

In the states, if the address doesn't jive, it won't let you continue.

I had a issue where a package was possibly stolen that I shipped. It was SO FRUSTRATING and was going to take months to get even the shipping back, let alone the ins.

Like rockhouse, I got my best info from the local PO as how to proceed. You may not have any hair, by the time this is over

[MeanGene]

The postal counter workers at my local PO are actually pretty friendly and helpful- that's where I would start

[jayb]

The US Post Office does not have records of addresses from other countries.  When they ship internationally, I believe they transfer the mail to the local country's mail service; for example shipments to Australia are transferred to Australia Post for final delivery.  So there's no way for USPS to know if the address outside the country is correct.

Right now for you to get the package back, the USPS has to get in touch with the Dubai postal service and get it returned to USPS.  Sounds like a headache; I'd agree that you need to go to your local post office for advice.

[Joey120373]

Ohhh, ouch. That just plain sucks. I can’t offer any help other than to say I hope you can get it sorted out and get the parts back.

[Jscanlon]

The US Post Office does not have records of addresses from other countries.  When they ship internationally, I believe they transfer the mail to the local country's mail service; for example shipments to Australia are transferred to Australia Post for final delivery.  So there's no way for USPS to know if the address outside the country is correct.

Right now for you to get the package back, the USPS has to get in touch with the Dubai postal service and get it returned to USPS.  Sounds like a headache; I'd agree that you need to go to your local post office for advice.

This is correct.  Good luck to you.

[cleandan]

Brent, I suggest you use the packages tracking number to recall the package.
Do not do this online though.
Go to your local Office and speak to one of the counter staff directly.

Tell them of your mistake, or hunches at the least.
Tell them you are specifically asking to have this package returned to your address.
Get receipts of this alteration and note the name of the person who helped you.

You will have to pay the shipping charges, but getting your stuff back is far more important I would presume.

Again, do this in person because the actions will be more personal, understood, and be put in motion as you stand there.
Online can not provide this kind of service.

Good luck

[blykins]

Well, to follow up, the package made it to the UK.  It's clearing customs right now. 

Props to the people who checked the shipping addresses and forwarded it to the right places.

[Rory428]

Thats great news, better go out and buy a lottery ticket today!

[Falcon67]

That's awesome.  I used to ship international a lot.  The only place that ever had things go into a black hole was Canada Post. Had more than a couple head into Canada never to be seen again.  A re-ship would go right on through, go figure. 

[Joey120373]

That’s great news.