"Return to Sender" (USPS): what it means and how long it lasts
The package is going back to the sender, for example because of an address problem, a refusal, or because it wasn't picked up in time.
Normally lasts: The return trip usually takes as long as the original trip.
When to act: Right away, if you still want the item.
Also shown as: Return to Sender Processed, Returned to Sender, Unclaimed, Being Returned to Sender
What to do
- Contact the sender to arrange a reshipment.
- If you're the sender, check the address before you reship.
USPS service alerts now
- USPS service alert Illinois: Peoria Processing and Distribution Facility (P&DF) NASS Code 615: Temporarily closed due to an evacuation order in the area
USPS · first seen Nov 14, 6:55 PM EST
Peoria Processing and Distribution Facility (P&DF) NASS Code 615: Temporarily closed due to an evacuation order in the area. The facility is expected to be closed most of today, November 14. As a result, no mail or parcels were dispatched to the 613, 614, 615 ZIP3s today, which …
Last checked: · USPS service alerts 12 min ago· Facility facts reviewed November 14, 2026. How we check
Which facility is it at?
The location next to the scan tells you. Type it here, or pick one of the busiest USPS hubs below, for live alerts and how long packages normally sit there.
JAMAICA NY INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION CENTERChicago IL International Distribution Center (ISC)CHICAGO IL INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION CENTERJersey City NJ Distribution Center (RPDC)JERSEY CITY NJ DISTRIBUTION CENTERWarrendale PA Distribution Center (NDC)WARRENDALE PA DISTRIBUTION CENTEROpa Locka FL Distribution CenterOPA LOCKA FL DISTRIBUTION CENTERSpringfield MA Distribution Center (NDC)SPRINGFIELD MA DISTRIBUTION CENTERUSPS Jacksonville NDC / RPDCJACKSONVILLE FL DISTRIBUTION CENTERNorth Houston TX Distribution CenterNORTH HOUSTON TX DISTRIBUTION CENTERMiami FL International Distribution Center (ISC)MIAMI FL INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION CENTERLos Angeles CA Distribution CenterLOS ANGELES CA DISTRIBUTION CENTERAtlanta GA Distribution Center (RPDC)ATLANTA GA DISTRIBUTION CENTERQueens NY Distribution CenterQUEENS NY DISTRIBUTION CENTERQuestions
What does "Return to Sender" mean?
The package is going back to the sender, for example because of an address problem, a refusal, or because it wasn't picked up in time.
How long does "Return to Sender" usually last?
The return trip usually takes as long as the original trip. Right away, if you still want the item.
What should I do if my USPS package is stuck on "Return to Sender"?
Contact the sender to arrange a reshipment. If you're the sender, check the address before you reship.
Related USPS messages
Sources
- USPS PostalPro: USPS Domestic Tracking Scan Events (event codes and USPS.com wording), Feb 2024 (accessed 2026-11-14)
- USPS FAQ: Where is my package? (Tracking status help) (accessed 2026-11-14)