what is package research case closed

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Postal Mail Tracking Codes: What They Mean

Posted on September 19, 2018 by mailomg in memo 304 , Uncategorized // 0 Comments

What does “Received By Agent” mean? You probably have seen that and a dozen other terms and not understood. The USPS uses such terminology as part of its mail and package tracking known as PTR (Product Tracking Codes).

Here is an updated list of the codes, terms, and descriptions utilized to track mail and packages. To see a complete PDF of the codes and terms with other information click here :

Event Code / Description

01  DELIVERED The article has been delivered and a delivery scan recorded the time and date of delivery.

02  NOTICE LEFT Delivery was attempted. The notice shows options for pickup or re-delivery.

53  RECEPTACLE BLOCKED The path to the delivery receptacle was blocked by some physical condition.

54  RECEPTACLE FULL/ITEM OVERSIZED The item could not be placed in the delivery receptacle, either because the receptacle was full or because the item was too large to fit.

55  NO SECURE LOCATION AVAILABLE There was no location deemed safe to deliver the item and there was no endorsement to ‘leave if no response’.

56  NO AUTHORIZED RECIPIENT AVAILABLE The item could not be delivered because a signature was required.

03  USPS IN POSSESSION OF ITEM If the item was picked up, either as part of a scheduled pickup or by the carrier on the route, the event will display as ‘Picked Up’. If the item was scanned in the office, either at the retail counter or on the back dock, the event will display as ‘USPS in possession of item’.

04  REFUSED The item was refused at the time delivery was attempted or after delivery to customer.

05  UNABLE TO DELIVER PROBLEM WITH ADDRESS One or more of the address elements was incorrect, and the item could not be delivered.

06  FORWARDED The addressee has an active forwarding order on file and the item was sent to the new address.

07  ARRIVAL AT UNIT The item has arrived at the local Post Office on the day indicated and is scheduled for delivery. Usually, if the item arrives before 9:30 am, it will be delivered that day; if after 9:30 am, on the next business day.

08  MISSENT USPS redirected the item to the correct delivery unit on the next mail dispatch after it was routed incorrectly.

09  RETURN TO SENDER The item is being returned to sender for one of the following reasons:

21  NO SUCH NUMBER Some component of the delivery address was missing or invalid.

22  INSUFFICIENT ADDRESS There is not enough information in the address to make a delivery.

23  MOVED, LEFT NO ADDRESS The addressee has moved and no forwarding order is active.

24  FORWARD EXPIRED The addressee’s forwarding order has expired and the item is being returned to sender.

25  ADDRESSEE UNKNOWN The addressee is not known at the address on the item.

26  VACANT The house or business is vacant.

27  UNCLAIMED/BEING RETURNED TO SENDER A notice and reminder were left but no one claimed the item before the DMM stipulated hold period (typically 15 to 30 days) was over.

28  RETURN TO SENDER The item was returned to sender for a reason not specified elsewhere (typically when the recipient is deceased).

29  RETURN TO SENDER The item was returned to sender for a reason not specified elsewhere.

10  PROCESSED THROUGH USPS FACILITY The item was sorted in the processing facility indicated by the city, state and ZIP Code. Depending on the class of mail, or origin and destination of the parcel, customers may see more than one of these events, but only the first / last such scan at each site on a calendar day; others are suppressed. Note that on USPS internal sites the event is referred to as “Enroute / Processed”.

11  SEIZED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT The item is in the possession of a law enforcement agency.

12  VISIBLE DAMAGE This event indicates that a USPS noticed and documented damage to the item being delivered.

14  AVAILABLE FOR PICKUP The item may be picked up at the post office or caller or firm service location.

15  MIS-SHIPPED This use case is specific to packages destined to a military location.

16  AVAILABLE FOR RETURNS AGENT A shipping partner or their agent responsible for transporting the item to USPS dropped it at the wrong USPS facility.

17  TENDERED TO RETURNS AGENT Indicates a returned package is ready for pick up by Returns Logistics Agent at one of the Post Offices or Processing Facilities designated as a Parcel Return Service location. This event is applicable to Parcel Return Service only.

30  NO ACCESS USPS handed off a Parcel Return Service package to the Returns Logistics Agent that processes returns for the shipping customer or merchant that sold the original item being returned.

31  RETURN TO SENDER / NOT PICKED UP The item was attempted but not delivered because the employee could not access the delivery location (e.g., gated community where an access code is required).

32  DISPOSED BY POST OFFICE This is an event used primarily for Parcel Return Service or Hold for Pickup Items.

33  DEAD MAIL / SENT TO RECOVERY CENTER The mailed article cannot be delivered, forwarded or returned. Because the item was perishable, the local post office disposed of it.

34  n/a This event is specific to Registered Mail. Your item arrived at our USPS facility in CITY, STATE ZIPCODE on DATE at TIME. The item is currently in transit to the destination. OrYour item departed our USPS facility in CITY, STATE ZIPCODE on DATE at TIME. The item is currently in transit to the destination.

35  VAULT TURNOVER This event is specific to Registered Mail. Your item arrived at our USPS facility in CITY, STATE ZIPCODE on DATE at TIME. The item is currently in transit to the destination. OrYour item departed our USPS facility in CITY, STATE ZIPCODE on DATE at TIME. The item is currently in transit to the destination.

36  TRANSFER TO EMPLOYEE This event is specific to Registered Mail. Your item arrived at our USPS facility in CITY, STATE ZIPCODE on DATE at TIME. The item is currently in transit to the destination. OrYour item departed our USPS facility in CITY, STATE ZIPCODE on DATE at TIME. The item is currently in transit to the destination.

38  REGISTERED MAIL DISPATCH SIGNATURE This event is specific to Registered Mail. Your item arrived at our USPS facility in CITY, STATE ZIPCODE on DATE at TIME. The item is currently in transit to the destination. OrYour item departed our USPS facility in CITY, STATE ZIPCODE on DATE at TIME. The item is currently in transit to the destination.

39  REGISTERED MAIL DISPATCH WITNESS This event is specific to Registered Mail. Your item arrived at our USPS facility in CITY, STATE ZIPCODE on DATE at TIME. The item is currently in transit to the destination. OrYour item departed our USPS facility in CITY, STATE ZIPCODE on DATE at TIME. The item is currently in transit to the destination.

40  TRANSFER FROM VAULT This event is specific to Registered Mail. Your item arrived at our USPS facility in CITY, STATE ZIPCODE on DATE at TIME. The item is currently in transit to the destination. OrYour item departed our USPS facility in CITY, STATE ZIPCODE on DATE at TIME. The item is currently in transit to the destination.

41  RECEIVED AT OPENING UNIT An Open & Distribute shipment has been received and opened at the destination processing facility or post office so the contents can be sorted.

42  USPS HAND OFF TO SHIPPING PARTNER The item — typically Parcel Return Service — has been handed off to a returns agent. This activity takes place at a USPS processing facility (as opposed to a delivery unit). Note: the 42 event may also be seen on GXG items. This is when GXG items are added to a firm book for tender to the GXG partner.

43  PICKED UP The item was delivered to the recipient. The 43 event indicates that the delivery took place at a postal facility.

44  INTERCEPTED The mailer has authorized USPS to intercept a package before delivery and return it to the sender.

45  TENDERED TO MILITARY AGENT The item has left the custody of the USPS (outbound) or has left the ISC enroute to inbound mail processing.

46  DUPLICATE 1 XXX (where XXX is the type of event duplicated). The item is being flagged as having a tracking number that is the same as a tracking number on a different package.

51  BUSINESS CLOSED The item cannot be delivered because the business is closed.

52  NOTICE LEFT The item could not be delivered because of instructions provided by the customer.

57  DELIVERY EXCEPTION LOCAL WEATHER DELAY The item could not be attempted and / or delivered due to local weather conditions.

58  HELD AT POST OFFICE AT CUSTOMER REQUEST The item is being held at the post office because the customer has made a request to that effect.

59  ON ROUTE A physical scan event stating that the article has left the delivery office with a carrier, and delivery is intended on that day. This scan is generally used for items that are being redelivered (following a failed first attempt).

60  TENDERED TO AGENT FOR FINAL DELIVERY The item has been delivered to an agent of the residence or institution to where it has been addressed (college, hospital, condominium, etc.).

71  RESCHEDULED TO NEXT DELIVERY DAY The local post office has indicated that there is a delay impacting the delivery of the item.

72  DELIVERY EXCEPTION ANIMAL INTERFERENCE The local delivery employee has indicated that because of interference by an animal at the delivery location, the employee could not attempt delivery of the item.

A1  ARRIVE USPS FACILITY This is a trailer arrival event, meaning that the item was nested to a container that was scanned as arriving at a USPS facility.

AD  ACCEPTANCE AT DESTINATION The item has arrived at the USPS destination entry processing facility or post office.

AE  ARRIVE USPS FACILITY The item is in an Open & Distribute container that received an Acceptance (03) event.

AX  n/a The item, following an acceptance event, is moving toward its destination.

B1  CUSTOMS CLEARANCE The article has cleared US Customs and will be tendered to USPS.

B5  OUTBOUND – OUT OF US CUSTOMS US Customs has released the article to USPS.

DE  DEPART USPS FACILITY The item is in an Open & Distribute container that received an Enroute (10) event.

DX  DELIVERY STATUS NOT UPDATED An acceptable delivery event (Delivery, notice left, etc.) has not taken place within 14 hours of the Out for Delivery event

E1  DEPARTED The item is nested to a container that was scanned as departing a facility.

EF  DEPART USPS FACILITY Sortation process at the distribution facility is complete; the item is being dispatched on the next available transportation to the next processing facility or the destination delivery unit.

GC  RETURN RECEIPT ASSOCIATED Receipt Service, PS Form 3811 (Hard Copy Green Card). This event indicates that the tracking number for the host item and its Return Receipt tracking number have been associated during the acceptance process.

L1  DEPART USPS FACILITY The item is nested to a container that was scanned as being loaded onto transportation at a USPS facility.

LD  ARRIVAL AT DESTINATION ADDRESS USPS has used geo-location data and analytics to determine that the letter is on the delivery route to be delivered with today’s mail.

LX  PROCESSING EXCEPTION USPS has detected a processing irregularity for the item.

MA  n/a USPS has received the electronic transmission of manifest shipment information from the sender. This does not signify receipt of the shipment, only the intent to tender it to USPS. Once the shipment is received by USPS, tracking status will be updated and an expected delivery date will be made available. This event is displayed on USPS.com USPS Tracking only when it is the earliest status for the item.

MR  n/a A Reverse Manifest has electronically recorded the item and the Reverse Logistics provider has sent the data to USPS in advance of payment.

MU  ALERT MID USER NEEDS TO BE REGISTERED This is generated when the PIC MID does not exist in PTR’s customer reference data.

MX  ALERT MID HAS BEEN INACTIVATED This is generated when the mailer ID in the EFN is not certified. This also gets generated if the PIC MID is not certified.

NT  N/A This event helps to fill a visibility gap for customers using the tracking web site.

OA  ORIGIN ACCEPTANCE A calculated event attaching acceptance to an item based on the first processing scan at a sort facility.

OD  PROCESSED AT USPS DESTINATION FACILITY The item is in an Open & Distribute container that received a Received at Opening Unit (41) event.

OF  OUT FOR DELIVERY The item is out for delivery. This may be triggered by the ‘Sorting Complete’ event or the employee’s scanning of the Depart2Route barcode. Additionally, if / when the event is generated by TRP, it may be triggered by the employee breaking the geofence, by the employee’s scanning of the Depart2Route barcode, and / or the employee’s scanning of the Hotcase barcode.

OX  PROCESSING EXCEPTION OTHER DELAY The item was either being processed from or headed to a location that is being impacted by a delay of some sort.

PC  SORTING/PROCESSING COMPLETE All packages intended for today’s delivery have been sorted to their respective carrier routes or Post Office Box sections. This event may trigger the ‘Out for Delivery’ scan event.

RB  LISTED ON REGISTERED MAIL DISPATCH BILL Used for Registered Mail only. Item has been added to a Registered Mail Dispatch Bill.

RC  DISPATCH FORM DISCREPANCY Used for Registered Mail only. The employee has noted a discrepancy related to the Registered Dispatch Bill.

SF  DEPART POST OFFICE Articles receiving an Acceptance scan at the retail window or by a carrier have left the local Post Office and are enroute to the first USPS processing facility.

T1  DEPART USPS FACILITY The item is nested to a container that was scanned as having departed a USPS facility.

TM  SHIPMENT RECEIVED ACCEPTANCE PENDING An Acceptance event generated when a USPS employee scans PS Form 5630 (SCAN), the online manifest form.

TX  PROCESSING EXCEPTION REG TRANS DELAY The item was either being processed from or headed to a location that is being impacted by a transportation delay (e.g., air or surface transport not available)

UA  ACCEPTED AT USPS FACILITY XX (where XX is the event that triggered the UA: 07, 10, or GX/MA An Acceptance event generated for a single piece that was not part of a mailer’s manifest and which did not receive a physical acceptance scan.

VC  PACKAGE RESEARCH CASE CREATED XXX (where XXX is the case number if available) A customer has initiated a case on the item via the call center. When this event is extracted, it is accompanied by the case number.

VF  REMINDER TO SCHEDULE REDELIVERY The PTR system has determined that the item has met the published “second notice” number of days since the attempt event. The goal of this event is to let customers know that they should pick up or schedule a delivery for their item.

VH  DELIVERY INSTRUCTION REQUEST FAILURE A shipper attempted to make a delivery instruction request on behalf of their customer, but the request failed to be processed. This is typically because insufficient or incorrect information was provided by the shipper about the delivery address (e.g., no street address provided).

VJ  DELIVERY INSTRUCTION UNFULFILLED The item’s delivery instructions were not fulfilled. This may be because of safety concerns or another reason.

VP  CARRIER PICK-UP The customer has scheduled a carrier pickup request. Currently, this is applied to the manifest record, but not to the associated mail pieces.

VR  REDELIVERY SCHEDULED The customer has scheduled a redelivery for the item using the Redelivery website or application or by calling the Customer Care Center.

VS  PACKAGE RETURN NOTICE GENERATED The item has been held for the maximum time period awaiting customer action to schedule redelivery or pick it up, and a message has been generated to indicate that the item will be returned or dispositioned locally, depending on the product class and Ancillary Service endorsements.

VX  PACKAGE RESEARCH CASE CLOSED XXX (where XXX is the case number if available A case that had been opened on an item has not been closed. When this event is extracted, it is accompanied by the case number.

WN  n/a The WN event is provided to PTR when an expected delivery window has been calculated for the item. PTR shares the WN information in conjunction with the Out for Delivery event.

WX  WEATHER DELAY The item was either being processed from or headed to a location that is being impacted by a weather delay (e.g., major snow storm).

61  RECEIVED BY AGENT USPS has delivered the item to an agent of the residence or institution.

62  RECIPIENT NOTIFIED BY AGENT The agent notified the addressee that an item is waiting and available for pickup at the mailroom.

63  DELIVERED TO RECIPIENT BY AGENT The agent has delivered the item to the addressee.

64  UNDELIVERABLE TO RECIPIENT BY AGENT The agent was unable to deliver the item to the addressee and the item will be returned to the sender.

GX  SHIPPING LABEL CREATED A shipper has created an address label and tracking barcode for the item.

80  PICK UP BY SHIP PTNR USPS AWAITS ITEM The item is part of a shipment that the mailer has turned over to a consolidator or contractor for transport to USPS.

81  ARRIVED SHIP PTNR SITE USPS AWAITS ITEM The item has arrived at the shipper’s depot for transport to USPS.

82  DEPART SHIP PTNR SITE USPS AWAITS ITEM The shipper has dispatched the item and it is enroute to a USPS facility.

83  TENDERED TO POSTAL SERVICE The shipper has turned over the shipment to USPS for processing and delivery. Starting with PTR release 12.0, this event will be suppressed on USPS.com USPS Tracking.

89  N/A The shipper has indicated to USPS that a merchant has received an order for your shipment.

84  ARRIVED AGENT FACILITY Parcel Return Service only — a PRS item has arrived at the return agent’s facility.

85  DEPART AGENT FACILITY Parcel Return Service only — a PRS item has left the return agent’s facility and is enroute to the merchant.

86  DELIVERED TO AGENT BY MERCHANT Parcel Return Service only — a PRS item has been tendered by the return agent to the merchant.

87  FINAL DISPOSITION BY AGENT Parcel Return Service only — a PRS item is in the possession of the merchant.

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• definitions
• mail terminology
• Official Mail Guide
• Package Tracking terms
• Postal Service
• Received By Agent
• Updated 9-19-18

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Package Research Case Closed?

So I purchased an item from eBay and I’ve been waiting for a package from Japan to arrive for about 3 weeks now. Last week I could’ve sworn that I caught a glimpse of its final update being in the same state, different city of Little Elm, Texas. When I checked again that update had disappeared somehow. I didn’t think much on it but when I checked on the status today, lo and behold it was in Little Elm, Texas but it had the status of “Package Research Case Closed - 21h ago.” It disappeared after I had refreshed and shared this info with a friend of mine (the package was for them) reverting back to “In Transit to Next Facility”. The tracking number is LX116042329JP.

What is this? Is the item lost? Is it on it’s way to being delivered? I’m very worried on what this meant.

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• All You Need to Know About…

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USPS Package Research Case Created – Tracking Guide

Whether you’re awaiting a package delivery or have shipped an item that seems to have gone missing, seeing the “Package Research Case Created” update from USPS raises a lot of questions. What exactly does the alert mean? Where is the package when the update is sent and how long will the case take? Let’s take a look…

The “Package Research Case Created” update means USPS has received a report that a package is missing or drastically delayed, and they have opened an investigation to try to locate it. In most scenarios, it is the sender who initiates this by reporting the package hasn’t arrived as expected.

Simply saying, this update means that either you or the sender has reported the package as missing or delayed beyond the expected delivery window. In response, USPS has initiated an internal investigation to track down your item. Think of it as USPS putting on its detective hat to solve the mystery of your missing mail.

While this update may initially seem alarming, it’s important to remember that the USPS takes such cases seriously and is committed to resolving the issue with your shipment as soon as possible.

• When Will You Encounter This Update?

The “Package Research Case Created” update can appear in various situations, including:

• Delayed Delivery : If your package has not been delivered within the expected time frame, the USPS may initiate a research case to investigate the cause of the delay and determine its current location.
• Missing Package : If your package appears to be lost or unaccounted for after a reasonable amount of time has passed since its expected delivery date, a research case may be opened to locate the package.
• Damage or Tampering : In instances where a package shows signs of damage or tampering during transit, the USPS may create a research case to investigate the circumstances and take appropriate action
• The USPS Package Research Process

Once a research case is created, USPS sets its machinery in motion to locate your package. But what does this process actually entail? Let’s break it down, pulling back the curtain on USPS’s investigative process:

• 1. Case Creation and Notification

When you or the sender report a package as missing, USPS’s system generates a unique case number. This number is like a golden ticket – it’s the key that USPS will use to track the progress of your case through their complicated system. You’ll receive the “Package Research Case Created” update, usually via email or on the USPS website, a digital beacon of hope in your inbox.

• 2. Information Gathering

Next, USPS transforms into a data detective, gathering all available information about your package. This includes:

• Tracking History : Every scan your package receives – at post offices, bustling sorting facilities, or during delivery attempts – is meticulously reviewed. It’s like retracing the steps of a lost hiker.
• Physical Description : Details like package size (is it a tiny jewelry box or a massive appliance?), weight, and any unique markings (perhaps that bright red “FRAGILE” stamp) are noted.
• Sender and Recipient Details : Addresses, contact information, and any special delivery instructions (like “Leave with neighbor if no one’s home”) are double-checked. A single digit off in an address can send a package on a very different journey.
• 3. Internal Investigation

Armed with this dossier of information, USPS investigators get to work, like postal Sherlock Holmes:

• Trace the Package’s Journey : Using the tracking history, they’ll identify where the package was last seen. Was it scanned in Seattle but never made it to San Francisco? They’ll check with that Seattle facility.
• Interview Postal Workers : Employees who handled the package or worked in relevant facilities might be questioned. “Did you see a large box with a red ‘FRAGILE’ stamp on Tuesday?”
• Check Undeliverable Mail : If your package couldn’t be delivered for some reason – maybe your building’s access code changed – it might be languishing in USPS’s undeliverable mail section, waiting to be claimed.
• 4. Resolution and Communication

Once USPS has answers, they’ll update the case status. This could be:

• Package Found : Great news! Your package has been located, perhaps misplaced on the wrong truck or delayed at a regional hub. It’s now back on track for delivery, a postal prodigal son returning home.
• Package Declared Lost : If USPS can’t find your package after exhaustive efforts, they’ll officially declare it lost. This is crucial for insurance claims, turning your loss into potential compensation.
• Further Investigation Required : In complex cases, like if your package seems to have embarked on a cross-country detour, USPS might need more time or information.

The USPS typically aims to resolve research cases within 5 to 10 business days, although the duration can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the available information.

• How Long Does This Take?

One of the most common questions is, “How long will I have to wait?” The simple answer is it depends on a few factors:

• When Can You Open a Case?
• Priority Mail, First-Class, or Certified Mail : Wait 7 days after the original mailing date. It’s like giving your package a week to find its way home before calling in the cavalry.
• Registered Mail or Ground Services : Wait 14 days after the original mailing date. These services are like the tortoises of the postal world – slower, but they get there.
• Case Resolution Time

Once a case is opened, USPS aims to resolve it within 5 to 10 business days. That’s their target, a promise to not let your case gather dust. However, complex cases, like a package that’s hopscotched across multiple states, might take longer. During peak seasons (think holidays, when everyone and their uncle is mailing gifts), resolution times can also be extended. It’s the postal equivalent of rush hour traffic.

• After the Case is Closed
• If Your Package is Found

Breathe a sigh of relief! Your package will resume its journey to you, like a traveler who took a scenic detour but finally found the right road. Keep an eye on tracking for new updates; watching its progress can be as satisfying as seeing your favorite team advance in the playoffs.

• If Your Package is Declared Lost

It’s disappointing, like a plot twist in a movie where the hero doesn’t get the treasure. But it’s not the end of the world:

• Insurance Claims : If the package was insured (many USPS services include baseline insurance), you or the sender can file a claim. It’s like postal life insurance, a financial safety net for your shipments.
• Contact the Seller : For online purchases, reach out to the seller. Many have policies for lost items and will offer a refund or replacement. It’s customer service in action, a digital-age safety net.
• Credit Card Protection : Some credit cards offer purchase protection that covers lost items. It’s like having a bodyguard for your purchases. Check your card benefits; you might be pleasantly surprised.
• What Should I Do If the Package Is Still Missing After the Research Case Is Closed?

Sometimes, even the best detectives hit a dead end. If your package is declared lost after the research case closes, don’t despair. There are still avenues to explore:

• File an Insurance Claim : If your package was insured (and many USPS services include basic coverage), file a claim. It’s like having a safety net for your shipments. USPS will guide you through the process.
• Contact the Seller : For online purchases, the seller is your ally. Most have policies for lost items and will offer a refund or replacement. It’s customer service in action, a digital-age safety net.
• Appeal the Decision : If you believe USPS missed something crucial, you can appeal the case closure. Provide any new information you have. It’s like asking for a recount in a close election.
• Consumer Protection Bureau : As a last resort, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Protection Bureau. They’re the postal ombudsmen, advocating for your rights.
• Key takeaways: USPS Package Research Case Created – Tracking Guide
• The “Package Research Case Created” update from USPS means that either the sender or recipient has reported a package as missing or significantly delayed, and USPS has initiated an investigation to locate it.
• When a research case is opened, USPS gathers information about the package’s tracking history, physical description, sender, and recipient details to aid in their investigation.
• USPS aims to resolve research cases within 5 to 10 business days, although complex cases or peak periods may take longer. If the package is found, it will resume its journey to the recipient.
• If it is declared lost, the sender or recipient can file an insurance claim or seek a refund or replacement from the seller or credit card company.
• If the package is still missing after the research case is closed, options include filing an insurance claim, contacting the seller, checking for credit card purchase protection, appealing the decision with USPS, or filing a complaint with the Consumer Protection Bureau.
• The “Package Research Case Created” update is a sign that USPS is taking the missing or delayed package seriously and is committed to resolving the issue as soon as possible.

Hey there! I'm Mohsin, lead content writer at Postageabout.com. My journey in the mail and shipping industry started over 10 years ago as a postal clerk. Since then, I've gained experience across multiple countries and companies. Excited to share my knowledge on everything related to postage!

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USPS “Package Research Case Created” – Tracking Guide

Whether you are the sender of a package or the recipient, the “ Package Research Case Created ” update from USPS can raise a few questions.

What exactly does the alert mean? Where is the package when the update is sent and how long will the case take?

Let’s take a look…

Summary: Package Research Case Created

The “Package Research Case Created” update from USPS means that the package has been reported missing and that a case for locating the item has begun. In most scenarios, the sender will have made the report after not receiving the package in the appropriate amount of time.

Package Research Case Created – Guide

After the update is triggered, USPS will begin the process of locating the missing package.

This will involve looking through the progress of the item thus far and will be reliant on information provided by the party that opened the search case, (normally the recipient).

Furthermore, inquiries into a missing item that has been classed as delivered by USPS will differ from those that point to the item being delayed inside a facility.

Either way, when reporting the missing mail item the party opening the case will provide as many details as possible.

Unfortunately for the sender, receiving the “Package Research Case Created” update can sometimes be the first time you are made aware that issues have occurred.

In an eCommerce context, this might lead to the buyer (i.e. recipient of the package) requesting a refund or replacement item sent directly from the seller.

Whether this can be recouped via USPS will depend on the outcome of the research case and the level of delivery service originally purchased.

How long does a Research Case take?

From the time you make the research case, USPS will take between 5 and 10 days to reach a decision .

However, the type of postage service used will determine at what point after the shipment begins, you can open up the missing mail claim.

For example, Priority Mail, First Class, and Certified Mail classes are eligible for opening a case 7 days after the original postage date.

Domestic Registered and Ground services require you to wait 14 days after the original postage date.

However, as mentioned the case itself should be resolved within 5 to 10 days of the case being requested.

What to Expect After a “Package Research Case Created” Update?

USPS does not state specifically the actions that are taken during an open research case.

That being said, an investigation into the route of the mail item, where it was last scanned, and where it currently might be located is clearly part of the process.

After the search period, the next tracking update will be “ Package Research Case Closed ”. The outcome will also be communicated. 

Either the item will be classed as missing by USPS so that an insurance claim can be filed, or the research case has discovered the location of the package and it is now making its way to the destination address.

Final Words

Essentially, the “Package Research Case Created” status update is used to notify parties that a missing mail claim has been made.

USPS has begun looking into the whereabouts of the missing package and a resolution should be stated within 5 to 10 days.

I’m a 25 year veteran of USPS. I’m retired now, but as the editor of Mailbox Master, I can’t quite remove myself from the carrier industry just yet. 🙂

1 thought on “USPS “Package Research Case Created” – Tracking Guide”

I purchased an item on eBay and it was mailed by Priority Mail on the 5th of January. As of the 7th, there had been no further status updates. On the 7th, the package was last scanned in Houston. I contacted the seller and he put in a service request. I called the post office the following day, because the status had changed to Research Package Case Closed. When calling the postal service, they made sure I was the correct recipient and then told me that the Research Package Case Closed meant that the case had been “resolved.” No explanation on how it was resolved. I don’t know if the package was lost or damaged or on its way. She also told me to call in and reopen the case which I did. Then the case was assigned a new service request number and that resulted in the addition of these words: “Last Location Pocatello” which is where I live. However, that was not part of the status. No status update since Research Package Case Closed at all. The Research package case closed status occurred on Wednesday the 17th. There has been no status update at all since then. No follow up to state the status. No one called to explain the status. It is now Sunday the 21st, and I am concerned as to what the “resolution” or “case closed” means. I have had delivery on Sunday when a package had gone missing and was found, but I don’t expect that service every time. So how do I know if I am going to receive my package?

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