Why Was My Parcel Returned to the Shipper?
TL;DR
- Parcels may be returned due to incomplete or incorrect delivery addresses, making accurate information essential for successful delivery.
- Unsuccessful delivery attempts occur if the recipient is unavailable, leading to a return if further attempts aren’t made.
- Packages may be returned if they exceed weight/size limits or contain forbidden items, as couriers may refuse to ship or accept such parcels.
- Proper packing and sealing are crucial; poorly packed parcels can be rejected at pickup or returned after being noticed at the depot.
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One unpleasant thing to hear when you expect a package would be, “The courier returned the parcel to the shipper.” There are several reasons why would the courier return the box to the shipper, and we are here to state some possible scenarios.
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Some of the following situations are recoverable, but unfortunately, with other, there is not much you and the courier will return the parcel to its origin. These situations may depend on the courier’s regulation for returned parcels to the shipper, whether its DHL, DPD, UPS or the country’s regulation for the content of the package. But let’s start with some lighter situations, to some more complicated cases:
Returned parcel to the shipper, due to an incomplete or wrong delivery address
The address of the receiver needs to be complete and correct so that the courier driver can deliver the parcel. It is crucial for successful delivery to check if the address is precise – especially the postcode. Every courier driver, regardless if you are shipping with DHL, DPD or other, will deliver the parcels to the designated place and will return the package to the shipper if the provided information is wrong. This is why you should make sure you have all the digits right in their place, as even if you have one wrong, the courier might return it to the shipper after being stored in a depot until you provide more information.
Transportation service providers do not recognize the delivery address
Make sure that the address you have provided is visible on Google Maps. Most courier drivers get to a specific location with the help of Google maps. Therefore, if the driver cannot find the address, they might return the parcel to the shipper, if no one claims for it. If you live in a building that was recently constructed, make sure the address is publicly known and ready to receive all kinds of mail. If you have never received letters or packages to your address, it is better to check it in your local city hall.
Parcel returned to the shipper due to unsuccessful delivery
The courier driver might have attempted to deliver a package but didn’t do it successfully. Unsuccessful attempts could happen because the receiver was not at home or was unreachable. In such situations, the courier usually leaves a delivery attempt notification. If further efforts are not possible, the package will be returned to the shipper.
Recipient refused the package
If you are the sender, there is a possibility that the recipient may refuse to accept the package. This could happen either because the person was not notified about the delivery, or because the packaging was damaged. Then, the parcel will be returned to the sender, on the request of the receiver.
The package exceeds the stated weight or measurements
When you place your order, you will have to give information about the size and weight of the parcel. Usually, for standard shipments, you won’t be asked to provide the exact dimensions. In case the shipper decides to send a package that exceeds the stated measurements or weight, the box could be returned to the shipper, or you would have to pay additional surcharges. You should do your research and check the dimensions allowed for the service. If you are unsure about the weight of your package, it is better to be on the safe side and choose a higher weight range. With some couriers, you can pay the surcharges for it, and the situation will be solved. Thus the parcel will be on its way to the receiver. However, if the courier company does not allow surcharges for exceeded weights or dimensions, the package will be returned to the shipper.
The sender did not correctly seal the parcel, had it incorrectly packed, or it was not suitable for shipping
When it is visible that the package is not correctly packed or sealed, the courier driver might reject it at the moment of pickup. If the courier only notices this at the depot, the package might be returned after the pickup. As a sender, you are responsible for choosing the best way to prepare and seal your shipment. Properly packed content will ensure not only that your package is delivered, but will also keep your items from being lost or damaged. Are you not sure what is the best way to pack your things?
The package containing forbidden items
It is vital to check what you can’t send through courier services. Sometimes, these rules apply only to certain services or courier companies. Some countries have their legislation regarding forbidden items. When you are sending a package, you need to be fully aware of these rules. Courier companies such as DHL, UPS, DPD or other have the right to return the parcels to the shipper or to refuse to deal with them if they contain forbidden or dangerous goods. In such cases, the company reserves the right, to deal with the boxes with no further notice.
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About the author
Marcel Nahtigal is Head of Marketing at Eurosender, specializing in digital strategies to enhance customer connections in logistics.
