What Does No Secure Location Available Mean from USPS?

The “No Secure Location Available” message from the United States Postal Service (USPS)  indicates that the postal carrier was unable to deliver a package or mail item due to the absence of a safe or secure location at the delivery address. Simply saying, the carrier deemed the area too risky to leave the item unattended. This situation often arises when the recipient is not present to accept the delivery, and there is no secure mailbox, porch, or other designated area for the carrier to leave the item safely.

• “No Secure Location Available” means the USPS carrier could not find a safe place to leave your package or mail when you were not present to receive it.
• The carrier will attempt redelivery or hold the item at the local post office for pickup if a secure location is not available.
• You can take steps like providing delivery instructions or using alternate delivery options to avoid this issue in the future.

Why Does the USPS Say “No Secure Location Available”?

There could be several reasons why the USPS carrier might determine that there is no secure location available to leave your package or mail. Some common scenarios include:

1. Exposed or Unsheltered Area: If your front porch, doorstep, or mailbox area is completely exposed to the elements or easily accessible from the street, the carrier may deem it an insecure location for leaving valuable or sensitive items.
2. High-Traffic or Public Area: In apartment complexes, office buildings, or other high-traffic areas, the carrier may not feel comfortable leaving packages or mail unattended in a common area or lobby, where they could be easily tampered with or stolen.
3. Previous Incidents: If there have been reports of package thefts or vandalism in your area, the USPS may have instructed carriers not to leave items unattended to prevent further incidents.
4. Valuable or Sensitive Items: For high-value, fragile, or sensitive items, the USPS may have stricter policies in place to ensure proper delivery and avoid potential losses or damages.
5. Weather Conditions: During extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, or high winds, the carrier may determine that leaving a package or mail exposed could lead to damage or loss.

In any of these situations, the USPS carrier will attempt to find a secure location for delivery or hold the item for pickup at the local post office to ensure its safe arrival.

How Can I Resolve the “No Secure Location Available” Issue?

If you’re encountering the “No Secure Location Available” message from USPS, there are several steps you can take to resolve the issue and ensure successful delivery:

Provide Delivery Instructions

One of the easiest ways to address this problem is to provide specific delivery instructions to the USPS carrier. You can do this by:

1. Adding delivery instructions online: When you order items or have packages shipped to you, look for the “Delivery Instructions” field during the checkout process or on the shipping label. Here, you can specify a safe location for the carrier to leave your items, such as a side door, backyard, or with a trusted neighbor.
2. Leaving a note for the carrier: You can leave a visible note on your front door or mailbox, providing clear instructions on where the carrier should leave your package or mail item. Be sure to describe the location in detail, and consider using a weather-resistant envelope or plastic sleeve to protect the note.
3. Calling your local post office: If you have a regular carrier for your area, you can contact your local post office and provide them with specific delivery instructions. The carrier can then make a note in their system or on your account.

Use USPS Hold Services

If you’re expecting a delivery but won’t be home, you can take advantage of USPS Hold services to prevent the “No Secure Location Available” issue. These services allow you to temporarily hold your mail and packages at your local post office for pickup:

1. Request a Hold Mail Service: You can request a Hold Mail Service through the USPS website or by visiting your local post office. This service will hold your mail and packages at the post office until you pick them up or request redelivery.
2. Use Package Intercept: If a package is already in transit, you can use the USPS Package Intercept service to reroute it to your local post office for pickup. This service comes with a fee, but it can be a convenient option if you won’t be home for the scheduled delivery.

Consider Alternative Delivery Options

If providing delivery instructions or using USPS Hold services isn’t feasible, you may want to explore alternative delivery options to ensure your packages and mail items are delivered safely:

1. Request a USPS Package Locker: In some areas, USPS offers package lockers where carriers can securely leave your items. These lockers require a unique access code, which you can obtain through the USPS website or mobile app.
2. Use a Third-Party Package Receiving Service: Companies like Amazon Hub, UPS Access Point, and FedEx Office offer secure package receiving locations where you can have your deliveries sent. You can then pick up your items at your convenience.
3. Have items shipped to your workplace: If your workplace allows it, you can have packages and mail items delivered to your office or place of employment, where there is likely a secure location or mailroom for receiving deliveries.
4. Opt for USPS Signature Confirmation: Some USPS services, like Signature Confirmation, require the recipient to be present and sign for the delivery. While this ensures your item is not left unattended, it also means you’ll need to be available to accept the package.

Some other popular Delivery options

1. Renting a P.O. Box: Renting a P.O. Box ensures the security of your mail and packages by storing them in a secure facility, often at a local post office. Choose the box size based on your expected mail/package volume, keeping in mind that larger boxes come with higher rental fees. P.O. Boxes provide an extra layer of protection against theft or damage.
2. USPS Informed Delivery: This free service allows you to preview images of your incoming mail before it’s delivered to your mailbox. Sign up on the USPS website and provide your address to receive daily email notifications with grayscale images of your letter-sized mail. It also enables you to track USPS packages and receive updates on their delivery status.
3. General Delivery Service: If you don’t have a secure location for USPS deliveries, this service allows your packages to be safely held at the post office until you can collect them. It reduces the risk of theft or damage by keeping your packages in the secure hands of the post office until you’re ready to pick them up.
4. Mail Forwarding Service: With a mail forwarding service, your packages are sent to a secure facility and then forwarded to your desired address, eliminating the risk of loss or theft. It offers a virtual address to receive packages from multiple retailers at one centralized location. Compare different providers’ costs, reliability, and additional services like package consolidation.
5. Coordinate with Neighbors or Trusted Individuals: Coordinate with a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member to receive your packages on your behalf when you’re not home. Alternatively, inquire about mail-holding services at local businesses like convenience stores or shipping centers for a fee. In communities with community mailboxes, arrange with neighbors to have packages delivered to their mailboxes.

How Can I Track My USPS Delivery?

If you’re expecting a package or mail item from USPS and want to stay updated on its delivery status, you can take advantage of the USPS tracking services:

1. USPS Tracking Number: Most packages and mail items sent through USPS will have a unique tracking number. You can enter this number on the USPS website or mobile app to view the item’s current status and estimated delivery date.
2. Informed Delivery Service: USPS offers an Informed Delivery service that provides digital previews of incoming mail and packages. By enrolling in this free service, you’ll receive email notifications and updates on your expected deliveries.
3. Text and Email Updates: You can sign up for USPS text and email updates, which will notify you when your package or mail item is out for delivery and when it has been delivered or attempted delivery.
4. USPS Customer Service: If you have any questions or concerns about a specific delivery, you can contact USPS Customer Service at 1-800-275-8777 for assistance and further information.