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How to Intercept a USPS Package

USPS Package Intercept lets you redirect a domestic package to a new address, hold it at a post office for pickup, or return it to the sender — all for a fee of approximately $15 plus any additional postage if re-routed to a new address. The package must still be in the USPS network (not yet delivered) and must have a USPS tracking number. Intercept success is not guaranteed — packages already loaded onto a delivery vehicle or at the delivery unit cannot always be intercepted.

Step-by-step

1
Confirm intercept eligibility
Requirements: the package must have a USPS tracking number, be in transit (not yet delivered), and be a domestic shipment. First Class Package, Priority Mail, and Ground Advantage all qualify. Large Flat Rate Boxes may be excluded. International packages do not qualify for Package Intercept.
2
Go to USPS Package Intercept online
Visit usps.com/manage/package-intercept. Sign in with your USPS account. Enter the tracking number. USPS checks if the package is eligible for intercept based on its current location.
3
Choose your intercept action
Option A: Redirect to a new address — re-routes the package; additional postage charged based on the new destination. Option B: Hold at a post office for pickup — sends the package to your nearest post office; you pick it up with ID. Option C: Return to sender — sends the package back to the origin address.
4
Pay the intercept fee
USPS charges ~$15 for the intercept service, billed to a credit card. If you're adding a new delivery address in a different zone, additional postage is charged based on the distance. Total cost is usually $15–$30.
5
Monitor tracking for intercept confirmation
After submitting, check the tracking number on usps.com every few hours. If intercept is successful, you'll see a 'Intercept Accepted' scan event. If the package was already too close to delivery, you'll see a 'Intercept Not Possible' message.

Good to know

•Act immediately — the earlier in transit you submit the intercept, the higher the success rate. Packages already at the local delivery facility are often too late to intercept.
•USPS Package Intercept does not work for international packages, military mail (APO/FPO/DPO), or packages without electronic tracking.
•If the intercept fails and the package delivers to the wrong address, contact USPS to arrange a pickup attempt or have the recipient at the wrong address return it.

Frequently asked questions

How much does USPS Package Intercept cost?

The base fee is ~$15. If you redirect to a new address in a different ZIP zone, additional postage applies on top of the $15 fee. Hold at Post Office and Return to Sender cost only the $15 base fee.

Is Package Intercept guaranteed?

No. USPS makes a best effort to intercept the package, but success depends on where the package is in the network. Packages already on a delivery vehicle typically cannot be intercepted. USPS refunds the fee if the intercept attempt fails.

Can I intercept a package someone sent me?

Yes, if you have the tracking number and a USPS account. Both senders and recipients can submit an intercept request as long as the tracking number is valid.

What if my package was already delivered to the wrong address?

Package Intercept no longer applies post-delivery. Contact USPS Customer Service (1-800-275-8777) to report a misdelivery. USPS can contact the local post office to attempt package recovery, but this is not guaranteed.