How to Call the Post Office (USPS)
Last updated: March 19, 2026
The USPS customer service number is 1-800-275-8777. The Postal Service delivers to over 167 million addresses every day (USPS Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report), so it's no surprise that things occasionally go sideways — a missing package, a forwarding issue, a PO box question. Here's how to get through to someone who can actually help.
- Phone number 1-800-275-8777 (1-800-ASK-USPS)
- TTY 1-877-889-2457
- Hours Mon – Fri, 8 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. ET; Sat, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. ET
- Closed Sundays and federal holidays
- Avg hold time 5 – 20 minutes (shorter than most government lines)
- Best time to call Weekday mornings before 10 a.m. ET or Saturday afternoon
- Online tracking usps.com/tracking
- Informed Delivery informeddelivery.usps.com — free daily email showing images of incoming mail
What to have ready
The more specific information you have, the faster the call goes. Depending on your issue, gather these before you dial:
- Tracking number (for packages or certified mail)
- Your full mailing address
- Dates — when you expected delivery, when you last received mail, etc.
- PO box number and zip code (for PO box issues)
- Confirmation number for existing service requests (forwarding, hold mail, etc.)
- Insurance or claim numbers if you're following up on a claim
Getting through the phone tree
The USPS phone system is voice-activated, which can be a blessing or a frustration depending on how well it understands you. Here's the fastest route to a real person:
- Call 1-800-275-8777
- When the automated system asks what you need, say "representative" or "agent"
- If it asks you to describe your issue first, say "other"
- You may need to say "representative" a second time
- The system will transfer you to a live agent
If the voice recognition isn't cooperating, try pressing 0 at each menu. The USPS system is less rigid than some other government lines — persistence pays off.
Tracking a package
Before you call, try tracking online at usps.com/tracking — it's faster and gives the same info. But if tracking shows something confusing (like "delivered" when nothing arrived), calling is the right move.
What to say
"I'm calling about a package. My tracking number is [number]. The tracking shows [delivered / in transit / no updates since (date)], but I [haven't received it / it's been stuck for X days]. Can you look into where it is and what the next step should be?"
For packages showing "delivered" but not received, the agent can open a case and have your local post office investigate. Give it at least 24 hours after the "delivered" scan before calling — packages are sometimes scanned early.
Setting up mail forwarding
Moving? You can forward your mail through USPS. The easiest way is online at usps.com/move, but you can also handle it over the phone.
What to say
"I need to set up mail forwarding. I'm moving from [old address] to [new address]. My move date is [date]. I'd like to forward mail for [individual / entire family]. Can you walk me through the process?"
Forwarding typically takes 7 to 10 business days to start. First-Class Mail and packages are forwarded for 12 months. Magazines and periodicals are forwarded for 60 days.
PO box questions
What to say
"I'm calling about a PO box. My PO box number is [number] at the [city, state] post office. I need to [renew my box / report an issue with my box / ask about availability and pricing / add an authorized user]. My zip code is [zip]."
Missing mail
If regular mail (not a package) hasn't arrived when you expected it, you may be dealing with a delivery issue at your local office. USPS handles over 127 billion pieces of mail per year (USPS Annual Report), so occasional hiccups happen.
What to say
"I haven't been receiving my mail at [address]. This has been going on since [date]. I've checked with my neighbors and there's no misdelivery. Can you open a case with my local post office to investigate? I'm also signed up for Informed Delivery and can see mail scanned that never arrived."
If you're not already using Informed Delivery (informeddelivery.usps.com), sign up. It's free, and it sends you a daily email with images of your incoming mail. That way you'll know exactly what should have arrived.
Filing an insurance claim
What to say
"I need to file an insurance claim for a package. My tracking number is [number]. The package was [lost / arrived damaged]. It was insured for [amount]. What documentation do I need to submit, and how do I start the claim?"
Tips to cut your hold time
- Call in the morning. Weekday mornings before 10 a.m. ET tend to have the shortest waits.
- Saturday afternoon is quiet. The line is open until 6 p.m. ET on Saturdays, and most people don't think to call then.
- Use the automated system for tracking. If you just need a package status, the automated voice can read it to you without waiting for an agent.
- Try your local post office directly. For delivery issues specific to your area, calling your local branch can get faster results. Find the number at usps.com/locator.
- Use the online tools. Tracking, mail forwarding, hold mail, and service requests can all be handled at usps.com. Informed Delivery gives you proactive visibility into what's coming.
- Have your tracking number ready. The single most useful thing you can do is have your tracking number before you call. It speeds up everything.
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