When tracking a package, encountering the status “Returned to Sender” (RTS) signifies a definitive failure in the final delivery attempt. This status triggers a process to send the item back to its origin. RTS is a clear indication that the initial fulfillment of the shipment has been halted and reversed by the carrier. Understanding this notification is the first step in managing this common logistical issue.
What Does “Returned to Sender” Officially Mean?
Major carriers utilize “Returned to Sender” (RTS) to denote a specific phase in the delivery cycle. This status confirms the package has undergone delivery attempts and has been deemed undeliverable to the intended recipient. The carrier has officially terminated the forward movement of the package and initiated its reverse transit back to the original mailing address provided by the shipper.
The RTS designation differs from statuses like “Undeliverable as Addressed” (UAA) or “Delivery Attempted.” UAA is an initial finding that the address is flawed, while RTS confirms the decision to begin the physical return, moving the item out of the destination facility. For the sender, this status marks the formal conclusion of the original shipping contract and the start of the return journey.
The Most Common Reasons for Return
The decision to return a package stems from distinct failure points identified by carrier staff during sorting or final delivery. Carriers must document the precise reason for the reversal, usually stamped or written directly onto the returned item. These documented reasons provide the necessary insight for the sender to correct the underlying issue before any subsequent reshipment.
Address Issues
The most frequent cause for a return is an issue with the mailing address provided on the label. This includes basic errors such as a missing apartment number, an incorrect street suffix, or a transposed zip code. The package may also be returned if the recipient has moved and their mail forwarding order has expired or was never filed, often leading to the designation “Moved, Left No Address.”
Delivery Refusal
An item is designated as RTS if the intended recipient explicitly refuses to accept the package upon delivery. This can happen if the recipient did not expect a shipment or if the package appears significantly damaged upon arrival. Refusal also occurs when a recipient is unwilling to pay outstanding charges, such as Customs Duties and Taxes or a Collect on Delivery (COD) fee.
Failure to Pay Required Fees
Insufficient postage on the original shipment is a common trigger for a return, particularly with smaller packages or documents. When a package is underpaid, the carrier may attempt to collect the difference from the recipient, but if the recipient refuses or is unavailable to pay, the item is sent back. Similarly, for international shipments, if the necessary customs clearance fees or Value Added Tax (VAT) are not settled by the recipient within the holding period, the package is flagged for mandatory return to the country of origin.
Item Prohibited or Damaged
The contents of a package can be the reason for the return, particularly if they violate shipping regulations. Items containing undeclared hazardous materials, such as lithium batteries or flammable liquids, may be detected during transit scanning and flagged as non-mailable. If a package sustains catastrophic damage that compromises its structural integrity or exposes the contents, the carrier may deem it unsafe or impossible to deliver and initiate the return to the sender for inspection and claim processing.
Navigating the Return Transit Process
Once the RTS status is applied, the item begins its journey back to the original sender, following a different set of logistical rules than the outgoing shipment. The timeframe for this return transit is much slower than the original delivery estimate due to the lower priority given to return mail in the sorting and transportation network. The packages often travel on stand-by space and are not guaranteed expedited movement.
In many cases, the original sender is responsible for the cost of the return postage, particularly if the return reason was due to an address error. The item receives fewer detailed tracking scans compared to the initial outbound trip. Senders should expect the tracking updates to be sparse until the package reaches a local facility near the origin address.
What the Sender Needs to Do Next
The sender’s primary action upon receiving a returned package is to immediately inspect the item for specific carrier markings. Postal workers use stamps or labels, such as “Attempted—Not Known,” “Refused,” or “Insufficient Address,” which provide the definite reason for the delivery failure. This documentation is the most useful piece of information for resolving the situation.
Following the identification of the return reason, the sender must contact the intended recipient to confirm the correct delivery details. If an address discrepancy is found, the label must be generated with the verified information, ensuring all necessary components, including the apartment or suite number, are present. Communication also allows the sender to confirm if the recipient still wishes to receive the item.
If the recipient confirms they want the item, the sender will need to determine the cost of a second shipment, as the postage from the first attempt is generally consumed and not refundable. Alternatively, if the item is no longer wanted or the recipient cannot provide a verifiable address, the sender must process a refund for the item’s purchase price. Shipping costs are typically non-refundable unless the failure was due to a service error on the part of the carrier.
The sender should also verify their shipping settings, especially for international orders, to ensure that the correct customs documentation and tariff codes were included. Taking these corrective measures minimizes the chance of a second return and streamlines future fulfillment operations.
Steps the Intended Recipient Can Take
When an intended recipient sees the RTS status applied to their tracking, their direct actions are limited since the package is physically moving away from their location. The first and most productive step is to immediately contact the original sender or retailer to alert them of the status change. This communication is necessary to initiate the resolution process from the sender’s end.
The recipient should carefully verify the shipping address they provided on the original order, checking for any typos or omissions that might have triggered the return. They should also inquire with the sender about the specific reason the carrier provided for the return, as this determines the fastest path forward. The recipient and sender must then coordinate whether a refund or a new shipment should be arranged. It is generally not possible for the recipient to intercept the package or redirect it once the carrier has officially designated it as “Returned to Sender” and the return transit has begun.