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In most cases, Gift Basket Bounty will be filling and following up on any claims made with the U.S. Postal Service for packages shipped via APO or FPO, the following information is provide for your information only so that you may be able to answer some of your questions regarding the claims process.
Regarding Claims
Either the mailer or addressee may file a claim. Note: If the mailer initiates the claim, then the addressee should retain the article including the
container and packaging for inspection by the local Post Office™ and should not return it to the mailer. Failure to return it properly in accordance
with Postal Service regulations could result in denial of the claim.
Complete Loss
Unnumbered Insured articles — Mailer only may file. Numbered Insured, Registered Mail, COD, or Express Mail articles — Mailer or Addressee,
whoever is in possession of the original mailing receipt may file.
Where To File
A claim may be filed at any Post Office, station, or branch. Claims do not have to be filed at the Post Office where the article was mailed or
at the delivery Post Office.
When to File
Claims for Damage or Loss of Contents
Claims for damaged, insured articles should be filed immediately, but no later then 60 days from date of mailing.
Claims for Lost Article
APO/FPO Insured - no sooner than 45 days, no later than 180 days from date of mailing.
How to File
Obtain a PS Form 1000, Domestic Claim or Registered Mail Inquiry, from any Post Office or print one from
our Web site at www.usps.com; click on Find a Form. Complete section A of the form. The form asks for names and addresses
of the mailer and addressee, date of mailing, amount claimed, and other information. The information on the claim form is self-explanatory.
Please complete all spaces that apply. If you have any questions or need assistance, a Postal Service employee will be glad to help you.
Take the form, along with (1) evidence of insurance, (2) evidence of value, (3) proof of damage, or (4) proof of loss (for unnumbered Insured Mail only)
to any Post Office.
1 — Evidence of Insurance
Show that insurance, Registered Mail, COD, or Express Mail service was purchased for the article mailed. Although it is best to submit the original mailing
receipt if possible, any of the following are acceptable:
a. The original mailing receipt issued at the time of mailing (retail Insured Mail, Registered Mail, and COD receipts must contain a Postal Service
postmark). Reproduced copies are not acceptable. Receipts for unnumbered Insured and Express Mail articles must be surrendered at the time the
claim is initiated.
b. The wrapper showing the names and addresses of the mailer and the addressee along with the proper mail endorsement tag or label showing
that the article was sent Insured Mail, Registered Mail, COD, or Express Mail. If only the wrapper is submitted, indemnity may be limited to $100 for
Insured Mail, $100 for Registered Mail, $50 for COD, and $100 for Express Mail.
c. The original sales receipt from the Postal Service listing the mailing receipt number and insurance amount is acceptable if the original mailing receipt
is not available. Reproduced copies of the sales receipts are not acceptable.
d. A computer printout from the Web-based application through which the label was printed and insurance was purchased. The printout
must clearly identify the following: the Delivery Confirmation™ or Signature Confirmation services number of the insured parcel, total
postage paid, insurance fee paid, declared value, declared mailing/shipping date, origin ZIP Code, and delivery ZIP Code.
e. A printed online label record.
Evidence of Value
Submit evidence to show the cost or value of the article at the time it was mailed. Evidence of value other than those listed, may be requested to help
make an accurate determination of the value. For Internet purchases, a copy of the front and back of the canceled check, money order receipt, or a copy
of the credit card billing statement is required. For Internet transactions conducted through a Web-based payment network that offers payment services
through a stored value account, a computer printout of an online transaction identifying the purchaser and seller, price paid, date of transaction, description
of item purchased, and assurance that the transaction status is completed. The printout must clearly identify the Web-based payment network provider through
which the Internet transaction was conducted.
Proof of Damage or Loss of Contents
For damage or loss of contents, the addressee must immediately present the article and mailing container, including the wrapping, packaging, and any contents
that were received to the Post Office.
Proof of Complete Loss of Article
For unnumbered Insured Mail, the mailer must present a written and signed document (such as a letter) from the addressee, dated at least 21 days after
the article was mailed, stating that the addressee did not receive the article.
Numbered Insured Mail, Registered Mail, COD, and Express Mail articles do not require proof of loss from the customer. Once the claim is filed, the Postal
Service will verify whether the article was delivered.
When to Expect Payment
A properly completed and supported claim is usually paid within 10 to 15 days after the St. Louis Accounting Service Center receives the claim from the
Post Office where filed. If you have not heard anything within 20 days from filing date, please ask your local Post Office to check on your claim or you may call our
toll-free number at 866-974-2733.
What to Do If Claim is Denied
You may appeal a claim decision for a numbered insured article by filing a written appeal within 60 days of the date of the original decision.
Send your appeal to the following address:
MANAGER CLAIMS APPEALS
ACCOUNTING SERVICE CENTER
US POSTAL SERVICE
PO BOX 80141
ST LOUIS MO 63180-0141
Final Postal Service Decision
If the manager of Claims Appeals at the Accounting Service Center sustains the denial of a claim, the customer may submit an additional appeal within
60 days for final review and decision to the Consumer Advocate, Postal Service Headquarters, who may waive the standards in DMM 609 in favor of the
customer.
Send your appeal to the following address:
VICE PRESIDENT AND CONSUMER ADVOCATE
US POSTAL SERVICE DOMESTIC CLAIMS APPEALS
475 L’ENFANT PLZ SW
WASHINGTON DC 20260-2200
What happens to the damaged article I give to the Postal Service?
If the article has salvage value, the Postal Service retains it. The article is sent to a mail recovery center
where it is auctioned to the public.
What happens if the article is delivered after the claim is paid?
You may accept the article and reimburse the Postal Service the full amount you were paid if the article is undamaged. If the article is damaged, has depreciated
in value, or if the contents are not intact, the St. Louis Accounting Service Center informs you of the amount you must reimburse the Postal Service.
What happens if both the mailer and the addressee claim the insurance payment?
They should decide between them who receives payment. Otherwise, payment is made to the mailer.
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