How to Reroute a Package Before It's Stolen
Move UPS, FedEx, USPS, and Amazon parcels to lockers or counters before porch delivery happens.
To reroute a package before it is stolen, change the delivery to a secure pickup point as soon as tracking shows movement. Rerouting means telling the carrier to send the parcel somewhere safer than your porch. Act from the tracking page or delivery app.
Early action matters because some options disappear once a driver is close.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 05, 2026.
Why pickup beats the porch?
A parcel left outside can disappear in minutes. A staffed counter, locker, or store pickup point keeps it indoors until you arrive with ID or a pickup code. Use tracking alerts for text or email updates.
When you see a delivery date, make the hold or locker choice right away.
How do UPS and FedEx holds work?
UPS My Choice members can reroute eligible parcels to another address, reschedule delivery, or hold packages for pickup instead of porch delivery, according to UPS change-a-delivery guidance. UPS says parcels rerouted to Access Point locations are held about 5-7 days for pickup, so collect promptly with ID and tracking information. FedEx Delivery Manager lets recipients request Hold at Location to send eligible packages to FedEx Office, Walgreens, Dollar General or other pickup points, according to FedEx delivery-management help.
FedEx says Hold for Pickup requests made before midnight the day before scheduled delivery are generally available the next day, according to FedEx Delivery Manager answers.
- Sign in to the carrier tracking tool
- Select Hold, Pickup, or Send to pickup point
- Pick a nearby location and confirm
- Bring ID, tracking number, or barcode to collect
What about USPS and Amazon orders?
USPS Package Intercept lets the sender or authorized representative stop or redirect a domestic tracked package that is not out for delivery or already delivered, including return-to-sender or Hold for Pickup. That option helps the sender, not a recipient waiting at home. Amazon says eligible Amazon Logistics shipments can be redirected to an Amazon Hub Locker through Your Orders before arrival at the delivery station.
After delivery to that pickup point, the order cannot be redirected again.
What limits and fees apply?
Carriers block some reroutes because of shipper restrictions, service type, or timing after out for delivery. Check eligibility early, especially for overnight, high-value, or signature-required parcels. USPS charges a $19.45 Package Intercept fee only if interception succeeds, plus extra postage owed.
Failed attempts carry no intercept fee, but the package still follows its original path.