New research highlights significant regional differences in concerns over lost or stolen deliveries across the US Residents in remote and less densely populated states show the highest levels of online searches for missing packages.
The study, conducted by AutoDS, examined average search volumes for more than 150 keywords related to package issues, such as “USPS lost mail,” “Amazon package stolen,” “FedEx missing package,” and “missing mail.” Researchers adjusted total monthly search volumes against each state’s population to establish a fair comparison based on monthly searches per 100,000 residents.
Geographic breakdown: States most affected
Across the nationwide findings, the top 10 states with the highest search volume per 100,000 residents are
| Rank | State | Monthly Searches / 100k | Total Monthly Searches | State Population | Leading Carrier (Searches / 100k) |
| 1 | Alaska | 98.17 | 720 | 733,406 | USPS (57.84) |
| 2 | Hawaii | 95.69 | 1,373 | 1,435,138 | USPS (63.41) |
| 3 | Vermont | 83.53 | 541 | 647,464 | USPS (38.23) |
| 4 | North Dakota | 82.38 | 646 | 783,926 | USPS (39.86) |
| 5 | Wyoming | 72.48 | 423 | 584,057 | USPS (32.10) |
| 6 | Delaware | 71.39 | Not specified | Not specified | USPS |
| 7 | Rhode Island | 70.26 | Not specified | Not specified | USPS |
| 8 | Washington | 69.87 | Not specified | Not specified | USPS |
| 9 | Colorado | 66.51 | Not specified | Not specified | USPS |
| 10 | Illinois | 66.09 | Not specified | Not specified | USPS |
Carrier breakdown for the top 5 states
USPS-related searches proved the most popular nationwide, topping the list in every state analysed. This reflects the carrier’s extensive role in last-mile delivery, particularly in challenging terrain.
The specific carrier search distributions per 100,000 residents in the five highest-ranking states show
- Alaska: USPS leads at 57.84. FedEx and UPS tie forn 2nd at 8.41 each.
- Hawaii: USPS leads at 63.41, followed by UPS at 6.74 and FedEx at 6.39.
- Vermont: USPS leads at 38.23, followed by UPS at 12.10 and FedEx at 9.40.
- North Dakota: USPS leads at 39.86, followed by Amazon at 9.89 and FedEx at 9.14.
- Wyoming: USPS leads at 32.10, followed by UPS at 9.99 and FedEx at 9.42.
Key factors and expert insights
Lior Pozin, Founder and CEO of AutoDS, commented on the findings: “What stands out is how clearly geography shapes the data. Alaska and Hawaii face unique logistical challenges that the lower 48 states simply don’t, but seeing landlocked states such as Vermont and North Dakota ranking higher than California or Texas suggests this is not purely a distance issue. Population density and the availability of secure delivery options like lockers and doorstep alternatives likely play a role. For consumers in these states, clear tracking visibility and prompt communication are essential.”
Broader US package theft remains a notable issue. Recent reports estimate that tens of millions of packages are stolen annually, contributing to billions in consumer and retailer losses, though overall rates have shown some stabilisation in certain analyses.
The findings underscore how search behaviour can serve as a proxy for real-world frustrations with delivery reliability. Factors such as rural routes, weather impacts in northern states, and island logistics in Hawaii and Alaska appear to heighten concerns, even as major carriers invest in improved tracking and alternative delivery solutions.
Consumers in high-ranking states may benefit from using secure collection points, detailed tracking, and communication with carriers when delays occur. As online shopping continues to grow, addressing these regional disparities could help maintain trust in delivery services nationwide.