Dictionary of Business Terms: dead letter
dead letter
letter that is undeliverable by the post office and cannot be returned to the sender.
Dictionary of Marketing Terms: dead letter
dead letter
mailing piece that cannot be delivered as addressed or be returned to the sender. The U.S. Postal Service maintains a deadletter branch that aids in locating letters reportedly not delivered. The final disposition of dead letters depends upon the class of mail and the nature of the material. The retention period varies from 5 days to 30 days in most cases. Mail that is insured, or that is COD, is retained for six months. Unclaimed P.O. Box mail is kept as long as the box rental fee is paid. Registered mail is retained for 60 days. Foreign mail is turned over to the postal authorities of that country.
