Why Is USPS Tracking Not Updating? USPS has been accredited as one of the best postal companies in the world. It has evolved to have tracking updates that were not there in the past. It is also known for its fast and accurate services. However, with all its good mentions, customers experience tracking challenges from time to time. This is exacerbated by USPS’s handling of an increasing number of customers. Other inevitable situations may hinder the tracking.
Reasons USPS Tracking Delays
- Bad Weather
Harsh weather such as hurricanes, tornadoes, deluges, and earthquakes can impede tracking. USPS can’t predict the weather pattern in the different states or locales the items may pass through. This makes it difficult to scan or update the mail at every stop.
USPS also handles a lot of emails from clients, which is ever increasing. USPS scans its mails in batches to ensure that its emails are scanned. However, due to the number of mails, its staff may fail to notice some mails or mistake them for scanned mails. In this case, one does not get immediate notice. But the customers do get the notice when the mail is sent for delivery.
- Numerous Mails
At times, the staff may be short compared to the myriads of mails at USPS. It is common during holidays, or it may be spontaneous. The employee may skip the scanning procedure in this case to hasten the process.
- Default System
The scan may also be damaged, making an employee skip the process. The code may also give erroneous information. Lastly, the vehicle may break down, causing the delay.
- Employee Shortage
The employee may also be on leave or have completed their shift till the next day. Additionally, absence due to an employee’s illness may also slow down the delivery. Therefore, one should be patient because the mail will eventually move even if it is not yet moving.
- Lost Packages
There are cases when the tracking stops permanently or temporarily. For example, a package may be damaged beyond repair that USPS can’t track it, USPS has lost track of the package’s current location, or it may be lost. Though this happens rarely compared to the past, rare cases still occur.
- USPS Fails to Notify its Customer of its Final Delivery
USPS may deliver the package to one’s address but fail to notify the receiver that their mail has arrived. This may be because of an error with the staff or if the barcode may be damaged during transit making it difficult to scan the package.
Suppose an individual receives a notification that their package has been sent but has not been received after a reasonable time. In that case, one should check around the delivery area to verify if the package has arrived.
Ways an Individual Can go about the Problem if USPS is Not Updating
Delay in tracking updates can be a problem on a customer’s end or with the carrier. On an individual’s end, one should verify their number using:
- The shipping receipt.
- USPS confirmation email
- USPS insurance sales receipt.
- Or the back of the orange slip for those that have missed its delivery.
If the problem is not with the customer, one can call customer care through its number at 1-800-275-8777, the technical support group at 1-800-344-7779, or the delivery personnel at 1-800-222-1811. Secondly, one can go to the post office to inquire about the issue, but one should make sure they have the tracking number. Lastly, one can wait for the package if the delivery time is not overdue. However, this is not an ideal option if one’s package is urgent.
After contacting USPS about the package, USPS takes two days to update its customer. If USPS fails to update the package within a week, one should presume that the package is lost. Therefore, one should send a mail requesting a search. The mail should include:
- The details are in the package.
- The tracking number.
- The mail address of the sender and the receiver.
One can also use the US Global mail, superior tracking tools. It provides fast updates and renders digital services such as scans and has photographs on its envelop and packages.
Where to Find Tracking Information?
One can find tracking information on:
- USPS website
- On one’s smartphone app
- USPS service line. Individuals should text 28777 with the tracking number. Alternatively, one can call it customer service.
Conclusion
One should be patient when USPS delays updating them. It might be that USPS still has the package in its old location. Secondly, USPS may skip the scanning process to make their delivery faster during busy days, or it may have forgotten to scan the packages. Lastly, USPS may not yet have scanned the package for delivery.
FAQS
- Where can one confirm the USPS tracking number?
In one confirmation email, the USPS sends.
- Does USPS reuse their tracking numbers?
Yes. It is a rare case, but USPS does reuse its numbers. This explains why a customer may receive delivery notifications long after the delivery was made.
