key points:
- Your package could get stuck in transit for many reasons: loss, damage, or perhaps a failure in the USPS tracking system
- Most USPS packages are automatically insured for $100
- contact your local post office, submit a search query through usps and contact the recipient immediately if your usps shipment gets stuck in transit
what a bummer: your usps package is stuck in transit. checked the tracking information and, yes, your package does not show any forward movement. if you’re an ecommerce merchant, chances are the customer has noticed it too and that’s their own headache. what can you do?
Once USPS begins the process of delivering your package, it is labeled “in transit”. For domestic shipments, a USPS package is stuck in transit at a USPS sorting warehouse. for international shipments, you could be stuck with usps or customs.
Your package could get stuck in transit for many reasons: loss, damage, or even a failure of the USPS tracking system. however, the us post office will most likely uu. understaffed may have mislabeled, mislabeled, or simply overlooked your package. this means it can be located fairly easily once you draw attention to its absence.
This blog explains what to do when your USPS package gets stuck in transit and how these frustrations occur in the first place.
what does “stuck in transit” mean?
tracking information says your usps shipment is stuck in transit. Or you may see an image like the one below that says: “Your package is moving within the USPS network and is on its way to be delivered to its final destination.”
This notification is how USPS tells you that your package is still en route to be delivered. However, it doesn’t mean that anyone at USPS actually knows where your package is at this time.
This message is meant to reassure, but it doesn’t reveal anything, especially if it’s been more than a few days. Understanding how this happens helps to understand how USPS moves packages to their destination.
The life of a USPS package begins when USPS accepts your package at your local post office. Next, a USPS freight driver picks up your package at the post office and transports it to its final destination. Your package is scanned before it is loaded onto the outbound truck and now appears as “in transit” in the USPS tracking system.
The driver then transports your package to the next USPS delivery depot, also known as a Network Distribution Center (NDC). an ndc is a large regional center that routes mail in different directions. Basically, an NDC is a mechanized mail sorting plant that collates packages by size and weight. sorted packages are ready to be trucked to the next depot, or headed out for final delivery to the surrounding region.
Whenever your package arrives at the next distribution center, the shipping label is scanned and the tracking information is updated with its new location. except… when it’s not.
Basically, a “stuck in transit” message means that your shipment has not been scanned at any distribution depot in the last 24 hours. you know he made it to the last location, but what happened next… well… is anybody’s guess.
why is your usps shipment stuck in transit?
usps sends more than 129 billion pieces of mail each year. Unsurprisingly, amidst all the moving parts, things can go wrong.
here is a list of possible reasons why your usps package is stuck in transit:
- incorrect/incomplete address: The most common reason shipments are not delivered. if this is the problem, you simply need to contact usps to fix the address and your package will continue happily.
- misordered: thousands of packages flow through usps facilities sorting every day, and sometimes packages fall into the wrong place.
- lost: it happens, unfortunately. your best recourse is to file a claim and request reimbursement if possible.
- International Customs: Cross-border shipments can get stuck in customs for many reasons, including errors in customs documents, unpaid duties or taxes, or the contents of the package are prohibited .
- Environmental forces: From traffic to bad weather, packages can be delayed en route due to physical conditions that prevent trucks from carrying your package.
- weight/size issues: if a warehouse finds that your package is too large or heavy for the shipping label , you can stop the progress of the shipment until you pay the difference.
- Improper packaging: the couriers reserve the right to stop delivery if a package is perceived as unstable or dangerous to move. If your package has fallen apart due to poor packaging, this could be the cause.
Whatever the cause, it’s best not to panic or overreact. Most mail lost in the USPS system is found. Plus, most USPS packages are automatically insured for $50-$100.
here are some things to keep in mind when trying to figure out why your usps shipment is stuck in transit:
- Tracking statuses may take 24-48 hours to update.
- Check your estimated delivery time. if you have shipped overnight and you are one day late, maybe wait one day. but if four days have passed, something is definitely wrong.
- Distance between distribution centers can be hundreds of miles. This means that in some cases it may take a couple of days for the tracking information to update, especially with slower USPS delivery services. however, if you sent priority or first class mail, the update should take no more than a day.
what to do if your usps shipment gets stuck in transit
It is impossible to know what the message “usps shipment is stuck in transit” means. Either your shipment is on its way or it’s stuck on the road and you need to take action to remedy the situation. this is what easyship recommends:
1. contact recipient immediately
Being proactive is the best remedy for backtracking that results from packet delays. contact the recipient to let them know you’re aware. be sure to apologize sincerely and let them know you’re doing your best to find the package.
Depending on your store’s policy, make it clear that you’ll issue a refund or send a replacement within a few days if nothing shows up. Bad shipping experiences are one of the top reasons customers leave online merchants, so it’s best to act quickly on behalf of customers.
2. contact your local post office
Bring your tracking information and ask your local post office staff for help. or call and ask to speak to the post office supervisor. either way, have someone look into what’s wrong. Being courteous and patient with postal employees is the best way to respond quickly and thoroughly.
3. submit a search query online
If the postal service employee can’t help you, or you just prefer to do things online, submit a customer service request through the online portal at ups.com.
usps will initiate a query as to where your package is and email you the results. this means that usps will search through its computer system and physical locations such as the failed mail department (for damaged mail) to try to locate your package.
4. tracking
hopefully, usps will be able to locate your stuck shipment and get it moving again. You should receive a response within one day on any development of your online inquiry.
If your shipment is not found, be sure to update the recipient as soon as possible. then do what you can to make amends. many buyers are okay with a replacement item shipped in a hurry.
If your shipment was insured, and most have a certain amount, file a claim online. It might take a couple of weeks to receive your compensation, but it’s better than nothing.
your usps shipment is stuck in transit
usps shipments get stuck in transit from time to time. Anytime a package gets stuck in transit with USPS, it’s best to wait for a tick to see if it moves.
If a day passes in vain, please contact your local post office or make an inquiry online. be sure to communicate with the recipient of the package to mitigate the bad feelings of a delayed package. then cross your fingers and wait for your package to show up. if not, you can file an insurance claim, but this may be too little too late.
If you want to ship with a more reliable courier service but still pay low USPS prices, you can create a free account with easyship. all of our users get up to 70% off all courier rates, thanks to our pre-negotiated discount partnerships with fedex, ups, dhl and more.
usps stuck in transit frequently asked questions
How long does a USPS package stay in transit?
Depending on the courier service, your USPS package may be in transit anywhere from a day to a couple of weeks.
what does “in transit, arriving late” mean for a usps package?
This message means your USPS package was delayed in transit and will not be delivered on time.
what does “item currently in transit to destination” mean for a usps package?
This message means that your USPS package is on its way to its final destination.
If you found this article valuable, you may want to check out the following:
- tracking usps shipments
- 8 reasons why usps shipments are delayed
- a guide to usps delivery times for 2021