Feeling overwhelmed with all the USPS tracking statuses? You’re not alone. USPS shipment tracking is not updating during transit – what went wrong?
such as direct mail automation & bulk mail service, we understand the importance of knowing what USPS status codes mean for your post. we help track thousands of pieces of mail a day.
If your order shipped but USPS tracking is not updating, you can use USPS services to track it. You’ll receive a unique identification for a package or envelope, called a “tracking number,” that you can use to track the package online during transit. this is an invaluable tool that allows you to check the status of your package at any time.
so where’s your package? Unfortunately, sometimes there is a problem and you will find that the USPS shipment tracking does not update. There are many reasons why the USPS tracking system does not work, which we will explain in the following guide.
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possible reasons why usps tracking is not updating
Your tracking is updated when a postal worker scans the package, when it arrives at a new facility, or when you load the package onto a truck. So why isn’t USPS shipment tracking updating?
Once a package is scanned, it can take up to 24 hours for the tracking system to update the ticket number with the new information.
These are some of the main factors that could be responsible for USPS tracking not updating:
Bad weather conditions can disrupt USPS tracking
If USPS tracking is not updating, it may be because the information was not updated due to inclement weather. weather can slow your mail or package down to the next station.
When shipping across the country, it must go through several stations in different regions and cities with different weather conditions. bad weather can also cause barcodes to be damaged and therefore unscannable.
package not scanned or updated
You may be wondering why your package hasn’t been scanned even though it’s already on its way to its destination. it could be because the barcode is not easy to scan. a barcode may be too light or blurry. they can also be stained or torn during handling. Although the post office can enter barcodes manually, sometimes the shipping time is tight and they are not scanned.
Due to damage, barcodes can sometimes be read on the first scan, but not on the second or third try. the tag contains routing information, so you’ll likely be on your way to your destination and on time.
Low staffed facilities and high shipping volumes can also affect updates, and it’s not uncommon for the USPS to skip scanning packages when time is short. the first scan may occur upon arrival at a regional center near the final destination.
package lost somewhere
The USPS considers a package lost if the tracking information has not been updated within seven days. If you are concerned that your tracking number is not updating and your package is missing, you can perform a missing shipment search with usps.
update delayed by operator
If the usps tracking number is out of date, it may be due to two reasons caused by the carrier. the first is that the person doing the scanning has finished their turn. in this case, they put your package on the truck or return it to the distribution center. don’t worry! it will be delivered the next day.
In addition, unexpected circumstances, such as a truck malfunction, puncture, or driver illness, can also cause a delay in delivery status updates.
your package has been delivered without a delivery status update
If your last package had an “out of delivery” update and it hasn’t changed in the last few hours, or days, it’s not a bad idea to check your house to see if the package has already arrived and just hasn’t been updated like delivered yet.
It may be that your package or envelope has already been delivered to your address (or to the intended recipient).
why is my usps package not moving?
During the holidays, USPS facilities are often at full capacity and may experience congestion resulting in USPS shipment tracking not being updated.
It may not even be your package or envelope that is causing the delay, but rather a “pre-stored” piece of mail that is preventing your mail from being updated, scanned, and delivered to you. if your package isn’t on its way yet, it will probably start moving again soon.
when will i get a tracking update from usps?
usps normally updates your status within 24-48 hours. When tracking your package, you must have your tracking information ready. To understand how often USPS tracking updates, let’s look at how USPS shipment tracking works.
usps provides a tracking number for each shipment. The tracking number is located on the USPS shipping label and is updated with each scan. tracking keeps the recipient informed about the progress of the shipment.
While USPS shipment tracking updates each time your package arrives at a new facility or is loaded onto a truck, it cannot track the package in real time like it can with other carriers. if the packet travels a long distance, it will make more stops and update more frequently. if the package comes from a location not too far away, it may only be updated once or twice before it is delivered.
what can i do if my usps tracking number is not updating?
If your status does not change within 48 hours, you can contact the USPS through their website. however, we recommend waiting five days before contacting the usps.
If the tracking number has not yet been updated on the USPS tracking page, please contact the postal service directly. you can proceed as follows:
verify your usps tracking number
If the USPS tracking information does not update for days, you need to make sure you have the correct tracking number. below is a list of places where you can check the number:
- usps shipping receipt
- proof of purchase (if you purchased insurance)
- usps confirmation email
- bottom, peel- part of shipping label
- back of orange sheet of paper if delivery was missed
contact usps customer service
The easiest way to get help is to call the USPS Service Hotline at 1-800-275-8777 for answers and information on any questions about tracking updates. You can also call technical support at 1-800-344-7779 or delivery tracking at 1-800-222-1811. This official USPS phone number will connect you with someone who can help you get proper and accurate information. If your tracking status hasn’t been updated for more than a week, be sure to call one of the USPS hotlines.
go to the post office
You can also drop by your local post office in person to get accurate delivery information for your package. this is often the best way to get answers, because you can talk to someone face-to-face. if you’re not ready to go to the post office, you can always call them. You can find the phone number of your local postal service office with a simple Google search. just be sure to call the local number and not the usps hotline.
please wait a few days to get the tracking details
Ordered something that hasn’t been updated in a few days? if so, it’s best to wait another day or two to see if your package arrives. however, this might not be the best option if your item is urgent. If you’re patiently waiting for something important, it’s best to contact USPS customer service or visit your local post office for more information.
In short, if your USPS tracking isn’t updating, use the USPS text tracking feature, call customer service, or visit your post office to check when your mail should arrive.
how long does it take for usps to update tracking after delivery?
If you dropped off your package and still haven’t received an update, it’s probably because USPS hasn’t scanned it yet. If you deliver your package after hours, the postal service will not scan it until the next day. It’s also possible that it won’t update after you drop it off because it’s queued at a USPS facility, or the postal workers scanning the packages couldn’t do it that day. if they didn’t scan, it would take a few days for the first scan to show up and mark the package as “in transit”.
usps tracking not updating: final thoughts
Worried about USPS shipment tracking not updating? usps is usually very good at sending tracking updates. Tracking updates may not be in real time, but they are rarely late or incorrect, and rarely a cause for concern. If the tracking is not up to date, please make sure you have entered the exact same tracking number. USPS has a tracking number for each shipment, so you must use the correct number. If the problem persists, there may be a carrier issue.
Missing mail search requests will sometimes result in an update to tracking scans, but it’s always best to contact your local post office for an update. your local post office is the best source of information when tracking scans are not available. so please visit them and ask how they can help you with tracking updates if you have questions about the delivery status of your package.
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