Anyone having delays with packages mailed priority with USPS?

[titanictarn]

USPS question.

I sold an item almost 2 weeks ago,  mailed via USPS priority mail. In looking at tracking , it was listed as having been accepted by the post office where I dropped it off. A day later it was listed as in transit.  But no updates for almost 2 weeks.  Should I concider the package lost? I might just issue my buyer a refund today.  Anyone here mail somthing priority, tracking doesn't update for a week or two? Every other parcel i mailed priority reached the destination without delay

[rock.star]

Yes it been happening of late .

You need to call the Post office sometimes they can shake it loose.

[rebell45]

You may want to go to the USPS website and file a missing mail request. Also, keep in contact with your buyer and let them know what is going on. I wouldn't refund until they request it, because as soon as you do, the package will show up.

[valkseller · Accepted solution]

Yes, it's happened to me a few times since COVID started, and that's the reason USPS is giving.

You can go to USPS website.  On the top banner of drop down menus go to "Help"

Select "Find Missing Mail"

Select Option 3 "Submit a Missing Mail Search Request"

It may force you to first use Option 2 "Help Request From"

Don't bother with the USPS 800 number.

Wait 2 hours to speak to someone, who will tell you the same tracking information that you see on line when you enter your tracking number.  Complete waste of time.

I've also asked my post office's supervisor who also couldn't tell me anymore than what's shown on the online tracking, but he said, larger, heavier packages aren't always machine scannable and those are the one's getting delayed.  The two of mine this happened to were coincidentally large and heavy.

I can't say that the online search request actually does something, maybe just a coincidence, but the few times I did it the package started moving again within a day or two of submitting the online search requests.  And I got an email response back from the destination's post office confirming that they are contacting the upstream facilities.

[pickermall]

Yes! One item (Priority Mail) was shipped to me from Kentucky (3 hours from me) 2 weeks ago and has been stuck in Cincinnati for almost as long..

I ordered an item last week in Illinois that is still "Waiting For Acceptance". Meanwhile, I ordered a postage scale last Tuesday from California that arrived Thursday.

[titanictarn]

                 ****UPDATE ********

My buyer recieved the package.  There was a delay but for some reason the tracking never updated.  The post office suggested it might have been a dud barcode . So there is hope if tracking for your package never updates 

[canyontopher]

USPS service is terrible and getting worse.  One package I sent Priority mail 3 weeks ago just this morning shows that it was processed through the Buffalo hub... After arriving there 7 days ago.  Fortunately the sender has been understanding. 

And just because it says "processed" doesn't mean it's on the way to the next location.  It could still be on a pallet waiting for pickup.  Even a "departed" status isn't always accurate.  I've had packages show departed 2 and 3 times at the same location!

I always watch my eBay orders for actual delivery and if one still shows "shipped" while others around it in the eBay report are "delivered" I reach out to the buyer and apologize.  I almost always get a positive response and haven't yet had to refund anyone for a delayed item.

[case4]

Tis the season! A quick search of "mail delay" brought up dozens of news stories about packages being delayed for many reasons. Covid, staff shortages, unprecedented holiday volume, etc., etc.  Of all the years to depend on the mail and have it fall short.  😞

[titanictarn]

One of my packages FINALLY moved, but its now sitting in a mail hub states away from its destination. It definatly won't reach the buyer before Christmas 

[choxter1]

2 weeks?  Try almost 4 weeks to the day on two of my larger Priority  Packages. Still sitting somewhere in the Midwest. I had as many as 5 but all have gotten there except these 2. I get same answer and did open lost package. They opened it an closed it in same day with "Due to COVID" stock answer.  They do not even look or make any attempt to look.  So , opening the lost item ticket does absolutely nothing. Good luck. I have been to the local Post Office and complained several times. I am told they have a stack over 4 inches high just for my small post office. Mine allegedly went into the stack ( bottomless pit) 

[evafindsforyou]

Another member supplied me with the solution last week, but I can't find that post to say thank you, so I will tell you and others, I did what they suggested, and it seems to be working. On October 28th, 2022 my buyer notified me he had not received the package I mailed Priority Mail on the 25th of October. On checking this forum, I saw that the seller needs to file a missing package complaint on the USPS website. There was no tracking itinerary and my post office had said they just "throw all the boxes in a truck and the packages don't get scanned until the truck reaches Eagan" (I live in St. Paul) !!! You cannot file the complaint until 7 days have passed since you mailed it. I filed the complaint November 1, and today I checked the tracking number and it said the package was in Atlanta! (It is going to Oregon!) So, fingers crossed, the buyer should receive it... 

[kh-cathy]

Hi everyone,

Due to the age of this thread, it has been closed to further replies. Please feel free to start a new thread if you wish to continue to discuss this topic.

Thank you for understanding.