Did USPS CHANGE the tracking number after I requested a mail search???

[jillsconsignment]

Shipped usps priority mail on May 6th. 

May 11th: in transit to next facility arriving late 

May 14th: buyer opens item not received case 

May 14th: I do a trace on the package and sign up for tracking updates

May 17th: I receive a tracking update email from USPS with a DIFFERENT TRACKING NUMBER. The new tracking number shows it’s in the buyers state. The old tracking number shows it’s still stuck on the May 11th tracking of in transit arriving late. 

What the heck? The original tracking number is what’s in eBay. If the usps changed the tracking number…even if the package is delivered… it will look to eBay like it wasn’t because that tracking number doesn’t change. 

[jillsconsignment]

When I look at the tracking history of the two tracking numbers again it looks like the package was given a new tracking number on May 12 after it had been stuck on in transit from May 7 to May 11. The new tracking number starts tracking on the 12th. The old tracking number start’s tracking on the 6th which was when it was accepted at the post office. 

[toysaver]

Could be the label was damaged.   Box or envelope?  Envelopes are more vulnerable and more susceptible to damage.  Was it a thermal sticker label?  Computer paper taped securely all around with packing tape?  This is better than taking a total loss, so far at least.   Hope it turns out okay.

[jillsconsignment]

It was a package. A small priority box package. The label was definitely taped securely. Something must have happened to box. But issuing a new tracking number doesn’t help me if the buyer isn’t honest. Should I change the tracking number on my orders page??

[toysaver]

"Should I change the tracking number on my orders page??"

That is a good question.  Would it hurt if the other one is dead?  I'd try to speak to USPS at their 800 number first or some professional.  Hopefully poster with experience will jump in.  

[jillsconsignment]

 I reached out to usps on twitter. The agent said they did not issue a new tracking number. He/she was adamant about it. So I’m losing my mind now I guess. When I put in the mail trace and signed up for tracking updates the email I received two days later had a completely different tracking number but showed exact same shipping from and to destination as it showed mailed from Jacksonville and last scanned in Arizona. Even the buyer said yesterday that it was in Tucson which is even weirder bc on both tracking numbers I have neither shows Tucson. The one shows in transit Jacksonville and the other went from Jacksonville to Dallas to Phoenix to Cave Creek (buyer is in Tucson).