Is anyone else experiencing any issues with USPS tracking status?

[giovdel_7322]

I recently sold a smartphone and opted to use USPS Ground Advantage to ship the item less than (but almost) two weeks ago. At the time of shipment, I wasn't aware that there was a service disruption due to weather which would affect the state that I'm located in (a banner/message appeared on the USPS website when I was checking the status of the package - which was accepted). It mentioned that any processing, transportation, tracking status, delivery of mail and packages might be delayed. Since the initial accepted scan (USPS is in possession of the package), the tracking status has not been updated.

As of yesterday, the banner/message indicating that there was a service disruption disappeared, but the tracking status still remains at the initial accepted scan. I tried reaching out to USPS, but they stated since the item is being sent to a third-party reshipper, the package is not eligible for future inquiries. I reached out to an eBay agent regarding the issue, and they suggested to continue to wait until USPS updates the tracking status and to check in with the buyer if they receive the package sometime this week or any information from the third-party reshipper.

I reached out to the buyer with any updates I had of the situation. While they appreciated the update and will provide me with any updates from their end, they explained to me that they have never experienced any issues with the address that they used before and how they're concerned that the tracking status has not been updated since the initial scan. They proceeded to ask if it was possible to cancel the order since it's almost been two weeks, to which I replied that I'm not entirely sure if it's possible if it's still in transit. I told them that I would reach out to USPS again, as well as an eBay agent regarding the issue.

Just wanted to ask, has anyone else had any issues with USPS lately? How should I best handle this situation? This is my first time ever encountering an issue like this. The original delivery window was from April 30, 2025 - May 6, 2025.

[simba6]

Yep.   They picked up a package the other day.  As of today it does not show they received it.  I do have an email that says it was picked up by them.  

[giovdel_7322]

I shipped out the package just a few hours after the buyer had bought the item. I informed the buyer when I dropped off the package at my local USPS post office (time frame in which I sent them the message matched when the USPS employee scanned the package). The tracking status has not been updated since the initial scan.

I want to hold off for another day or two to see if the tracking status does update since it's only been about a day since the service disruption due to bad weather has ended.

Without knowing its current location, I can't proceed with the cancellation of the order (especially if it's still in transit).

I reached out to an eBay agent which they initially stated that I should cancel the order and use a different shipping service. However, since I'm not entirely sure where the package is located, I can't proceed with this option. I will be at a loss if the package has already made its way to the address listed. I told them that I'd like to give it a few days (as mentioned above) to see if the tracking status updates.

If I would have known this was going to a third-party reshipper (located in the states), then I probably wouldn't have gone through with the sale. Guess it's just a waiting game now.

[12345jamesstamps]

Check the buyer in 'Feedbacks' eBay ID country...does it say USA or another country?

Just a thought it might be 'freight forward' to another country.

Even if you only ship in the USA...a buyer from another country can buy it where it is mailed to an address in the USA and then to another country.

[giovdel_7322]

I received a message from the buyer initially and from the email/notification that I received it indicated on their profile that they were from another country. I replied stating that I couldn't ship internationally, but they mentioned that they had a US address that I can ship to since they mainly travel for work. I didn't think much of it at the time and figured this whole process would proceed smoothly. As mentioned on my previous reply it looks like we'll have to wait and see whether USPS does update the tracking status (considering now that it's only going to be two days since the service disruption due to severe weather has been resolved).

[giovdel_7322]

Ended up submitting a missing mail search request and reached out to the location/address the customer provided. Waiting on an update.

[discountplace]

Yes, Its not a status issue it is a usps issue - they are taking a week to get to your packages! I am in full panic mode -  my packages from Tuesday not getting scanned in it is almost a full week! Wed, hurs Friday nothing... Im In NJ - Trenton hub area

[glorybells]

I haven’t had any problems recently, but a couple of years ago I had a package get delivered without ever having gotten an acceptance scan.  The only scan it got was the delivery scan.

[lakefor94]

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@discountplace wrote:

Yes, Its not a status issue it is a usps issue - they are taking a week to get to your packages! I am in full panic mode -  my packages from Tuesday not getting scanned in it is almost a full week! Wed, hurs Friday nothing... Im In NJ - Trenton hub area

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Have heard about that joint over the years....

[carlmarxx]

Well back then was before  USPS got  DeJoy's  ,  Civilian Contractors  picking up the trailers  .  Now  with the new postmaster general   it  will get   very  worst     .

[therealkd81]

I had a issue with my package only being scanned at the local post office so to USPS it looked like it never left there.  The buyer left me positive feedback indicating she loved her items. She confirmed via DM that she got the package and was willing to even go to her local post office for me saying she received the box. All that proof was not enough for them to mark it delivered. They basically told me to kick rocks. The package was going from San Diego to Texas and it not being scanned at all was suspicious. What?!! 

I had to go through ebay and after being escalated a few times, they released the funds. It was such a headache. 

[giovdel_7322]

Still no updates on my end. Ended up submitting an insurance claim yesterday. Just hope that the package does get delivered. Haven't heard back from the buyer when I gave them an update regarding me submitting a missing mail search request and trying to get in touch with someone (preferably customer service) at the location/address provided.

[giovdel_7322]

On the tracking status for the item I sent it only showed the initial accepted scan (until I submitted a missing mail search request which provides the search request and the ID for my case). Funds for my account are available and is currently being sent out to my designated account (keep in mind it took about 2 weeks due to estimate delivery window; shipped out April 25, 2025 (estimated delivery April 30, 2025 - May 6, 2025).

My state did encounter a service disruption due to severe weather (which seemed to be resolved early last week). However, USPS might still be encountering delays which is why I decided to wait until the end of the week to see if any updates were in sight before taking action (submitting missing mail search request and insurance claim).

[jkl2455]

The USPS is notoriously inaccurate in shipment ETA's via Ground Advantage on items mailed to Hawaii.

Ninety -five percent of packages shipped via this method miss their ETA given by USPS by several days, this is because they are loaded onto a container ship in San Francisco bound for Hawaii, the voyage can take 6-9 days.

Very rarely have I received packages shipped via Ground Advantage which were shipped via air and met the ETA date.

How they can habitually provide unrealistically optimistic ETA's to Hawaii is beyond me, this creates animosity between the seller and buyer, animosity created by the USPS and no one else.

The fact of the matter is that the woeful USPS is full of "kukai"...

[giovdel_7322]

As mentioned, I've submitted a Missing Mail Search Request on May 8, 2025, as well as an insurance claim on May 11, 2025.

For the Missing Mail Search Request, I opted to proceed with delivering the package to the addressee if found.

I informed the buyer about both of these updates.

My question is, if the buyer wants to proceed with a refund but the package is technically still in transit, we will still have to wait until the Missing Mail Search Request is fulfilled and the insurance claim is approved, correct? Or can they request a refund on their end and we proceed with what eBay says?

Edit: Talked to an eBay agent, they stated that the buyer should request a refund (open a case). Only options are to update tracking details (which I can't do; USPS hasn't updated it's tracking since I initiated a Missing Mail Search Request), refund the buyer, or message the buyer. At a loss at this point.