Multiple complaints in the last week about tracking that won't update

[michael_atw]

I've been getting bombarded with buyers who are asking me if I shipped their items.  In the last week, there have been multiple instances of tracking information not updating on eBay or USPS.  One package today I checked was updated on USPS but not eBay.  Another today has no update but was shipped Monday.   Anyone else dealing with this?

USPS is careening me straight toward INRs and negs.   Make some joyful noise. 

[thatsallfolks]

I haven’t seen that with the items I’ve shipped, but I have seen it with stuff I’ve bought. My post office scans everything I mail. I love them.

[green-night]

Do you get along with the people at your PO?   

[michael_atw]

"Do you get along with the people at your PO"

The tracking isn't updating.   Apparently they're being scanned and not being updated into the electronic systems of either eBay, USPS, or both. 

[michael_atw]

They're being scanned, it's simply not updating. 

[chrysylys]

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@michael_atw wrote:

  Anyone else dealing with this?

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I've posted a few times about how bad USPS tracking is in the last couple of weeks.  According to a few news stories, ALL of the carrier systems are overloaded right now and will be until mid January at least.

But your buyers should know that also and should be checking with the carriers and not the sellers.

[thatsallfolks]

I think the delivery infrastructure has reached critical mass for handling online purchases. I don’t recall last year being this bad. It will be even worse next year.

[chrysylys]

The whole system is slowed down.  Every step along the way is taking longer.  Watching tracking I usually see an item move from one hub to another within 24-36 hours.  Now that may take at least 48 hours IF tracking updates at all.

Schedule delivery dates within the carrier websites are not being met.  I had one shown as being due Monday even though the tracking showed it wouldn't be possible.  Sometime overnight it was changed to Tuesday and the package made it.

I usually see some continuity between carrier sites for packages that will be handed off from one to another (UPS Mail Innovations for example).  I have one that shows delivered on the UPS site, but 'awaiting package' on the USPS site.