Truth or myth - can you really get a package moving with a missing mail inquiry?

[powell-collectibles]

Maybe someone can help with a cogent explanation on something I’ve been curious about for a long time.  Maybe highly skeptical is a better description.  Here goes:

How and why does filing a missing mail or package trace inquiry help to “get a shipment moving?”  I’ve seen people swear up and down that it works to “shake a package loose.”  For me, it makes no sense.

Most of us have seen the pictures of the USPS distribution centers – huge area, packages all over.  I don’t envision Suzy Cream Cheese filing for a missing mail search, then some center in Omaha getting a system ping, then some group of USPS ninjas drop in to find the package and then update the tracking, then load it into a vehicle to the next destination.

What I hear from the believers is that you should get some movement in a package a day or after the missing mail inquiry.  For me, that makes sense – if and when something has been stuck or without scans for several days, they’ll put in an inquiry, but I’d expect most packages to “start moving” a day or two after that internal itch prompts and inquiry, or the buyer starts to complain. 

Is there anyone with a working knowledge of USPS operations that can shed some light on this knitting circle rumor? 

[oaktoncardinal]

I've used it twice this year and a number of times over the years and in every case the package is 'found' and delivered in 7 days or less.  I wait to file until I see no movement on the package for 10 days.  You can speak to your local Postmaster to better understand USPS mail processing and get the truth.

[carlmarxx]

I agree  with the other posters.    I  request  the internal  tracking scan   a long with photo   shots also  a long with missing  mail inquiry  ,when the package or packages fall off tracking Radar  .   the issue is when the USPS  employee's  drop  the ball  on scanning  the shipping containers  .    I would like to see GPS on all the civilian   contractor   drivers  Trucks  used to  haul  shipping containers  .  

[selsa84]

Yes and no. Sometimes it works and other times it doesn't. 

[powell-collectibles]

If something hasn't moved in ten days, I'd absolutely expect that it is delivered within seven days.  As most items are delivered in a few days, sure, most packages will be delivered within a few weeks.  

[bashort]

The fact is that no one here knows, the fact that someone filed a report then the item was delivered  is about as absolute as the craps player who blew on the dice and rolled a 7

[cityslickercreations2004]

I have had customers inquire re: delivery of their package.

I then file a trace inquiry with the PO. Then, like magic, the package gets another scan or is delivered.

Did filing a trace work? I don't know.

What I do know is I can honestly inform my buyer I have filed a trace and will keep them updated. 

That goes a long way in keeping my buyer calm and patient.

[roccotacodad54]

   I once ordered a small item from a European seller (different site) and completely forgot about it.

   Ordering something else from the same seller she messaged me as to how I liked my previous purchase. After I told her I forgot all about it and never received it she said she'd look into it for me.

  After a few days she messaged me and told me apparently it got lost in a NY post office for a couple of months and should now be on the way. I don't know what she did but it was delivered a few days later. Coincidental? Perhaps.................

[powell-collectibles · Accepted solution]

Thanks for all of the replies.  I really was looking for some info as to why a MM inquiry would work.  I’m calling this one “myth busted.”