USPS Delays

[tex-421]

I only ship using USPS priority, but everything I've shipped in January has been really slow in delivery.  I dropped off a package on the 20th last week and tracking still says "USPS in possession of the item".  I tried to file an online missing package claim and I was blocked with a pop that said it was too early to file a report.

Anyone else having USPS headaches?

[jerseyboymusic · Accepted solution]

I haven't had issues, but go to your local post office with the tracking numbers in question and talk with your postmaster. They can try to assist. It works for me, at least

Checking on your listings, I would think at the shipping you're charging, you must be sending via a really expedited shipping service, so not sure what the hang up is with USPS in your area

[toysaver]

Always go to the USPS website for the latest tracking details rather than relying on eBay or the links they provide.  I've found that helpful.  EBay has a delay in posting the most accurate information.  

[dbfolks166mt]

I haven't had issues, but go to your local post office with the tracking numbers in question and talk with your postmaster. They can try to assist. It works for me, at least

Checking on your listings, I would think at the shipping you're charging, you must be sending via a really expedited shipping service, so not sure what the hang up is with USPS in your area

     For both items the OP has listed they are shipping priority mail using a large flat rate box which is probably excessive for the size of the items. Ground Advantage would be for more cost appealing to potential buyers. 

[dbfolks166mt]

     Where was the package going to? What does the USPS tracking currently show as the last scanned location? What does eBay show as the expected delivery date? There have been some significant shipping delays due to weather issues.

     For reference following are the timelines for filing a claim with USPS. 

[tex-421]

It's going to Maryland from DFW.  I'm amazed that by your chart you need to wait 15 days to file a claim for priority mail.   The current tracking message has been the same since I gave to the post office 6 days ago, " PO is in possession of the item".   I messaged the buyer and apologized for the delays and he was cool and said not to worry.

[adkhighker]

The USPS gets so backlogged due to the Christmas holiday that shipping always seems to slow down to a crawl starting around the second week in December and doesn't seem to get back to normal until late January.  After experiencing the pre and post holiday shipping delays in previous years I no longer list anything during that time frame.  Too many buyers who want to know where their package is or who want you to send their Christmas present to some other address than the one they have listed.  

[magnoliamama50]

YES - Lots of issues in the month of January.  USPS has been in the news several times here in the Houston area showing packages just sitting for weeks at distribution centers in Missouri City and in North Houston.  I am trying to send via UPS but items less than one pound cost too much to send this route.  Hopefully it will be corrected very soon with local congressmen getting involved. 

[dbfolks166mt]

It's going to Maryland from DFW.  I'm amazed that by your chart you need to wait 15 days to file a claim for priority mail.   The current tracking message has been the same since I gave to the post office 6 days ago, " PO is in possession of the item".   I messaged the buyer and apologized for the delays and he was cool and said not to worry.

     It depends on what part of Maryland I am in Virginia and we had some weather issues about a week ago but nothing serious that should have caused any major delays. However, that is probably irrelevant since it appears you package has never left DFW. I would assume with priority mail it would have gone most of the way by air but who knows how USPS routed it and through what airports. A lot of my packages going priority mail have been taking 4-6 days to get to their destination. I had one priority mail package that took 9 days from VA to Washington state but it was in an area that has had some major snowfalls. 

     I am guessing the 15 days is because that is calendar days so it factors in any weekends and holidays that may take place. Seems a bit long to me also but it is what it is. On the good side I have filed several claims for lost packages and the response from USPS has been pretty quick, usually 1-2 days. 

[yuzuha]

No problems here. Shipped four things on Tuesday (all Ground Advantage) and three of them are out for delivery today, even two that were going clear across the country to CA and AZ.

[johnrj1226]

The 20 th was a Saturday most POs are closed  after noon.  What time of day did you drop your  package of  on the 20th.  Sunday is  considered a non workday.  Today is the  25th your shipment could still be  delivered today. 

BTW the USPS does not  consider a package lost for 15  business days - even Priority mail.  Hang loose.  I've 1665  packages mostly via Priority only had 2 packages lost, a few delayed beyoud the  estimated delivery time of 3 business days - even from Georgia to Guam.

[tex-421]

I am fortunate enough to have an authorized sub station right next to my house that is actually open on Sundays from 10am to 6pm.  If I drop it off there (with a preprinted label, it will be scanned and tracking will change from "shipping label created" to "it is in possession of USPS" by the time I get home.  

[ckimodog]

@tex-421 

I believe the weather has a lot to do with it.  I didn't receive any mail for 4 days.  Lots of snow & ice.  Hopefully they'll get it together soon or the weather will clear up.

Happy Selling and Welcome Back!

[ryanrobyn]

it's not a long time yet as sometimes info is not even entered and delivery date. I sold jeans on 1/5 and it says to be delivered tomorrow 1/26 - I'm hopeful

[greatmidwestcoin]

You can go to your local PO and the PM or Supervisor will be able to drill down on their internal systems to exactly where an item is(location) and right to the mail equipment bin it is in on the workroom floor. Don't take no for an answer.