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?

[ebeths_eclectic_collectibles]

Had two problems. One was misrouted across the country but finally delivered. With the other one I got to learn about the dreaded USPS north Houston sorting fiasco. That one I was forced to refund as the customer filed an INR. Terrible mess

[dzur2003]

Estimates for when the Houston issues will be resolved range from April to July.   The problem is not going away soon.  Ebay really ought to make an announcement on this.

[lakefor94]

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@tex-421 wrote:

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.  

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That is nice.

[ebeths_eclectic_collectibles]

I hate to be cynical but if you live in the affected area you can just order all you want with usps shipping, know it will arrive very late and just file INRs to get it free

[tex-421]

Alls well that end well.  I just got a notice the item was delivered and the buyer gave me a + feedback.

[pcobra93]

As it turns out, I have one sitting in North Houston for a week now....VERY FRUSTRATING. Must be some real issues at that hub.

[mahahooey]

Yep, same issues on my end as well and USPS provides no help whatsoever.  3 priority mail packages shipped in January took over 2 weeks each to arrive to their destinations (one was only a few states away!).  In between those dates, no tracking updates whatsover.  I pointed this out to my local postmaster and he said there was nothing he could do.  To add insult to injury, you have to wait at least 2 weeks before you can file a claim for a lost item on USPS' site!  My only advice for you is to reach out to your buyer and express your concern and that there are definitely delays in their sorting facilities.  This buys you a little time before they file a case with eBay for not receiving the item.   Hopefully, the items arrive before then.   Once they open the case, the clock starts ticking.

[tobaccocardyahoo]

PO is in possession of the item

Either there is a problem at your PO or Ebay has not updated their tracking.

The suggestion to ALWAYS go to the USPS site for tracking information is right on.

There are definitely problems in sorting centers like Houston and Boston but this is not those problems.

[henderson409]

I've been having tons of problems for months with the USPS delivery of my items, either sold or purchased items.   In my opinion Ground Advantage is vague, it gives USPS too many options to delay shipping just by not sending the package on or sending it to the right source.  Sometimes the items aren't even scanned in and you have no clue where they are.   I have even had tracking state the delivery date and then turn around and post for 3 days that there is a delay.  Ohio is the worse, I purchased from an Ohio seller, I live in Ohio about 3 hours from the seller, that package went to Columbus, to Cincinnati, to Memphis, Tenn., to Indianapolis and then back to Ohio and the tracking had 4 delayed shipping days to add to the crazy trip the package took.  Plus the USPS employees treat the packages terrible, many come with missing contents, torn packaging, and damaged items.   I inquired about the issues, I was told staffing is a big problem, lazy, unskilled outside staffing seems to be happening even in USPS.  We are paying for a service and getting shafted.

[kansasjjb]

Yes, I have 16 packages that have not moved since January 21. It shows that the PO received them but nothing since. The post office is telling me there are huge delays at the processing center but packages shipped after that date have been delivered. Tried to file a missing package report (I got one in) but then it says there is a problem and I can't fill out the form for any more. I have notified my customers but they have file Items Not Received. I am not sure what to do at this point.