USPS Hijinks

[hiddenvermont]

So I checked on the package that went missing when I sent it MM in May. Tracking number now shows "label created not yet in system." After months of it being "In transit". Way to shift responsibility.

I know, I know, USPS is having all kinds of problems. But at least be honest and say "Package lost."

[simba6]

They are reusing tracking numbers. The old ones get used again and now show all new info.

[southern*sweet*tea]

Here's the thing: USPS will only accept responsibility if there is at least one scan along the way.

With no scans at all, they have no record of it, so to them it doesn't exist. A tracking number means nothing if there's no validation along with it.

You need to make SURE you get an acceptance scan. If you drop off in a blue box, those generally don't get scanned until they hit the distribution center I think. If you hand the package over the counter, make sure the clerk scans it in. That is their JOB, and if they push back, talk to the Postmaster.  If you do carrier pickup, make sure your carrier is scanning them in. I use carrier pickup and my mail ladies do a great job, they never miss a scan. Other sellers report just the opposite - that their carriers won't scan at all.

It stinks, but it is what it is and it's what we have to work with. If you want your tracking to count, get that acceptance scan.

[oldwestgold]

Does it show not yet in system or in transit? I don't understand. In either event, go to USPS.com and open a missing mail report. This has always shaken it lose for me. 

[donsdetour]

Hmm it seems the number was reused after being in limbo for so long.

You should go to the USPS and file a stolen or lost claim on the package.

How was the item shipped first class, priority, etc???

[nobody*s_perfect]

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@oldwestgold wrote:

Does it show not yet in system or in transit? I don't understand. In either event, go to USPS.com and open a missing mail report. This has always shaken it lose for me. 

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This package was mailed in May.  After 4+ months, it's too late to do anything about it.  As noted above, the tracking number  has been reassigned.

[airsheep]

Do you have any idea how long it takes for USPS to recycle a used tracking number?  If it took less than 6 months to recycle, then Paypal's INR claim service has yet another big hole in it.

[lacemaker3]

@hiddenvermont;

You are seeing that because the tracking information for the tracking # has expired. It's normal, it happens with most tracking #s. I just checked the # for a package that was delivered to me in April without any problems, and that's what it says now.

USPS only keeps tracking information available for 120 days (about 4 months), unless it has signature confirmation, or unless someone pays for Premium Tracking for that number. After  120 days, any tracking # (non-signature) will give that same message, until the # gets reused (at which point it will start showing tracking for the new package with that #).

In your situation, if the USPS eventually locates your missing package, then the tracking # will probably reactivate if they scan the package again while it is being sent to the recipient, or returned to you.

https://faq.usps.com/s/article/USPS-Premium-Tracking-The-Basics#description

[lacemaker3]

@airsheep, I had a tracking number that was recycled once.

It was in my Informed Delivery account, and was delivered without issues. They are removed from Informed Delivery after about 60 days, but the tracking # still works for 120 days unless it has signature confirmation (2 years), or unless you pay for Premium Tracking.

https://faq.usps.com/s/article/USPS-Premium-Tracking-The-Basics#description

In my case, becausethe tracking # was in my Informed Delivery, it popped back up again a couple of years later, when the tracking # was recycled. It was rather strange. I wondered if I was going to get another package, because Informed Delivery normally only shows you packages that are being delivered to your exact shipping address, unless you add a number manually.

I was able to check through my purchase history and find the eBay purchase that had originally had this tracking number, so it was less than 3 years, but probably at least 2 years when it was recycled.

The second package was delivered promptly, but not to my address. In a different zip code.

[airsheep]

I was wondering, because the default bot reaction currently seems to be 'It showed delivery, therefore OK.  Nevermind if it was to a different street, state, or even before it was sold, it's delivered!'

[lacemaker3]

@airsheep, if there's a disconnect of some kind in the tracking as you describe, then the buyer just has to point that out in the INR case. There shouldn't be a problem if the buyer is proactive.

I had this happen within the last few months. I knew there was going to be a problem because the tracking information said the package was "First class package international" which has weight and size limits so I knew it was too small for the item I had purchased. Then the negative feedback started to pour in for the seller, many people reporting delivered to the wrong address. Sure enough, my package was eventually delivered to a different state.

So, when I opened the INR case, I uploaded screenshots that showed the order details with my shipping address and zip code, and the delivery confirmation that showed delivery to a different zip code in another state, and explained what had happened as well. Then I arranged for a call-back from customer service, and pointed it out verbally.

eBay handled it very quickly. They gave me a refund within less than 24 hours.