USPS TRACKING

[cindanta_0]

Anyone else having problems with USPS tracking? 3 so far this week. First concerned a Georgia buyer - tracking said her package was in her home state WHILE BEING IN MASSACHUSETTS AT THE EXACT SAME TIME! Second concerned an Indianapolis buyer - her package has been floating around that city for almost a week.  Third concerned a package which, according to tracking, never left its origin post office (people working there said it wasn't at the origin) - it's supposed to be delivered tomorrow.  USPS tracking is like a surreal episode of The Twilight Zone.  Never seen anything this bad. Thanks for listening.

[stainlessenginecovers]

Everyone is. Just tell your customer that USPS always delivers- sometimes items just take the 'scenic' route but it always corrects itself. 

[bbcardzman]

This has been going on for years now. I had a package that was bound for Indiana, Go to Hawaii, California, Denver, KC (5 times), Pennsylvania, Chicago and then to the destination. Only took a month and a half!  I just tell people that the postal service is experiencing problems but your package will eventually get there. If they don't believe you just tell them to google USPS and they will see.

[mam98031]

If a buyer contacts you with a delivery issue or they file an INR, IMHO these are the steps to take.

If there  is an INR enter your tracking number into the INR.

Go to USPS website and review the detail tracking info.

On this tracking screen there is a place to file for email updates as there is movement on the tracking. Sign up for that so you get informed right away when something gets entered to the tracking.

Go and file for a TRACE, I don't recommend filing for Missing Mail just yet. The two are completely different actions. The Trace usually gets the job done quicker.
https://usps.my.site.com/emailus/s/package-inquiry

Contact your buyer. Keep all contact inside the INR filed so everything is recorded on the claim. Let your buyer know you are working with USPS to get their package delivered. Apologize for the delay. And let them know you filed a trace which takes between 48-72 hours for USPS to respond. As you get any information you will update the buyer right away. Assure your buyer that you are working this problem and will continue to do so until a proper resolution.

If there is movement on the tracking within the last 7 days, Ebay will keep the INR open. Do not voluntarily issue the refund yet. It is highly likely the package is going to get delivered, it is just late. Annoying for the buyer for sure. Just stay in touch with them and assure them you are working on a resolution.

[philsumm]

The Indianapolis sorting center has been a black hole since  before the holidays. A Google search shows delays of a month or more.

They opened up a new center in August without enough staff or training.

[jbbowers12012]

Hi,  Although we have had quite a few U.S.P.S. issues - packages touring the country - hit & miss scanning - etc. etc.  I must say that our packages ALWAYS eventually landed into the hands of our customers.  So, fingers crossed.!!!!

[slippinjimmy]

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@philsumm wrote:

The Indianapolis sorting center has been a black hole since  before the holidays. A Google search shows delays of a month or more.

They opened up a new center in August without enough staff or training.

---

It's not the staff or training, the consolidation of multiple facilities into a brand new facility takes time in the best case and this one is taking much longer than it should.

Moving all equipment from the facilities that being closed to a new facility is not something that can be done overnight.

For sure it's taking longer than planned and longer than it should take.

The consolidation of facilities has been going on since 2023, in most cases they are being consolidated to an existing facility but in this case with a brand new facility the logistics are much more difficult.

No excusing the delays, just providing the reasons.

[adamcartwright]

@mam98031 

Thx for that info.
What does that "Trace" link do? 
When I have gone to that page before, it gives me current status and allows me to sign up for tracking notifications (which I have already done by that point). 
What am I missing here? 

[mam98031]

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@adamcartwright wrote:

@mam98031 

Thx for that info.
What does that "Trace" link do? 
When I have gone to that page before, it gives me current status and allows me to sign up for tracking notifications (which I have already done by that point). 
What am I missing here? 

---

A trace is a different thing.  Go back to the instructions I gave.  When you call up the tracking on a package, on that screen you can sign up for email updates when any entry is made to the tracking.  That is important to know, especially if you refund the buyer and it gets delivered afterwards.

A trace is a different thing and is a report you fill out and file with USPS.  I did provide a link in my detailed instructions.  This is very important in finding a slow package.

[adamcartwright]

@mam98031 

Last time I had a packaged delayed, I followed your link, but there was no option to fill out a report.

Fortunately my package was eventually delivered.

I think it may be the browser I'm using. I will try another, next time I have need for a Trace.
Thanks.

[cityslickercreations2004]

I have filed 2 missing packages forms in the last 6 weeks. I got a personal phone call from a postal employee.

I was flabbergasted to say the least.

BTW: The Indianapolis sorting hub has been a hot mess for a while. I've had packages circle the building for days while other packages were scanned quickly and loaded on the truck (the correct truck.)

[lakefor94]

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@slippinjimmy wrote:

---

@philsumm wrote:

The Indianapolis sorting center has been a black hole since  before the holidays. A Google search shows delays of a month or more.

They opened up a new center in August without enough staff or training.

---

It's not the staff or training, the consolidation of multiple facilities into a brand new facility takes time in the best case and this one is taking much longer than it should.

Moving all equipment from the facilities that being closed to a new facility is not something that can be done overnight.

For sure it's taking longer than planned and longer than it should take.

The consolidation of facilities has been going on since 2023, in most cases they are being consolidated to an existing facility but in this case with a brand new facility the logistics are much more difficult.

No excusing the delays, just providing the reasons.

---

A voice of reason. 

[mam98031]

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@adamcartwright wrote:

@mam98031 

Last time I had a packaged delayed, I followed your link, but there was no option to fill out a report.

Fortunately my package was eventually delivered.

I think it may be the browser I'm using. I will try another, next time I have need for a Trace.
Thanks.

---

I have no idea why.  I click on it and I get this.

https://usps.my.site.com/emailus/s/package-inquiry

You enter the tracking number then click on Next.  Just follow the instructions on the screen.

[selsa84]

Seeing as they just said it's a lack of staffing and poor planning id say you're wrong. Even the staff there said there are not enough people to do the processing. 

[genv]

I filed not one, but two 'Tracking Updates for a Pkg accepted & entered into system by Clerk on 02/28 - Not one update & 0 movement. Unreal. My Carrier said they all got a Meeting about the cuts coming.