USPS package routing (?!)

[ainamor2003usa]

Did anyone else experience this? I am expecting to receive a package to Detroit (from MO 65721), which made it to Indianapolis, and then was sent in the opposite direction to Tennessee (which adds another 5 hours to my package' traveling time). In the same amount of time the package would've arrived in Michigan.

Should I assume that the USPS rerouting is not processed by a human brain? This is not the first time that my packages are routed through a maze of cities that only prolong the delivery time. Or, is it that this adds business to various contractors? I could go on...any thoughts?

[disneyshopper]

Someone posted not too long along that some distribution centers in Michigan were closed.  I don't remember if it was due to a fire or flooding.  That could be why packages are being re-routed.

[sassykzt]

There have been many issues & delays with various sorting and distribution centers in MI , especially around the Detroit area.  USPS has said that they have only 10% of normal staff.  Packages are being re routed in the most creative ways as to avoid the Detroit area. When I ship from Cleve., OH to most of MI  with first class mail, the package normally takes 2 - 3 days.  Now it is taking 8 -14 days.  Priority 2 day is now taking 5 -9 days.  Not much you can do but wait for your package to arrive.  As long as it's moving through the system , it will arrive eventually.

[muttlymob]

---

@disneyshopper wrote:

Someone posted not too long along that some distribution centers in Michigan were closed.  I don't remember if it was due to a fire or flooding.  That could be why packages are being re-routed.

---

Coronavirus

[muttlymob]

---

@ainamor2003usa wrote:

Should I assume that the USPS rerouting is not processed by a human brain? This is not the first time that my packages are routed through a maze of cities that only prolong the delivery time.

---

Packages do not travel on a straight line between sending post office and receiving post office.  That would require each package to be individually delivered the entire length of their journey.  Not feasible.

Packages are sent in bulk to processing facilities that are capable of taking them and distributing them on in their journey; at this time there are manpower shortages, transportation issues, due to the coronavirus situation.  Thus some processing facilities cannot take in more packages.  Or packages are getting backed up in some locations so taking extra time. 

Routing may look like it's going backwards, but might be because the more direct facilities are closed or overwhelmed.  So, your package could sit and wait in a mountain of other packages until the backup is resolved.  Or it could travel to a farther facility and stay on the move, bypassing the problem facility(s).

[lilbama911]

The important thing is that you received your package and you didn't have to open "Item Not Received" case.

[mtgraves7984]

@ainamor2003usa 

For what it's worth, I live in Tennessee and have had crackerjack USPS service throughout the pandemic.

I've noticed several threads in which the posters said their packages were being re-routed through Nashville.

I'd not worry just yet. Good luck!

[oldwestgold]

You gotta love TN. I have been trying to get my wife to move there for years.

[ainamor2003usa]

I guess decisions based on cost efficiency when it comes to USPS logistics don't necessarily need to make sense. Thank you for your thoughts. 

[ainamor2003usa]

I'd appreciate your thoughts on the following...if I created a USPS shipping label via eBay and dropped the small envelope (about (7x4") @drop box located in the hall of a local post office, and after four days the package doesn't appear as received by the USPS what should I do? I noticed that they have cameras that presumably cover a large angle in front of the drop box. How would I open a ticket for this? (I exhausted the phone option, at no avail)

Thanks!