I have made many purchases over the years and once in a while I buy something and the tracking is uploaded as a USPS tracking number, but tracking says “picked up by shipping partner. USPS awaits item.” When it is shipped like this, it usually takes at least four days longer than if they would’ve taken it directly to the post office. What exactly is a shipping partner and why would a seller go through one instead of just taking it to the post office themselves? Just curious.
Generally this means that the seller is saving on shipping costs by using one of the bargain services like FedEx Smartpost. It's slower but cheaper. The package starts out with UPS or FedEx and then is handed over to USPS when it gets near your location.
Generally this means that the seller is saving on shipping costs by using one of the bargain services like FedEx Smartpost. It's slower but cheaper. The package starts out with UPS or FedEx and then is handed over to USPS when it gets near your location.
If the shipping partner is UPS or FedEx it’s not so bad, it’s moving. If it’s a Chinese partner it may stay in a warehouse for days before the post office gets it.
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