Can USPS tracking go wrong? (all you must know)
When you know through the USPS that you have something on your way, you probably check your tracking information at least once a day. When your package is in your hands, you have to trust that Tracking is updating correctly, giving you an accurate picture of your package’s progress.
But can USPS tracking go wrong? How likely is it that USPS tracking is inaccurate? I’ve got the answer you need, so read on to learn more about this topic!
Will the 2022 USPS Tracking Go Wrong?
USPS tracking can sometimes be wrong, but the service is generally accurate in 2022. Most likely the mail was delayed in transit, or your package missed a scan, so an update wouldn’t appear until the next stop. However, tracking doesn’t happen in real time, so there may be delays.
To learn more about the accuracy of USPS tracking, how often tracking is updated, how often packages are not scanned, and more, read on!
Is USPS tracking inaccurate?
USPS tracking is a tool for tracking packages as they arrive at their destination, and can sometimes be inaccurate.
But, in general, Tracking is right.
As Postalytics.com puts it, “Tracking updates may not be real-time, but they are rarely late or incorrect, and they rarely cause concern.”
So what happens when you think your USPS tracking is inaccurate?
Well, it could be one of several things:
1. When your package has not moved for a few days
If your package hasn’t moved for days and you’re starting to wonder what’s going on, it’s probably just backing up the distribution center where it stopped.
So, consider the time of year – is it approaching the winter break? Well, because of the volume of packages, the USPS actually had to hire temporary help this season.
Likewise, a sorter could fail, which would put packages being scanned and sorted on hold, or back up another machine that now has to handle additional packages.
2. When your package is in transit for a long time
If your package is in transit for a while, it doesn’t necessarily mean it was lost, or was tracked incorrectly.
Conversely, if severe weather or major weather events occur where your package is traveling, it may slow down its progress.
Additionally, a major traffic accident can cause your package to be stuck in transit for a period of time.
Another reason your package may be read as being in transit for a while is that it was not scanned; it may have arrived at the next distribution center but missed the scan.
Therefore, if your package is in the distribution center for a few days before departure, it will not be scanned again before departure.
Whatever the reason, please note that these are not inaccuracies in Tracking; rather, these are things beyond our control, machine errors, or even human errors.
How often is USPS tracking updated?
USPS tracking is updated each time a new event to report occurs, which can vary widely between hours and days.
However, it may take up to 24 hours for the tracking to update because it is not a real-time service at all.
That is, I refreshed a tracking page and the update appeared a few minutes after the event actually happened.
How often are USPS packages not scanned?
In a report released by the Office of the Inspector General, the investigative arm of the USPS, they reviewed scanning procedures at 25 different postal service units.
Twenty-one postal service units were found to scan packages incorrectly, with 38% of packages scanned incorrectly.
While the released data doesn’t say how many of those were actually unscanned packages, you can bet it makes up for some scanning errors.
Can USPS packages be delivered without scanning?
USPS packages are delivered without scanning. Basically, the tracking of the package shows that it is still in the final destination facility.
In most cases, that’s the post office, from where your package is sorted and then delivered.
You’ll walk outside and see your package has been delivered, even though the tracking doesn’t show it’s Out for Delivery at all.
In fact, the estimated delivery date may be a completely different date.
Now, I find that the tracking will be updated eventually – maybe later in the day or the next day.
For whatever reason, the tracking was inaccurate and didn’t keep up with what was going on.
Most likely, the package missed the Out for Delivery scan.
Why is your package in USPS shipping for so long?
As I mentioned in the previous section, when your package is sent via USPS, there are many reasons why your package is stuck in transit for so long.
These reasons include:
- severe weather or major weather event
- Traffic accidents, such as those that cause a buildup
- Truck breakdown or puncture
- The package may not be scanned to the next destination facility
- Packages are unlikely to be lost though
If it’s the last item on the list, see below for what you can do.
How do you know if USPS has lost your package?
If your package has been in transit for more than two weeks, you will need to complete a request for assistance form and initiate a lost mail search.
You can find both forms on the USPS.com website.
The help request form is forwarded to your local post office location, but states that your package is lost before it reaches its final destination.
In this case, you can submit a Lost Mail Search request.
To do this, you will need the sender’s and recipient’s mailing addresses, the type of box or envelope you used, tracking information, mailing date, and your purchase receipt.
You will also include the contents of the package, including make, model, size, color, etc., and any photos of the item you may have.
You can also file a claim if you purchased insurance through a mail class that includes insurance (such as Priority Mail, which covers up to $50) or separately.
Also, if you used a service like Priority Mail Express, you can request a refund (plus: Priority Mail Express is only considered lost after 7 days).
To learn more, you can also read our posts on how many numbers are in USPS tracking, what USPS is tracking, and what is USPS Tracking Plus.
in conclusion
USPS tracking can be erroneous, although it is often the result of human error or some major problem beyond human control.
Sometimes tracking only takes 24 to 48 hours to update, even for delivery scans, so you may receive a package when you didn’t expect it.
