What are USPS processing exceptions? (Everything is known!)
The other day, I noticed a message on my USPS trace that said “handle exception”.
What does USPS handle exceptions mean? We looked into it and here’s what we found…
What are USPS processing exceptions?
The phrase “Processing Exception” is a USPS update message indicating that the delivery of your package has been delayed due to unforeseen circumstances. There are many reasons why this happens.
This article describes the USPS delivery process: how to track your mail, what problems may arise, how you can be notified of problems, and what you can do about it.
What is USPS Delivery Information?
USPS provides tracking services for most of its domestic mail products. Each message is assigned a tracking number.The sender (and recipient) can submit this number to the USPS Tracking Bar, which can be found on the USPS Welcome Page or track page.
The tracking page shows customers what a real tracking number looks like and where to find it. The submission number will display the latest tracking alerts that have been assigned to your package. You can access this information in a number of ways.
Package deliveries may be delayed, interrupted or stopped for a number of reasons. There are so many possible unforeseen circumstances that the USPS has a code file that assigns a delivery status to each project.
“Handling exceptions” is just one of those codes. This means that your delivery is suspended due to exceptional circumstances, in other words, the delay is unexpected.
Why is USPS delivery delayed?
USPS will deliver up to 143 billion pieces of mail to at least 160 million addresses in a calendar year. The system warns about many things that can go wrong (and do). The problem must then be identified and fixed and the customer alerted.
Any of the following interruptions can result in a “handled exception” or “delivered exception” status:
- Fluctuation in mail volume
- availability of workers
- weather
- road and traffic conditions
- natural disaster
- The carrier is temporarily or permanently inaccessible to the delivery location
- The carrier cannot find the delivery location
- The specified mail class cannot be delivered because there is no suitable recipient (21+ or no ID)
- The specified mail class could not be delivered because no one signed for the package
- The carrier cannot leave the cargo in a safe place
- Email address is wrong or only part of the address
- Email address is wrong but still accepted (instead of forwarding to correct recipient)
- Packages with missing, damaged or unreadable mail information
- Packages separated in the mail (and have no return address)
- Recipient refuses or does not pick up
- Packages are stopped because they contain hazardous materials/items or restricted or prohibited items.
- The package was stopped because the packaging had prohibited signs or advertisements (for example, icons with alcohol products)
You may also be interested in: USPS pre-shipped a week?
How to fix USPS processing exception?
USPS recommends that customers first check the mail class you are using for the package, check delivery standards and note how long to wait before contacting USPS.
For example, if you use First Class Mail, the delivery standard is 1 – 5 days, and you are required to contact customer service only after 5 days from the date of mailing.
However, Priority Mail Express has a Guarantee Delivery standard is 1-2 days. Therefore, once you miss this guarantee, you should contact support immediately.
USPS Retail Ground has a 2 – 8 business day delivery standard, but it is not guaranteed. Therefore, it is recommended that you wait 14 days from the date of mailing.
USPS also recommends constant checks on delivery status, which can be updated at any time. If your Processing Exception has been extended and this status has not changed, you should file an inquiry with the USPS or visit your local post office. Either way, you need your tracking information.
The USPS has a Find Lost Mail page. Here you can start the process of finding your mail (online). You can also complete this process at your local post office.
How long does it take for USPS to process exceptions?
No precise unit of time is provided for USPS processing or delivery delays, as delays are both erratic and unexpected.
However, USPS offers a service called USPS Text Tracking, which alerts customers to the status of their packages. To access this service, enter your item tracking number on the USPS website. Then click “Text and Email Updates” and follow the prompts.
From the website, you can select one (or all) of the text tracking options provided:
- Expected Delivery Update
- Delivery date update
- Pickup available
- Deliver exception updates
You can also access delivery information by texting 28777 (2USPS) with your tracking number as text content. The USPS response will be the latest information about your delivery.
Another option is to text 28777 (2USPS) with your tracking number and a keyword. Keywords tell USPS specific information you want, such as whether delivery has been attempted.
The keyword text request will consist of the package tracking number and the keyword. For example, if you wanted to know all past and future activity on your package, you could send the tracking number followed by a space, then “AA”. If you just want to know about future activity, you can send the tracking number followed by a space and then “AF”.
An attempt notification is sent using a “DND” request, and Exceptions to the delivery of a package, such as weather delays or scheduling a redelivery, require an “alert”.
You can also stop notifications (“Stop”) or receive more information (“Help”) or requests about message codes all A notification will be sent to you (“All”).
Want to learn more about USPS? Check out our related posts to find out if USPS repurchases unused stamps, does USPS require IDs, and are USPS tracking numbers fake?
in conclusion…
Handling exceptions is a regular part of USPS delivery services. If you get a “processing exception” message about your delivery, you don’t need to panic.
Check the type of delivery notification you are currently receiving and add an “alert” code if necessary (updates about package delays). Finally, if delivery status is not resolved, please contact USPS directly.
