What Is a USPS Delivery Exception?
The United States Postal Service (USPS) usually delivers packages on time. However, customers may occasionally receive a “delivery exception” alert notifying them that their package is delayed. What exactly is a delivery exception, and why does it happen?
A delivery exception means that your package has been delayed due to circumstances beyond the USPS’s control. The most common types of USPS delivery exceptions are listed below.
Shipping label issues. These issues are probably the most common cause of delivery delays, and they are usually the sender’s fault, though not always. Typical shipping label issues that can cause a delivery delay or even result in the package being returned to the sender include:
- Incomplete address
- Incorrect address
- Unscannable barcode
- Damaged label
- Missing label
Whether the addressee receives their package depends on the type of issue. For example, if the barcode is unscannable, but the address is correct and legible, the package will most likely be delivered, albeit late, because it will have to be handled manually. Small errors in the address, such as a missing apartment number when the rest of the address is correct, usually result in a delay. More significant errors result in the package being returned to the sender with the “Insufficient Address” status. If the label is completely missing, the package is considered lost/undeliverable.
Peak seasons and federal holidays. Although the USPS typically prepares for peak shipping seasons by increasing package processing capacity and hiring additional employees, the volume of packages sometimes increases too dramatically to deliver them all on time. Federal holidays may cause delays of one or two days because they are days off for most USPS employees.
Extreme weather and natural disasters. Heavy rain, snowstorms, hailstorms, wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and other natural disasters can cause significant delivery delays due to airport and road closures. These events are usually classified as acts of God, meaning you will not be refunded for a delayed delivery, even if you paid for a guaranteed delivery service, such as Priority Mail Express.
Transportation issues. Unexpected transportation failures can result in shipment exceptions, causing delivery delays. These issues can include vehicle breakdowns, road closures, delayed or canceled flights, and sorting facility shutdowns. In these cases, packages often need to be rerouted, which increases delivery times.
Customs clearance issues for international packages. Packages may be delayed at customs due to incomplete or missing paperwork, restricted items, unpaid fees and duties, and so on. Customs delays may also occur during peak shipping seasons due to increased package volume and backlogging.
Package damage or loss. If a package is damaged during transit, the USPS may halt delivery to assess the damage and determine next steps. If a package is lost, delivery is halted until the USPS determines its whereabouts.
Failed delivery attempt. Sometimes, the carrier takes the package all the way to the recipient’s address, but delivery is impossible because the carrier cannot access the location (for example, due to a locked gate or an aggressive dog in the yard), or because no one is home for packages requiring a signature.
Note that a delivery exception alert does not necessarily mean your package will be late. Sometimes, the USPS resolves the issue and delivers the package on time or with only a slight delay. It is generally recommended that you wait a couple of days after receiving the alert before taking any further steps, as most issues are resolved within 24 to 48 hours without the sender's or recipient’s intervention.