What to Do If Your USPS Package Is Stuck in Transit?
“In transit” is a normal tracking status for a USPS package as it moves from one location to another, such as a post office or sorting facility. However, sometimes a package gets stuck in transit for days without moving. Why does this happen, and what can you do if your USPS package gets stuck?
Packages delivered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) typically pass through several USPS facilities during delivery. They are scanned at each facility, which allows people with tracking numbers to receive delivery status updates. The “in transit” status may appear multiple times during delivery as the package is transported from one facility to another. It should change as soon as the package arrives at and is scanned by a USPS facility.
A package may be considered “stuck in transit” if its status hasn’t changed in 24 hours. This doesn’t necessarily mean that it has been lost. There may simply be a delay in delivery, which can occur for a number of reasons:
- Adverse weather conditions and natural disasters (heavy rain or snow, high winds, floods, hurricanes, freezing temperatures, etc.) can disrupt delivery routes.
- Other emergencies, such as road closures, road accidents, vehicle breakdowns, and labor strikes.
- Issues at customs for international packages.
- Peak shipping seasons that usually coincide with holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. During these times, an increase in shipping volume may result in longer processing times.
- An incomplete or incorrect delivery address. In this case, you may also receive the “Insufficient address” status during the final delivery stage.
- Weight/size issues. If your package is larger or heavier than stated on the shipping label, it will be reweighed or remeasured, and you may have to pay additional fees before delivery.
- Packaging issues. If your package is poorly packaged and may fall apart during transit, delivery may be halted.
Finally, packages sometimes do get misplaced, lost, or damaged during delivery, which can cause them to get stuck in transit.
What should you do if your package has been stuck in transit for more than 24 hours? First, don’t panic; give it some time. Delivery times are not guaranteed except for Priority Mail Express, and delays occasionally happen for the above-mentioned reasons. Additionally, the distance between USPS facilities can be hundreds of miles, meaning your package may actually be in transit for more than a day, especially if it is delivered by ground.
Your next step depends on the estimated delivery time. For example, if you shipped via USPS Ground Advantage and your package is a day late, we suggest waiting 2–3 business days since the last delivery update. Many packages resume shipping during this period. However, if several days have passed since the estimated delivery date, you can skip this step.
If your package has not moved for several days, contact the USPS by calling 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) or emailing USPS Customer Service. Note that the call center is open Monday–Friday, 8 AM – 8:30 PM ET, and Saturday, 8 AM – 6 PM ET. When contacting the USPS, be prepared to provide your package’s tracking number.
If your package does not arrive within seven working days of contacting the USPS, you can submit a missing mail search request online. You will need to provide the following information: the sender’s and recipient’s postal addresses; the size and type of box used; identifying information, such as the tracking number and mailing date from the receipt; a detailed description of the package contents; and pictures that could help identify your package, if available.
After submitting your request, you will receive a confirmation email from the USPS. You should also receive periodic search updates. If the package is found, it will be sent to the delivery address. If the package is not found, you can request a refund if you used a money-back guaranteed service, such as Priority Mail Express, or file an insurance claim if you used a service that included insurance or purchased additional insurance. You can also file an insurance claim for missing or damaged contents. Please note that you have 60 days from the mailing date to file an insurance claim.