How to Ensure Your Package Arrives If the Shipping Label Is Damaged
When you send a package, the shipping label serves as its primary identifier, as it contains all the information required for delivery, as well as a barcode that is scanned at every delivery step for tracking purposes. If the label is damaged during shipping, your package may be lost, so it is important to take precautions to ensure your package’s delivery, even if the label is damaged.
The main precaution you can take is to duplicate the information from the shipping label. This ensures that, even if the label is lost or damaged, the carrier will still know where to deliver it. There are two main ways to do this. You can either place a duplicate copy of the shipping label in a clear plastic sleeve and put it inside the package on top of the items or write the recipient’s full contact information (including their phone number) and the tracking number on the box with permanent marker. Including the tracking number in addition to the recipient’s information is highly advisable because it allows postal employees to identify your package more easily and print a replacement shipping label. You may choose either option, but we recommend doing both for redundancy’s sake.
To catch any shipping label issues early, you should also proactively track your package’s progress during transit. If the tracking status does not update for seven to ten business days or changes to something like “Address issue”, “Insufficient address”, or “Delivery exception”, contact the carrier. They will attempt to locate your package. A lack of delivery updates or one of these statuses does not necessarily indicate shipping label damage or loss, but it is possible. In any case, contacting the carrier is the best course of action when you suspect your package has been lost or misplaced.
As with many other issues, it is easier to prevent shipping label damage or loss than it is to deal with the consequences. If you purchase and print shipping labels online, make sure they are printed clearly with waterproof ink and that there are no smudges. If the label is non-adhesive, secure it to the box with clear packing tape, covering the entire label except the barcode. Covering the barcode will cause scanning issues due to the tape’s reflective surface. Covering the label with tape provides better protection from tearing and moisture. When writing the backup address and tracking number on the box, use a waterproof permanent marker, and ensure the address is written correctly in the standardized format.
You should also take a photo of your package before shipping it, making sure the label is clearly visible, and keep proof of shipment, such as the shipping receipt. If the label is damaged or lost, the carrier will require this documentation to locate your parcel and deliver it to the recipient. You will also need this documentation for insurance purposes: if your package is lost or damaged during transit, you will be required to provide it when filing an insurance claim.