USPS is a globally acclaimed postal service that has earned the trust of its customers for its best policies and services over the years. USPS Tracking Service is one such policy that allows the customers to track their packages and know their exact location during transit. For each package that the customer ships with USPS, they receive a tracking number that allows them to know their shipment status.
USPS is known to use a top-rated and highly efficient tracking system. However, despite their best efforts, USPS too sometimes faces some difficulties that might cause certain inconveniences like the USPS tracking not updating. While tracking their shipment, the customer might sometimes find a message “USPS Tracking Not Updating” pop up on their screen.
Several unforeseen circumstances might cause a delay in transportation and hence delay in the update. It’s only a temporary problem that gets solved within a few hours to a few days. Still, it is necessary for the customer to know the problem and know how to troubleshoot and fix it.
So, here we are with some of the reasons that might cause USPS tracking not updating, along with some solutions that might come in handy during such a crisis.
Keep reading to know all about it.
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Reasons for USPS Tracking Not Updating
There can be several reasons why your USPS tracking is not updating. Below is a list of some of the reasons why you aren’t able to view the updated information regarding your package.
Barcode Scanning Error:
USPS attaches a unique barcode to every parcel when it’s ready for shipping. Once the USPS tracking system gets the barcode, it scans it to track your package. And then, every time this barcode gets scanned at different facilities, the tracking dashboard keeps updating the status of the shipment.
However, if there is an issue with scanning the barcode, the USPS tracking system might find it difficult to update the tracking information. Perhaps your package wasn’t properly scanned, or the courier forgot to scan the package, or there was a malfunctioning scanner at some point in the transit—these can lead to a delay in the update.
A damaged tracking label can also be the reason why your USPS tracking is not updating. A damaged barcode might prevent the package from getting scanned and hence fail to provide the information needed to track the shipment.
Transportation Delays:
Since the tracking status is updated every time your package is scanned as it reaches a facility, delayed transportation might also be why you are not receiving any tracking update from USPS.
Several causes can lead to delayed scanning during transportation. Perhaps there was some interruption in the delivery, or unexpected events like a tire puncture, massive traffic, truck breakdown, or maybe the driver suddenly fell sick.
Unforeseen incidents like these can delay your package from reaching the facility where it is to be scanned next. And since USPS cannot track your parcel unless it receives the scanning details, you might not be able to see any updates on the USPS tracking system for the time being.
Another thing that can probably happen is that the driver mistakenly left your package in the truck after finishing his shift for the day. So, you won’t possibly get any tracking updates until your package reaches the facility and gets scanned the next day.
Bad Weather Conditions:
Bad weather conditions are another reason why your USPS tracking is not updating for the time being. Heavy rain, snow, or thunderstorms can cause your package to get stuck midway delaying your parcel from getting scanned or delivered.
When a shipment is in transit, it needs to get scanned at certain particular locations from time to time in order for the tracking system to update the delivery status. If your parcel is trapped between any two destinations due to bad weather conditions, then there is a possibility that you will not receive any tracking updates.
Another reason why you might not be able to see any updated tracking information is that your package wasn’t scanned at all.
This is a rare phenomenon that only happens during busy times, especially around holidays when many packages are waiting to be delivered. The carrier might deliberately skip scanning your package during such times before shipping them out to save time.
This is common when USPS is dumped with the responsibility to ship a huge volume of packages. They then start processing the packages in bulk and skip the scanning procedure altogether to quicken their pace. So, the first scan that your package receives might be near its delivery hub. And until then, the customer is left in darkness about their tracking updates.
Global Pandemic:
One reason for the delay in tracking updates and even package deliveries which we cannot deny is the recent global pandemic.
Even as the world is trying to fight COVID19, certain precautions, safety measures, and regional lockdowns are slowing down the delivery process. Moreover, USPS is also faced with reduced staff as an impact of the COVID19 pandemic, leading to the delay in its tracking services.
USPS tracking, not updating doesn’t necessarily mean that your parcel is lost in transit or will not reach its destination. It just means that you are not able to track your package accurately. The best solution for this would be to wait for a few days before trying to gather the tracking information about your package from your end.
Solutions for USPS Tracking is Not Updating:
You can try a few things when you are faced with the trouble of your USPS tracking not updating. This is an issue that usually solves itself automatically. But if you wish to resolve the issue yourself, you can try these solutions:
- Check if you have entered your tracking number correctly.
- Wait to see if the problem was caused due to transportation delays and is solved within 1-2 days.
- Call USPS on their toll-free number 1800-ASK-USPS and ask them to update you about your package’s tracking information.
- Visit, if possible, the shipment facility where your parcel was scanned the last according to its tracking status.
- File your complaint at Customer Service to help dislodge your package that might be hung up somewhere in the system.
There is nothing to panic about if your USPS tracking is not updating. It is one of those problems that usually solve themselves. So, try giving it a rest for a few days and check again to see if it’s been updated. There is simply no reason to worry that your package won’t reach its destination.
If a week passes without any update, then it might be possible that some unprecedented circumstances have caused your package to continue on its delivery route. In that case, you may simply contact USPS Customer Service to know about the location of your package.
USPS is a proficient delivery service provider committed to bringing the best mailing services to its customers. Yet sometimes, certain unforeseen circumstances or unprecedented challenges cause a delay in updating their tracking system.
However, that is not a reason to assume that your package won’t be delivered at all. The best way to handle such a situation is to stay calm and trust USPS to solve the problem. A temporary problem like USPS tracking, not updating, doesn’t last long.
