As we grow more and more reliant on online deliveries, problems can occur that distress customers. One of these issues is explained in detail here.
What Is A USPS Processing Exception?
If you receive a message on your USPS tracking that says “processing exception”, it simply means that the delivery of your package has been delayed due to unforeseen and unpredictable circumstances.
This raises a number of questions, namely:
How is mail tracked by the USPS?What can be the unforeseen circumstances that cause its delay? Most importantly, what can you do if your package has been labelled a “processing exception”?
1. How is mail tracked by USPS?
All mail collected by the USPS goes through Processing and Distribution Centres which are connected to the national network. It then typically gets sorted using automatic equipment. In this process, it is given a unique barcode which is then used to track its location as it makes its way to its intended receiver.
It is also assigned a (usually) 22-digit number called the US Mail Service Tracking number. In order to check the progress of your order, open US Mail Service Website or a tracking portal like parcelsapp.com and enter the tracking number. You will now receive regular updates about the parcel through text, email etc.
As any package’s status is updated periodically, make sure to check back in a few minutes if there are no status updates available at the moment.
You can also call the USPS customer service number 1-800-222-1811 so that a customer service operator can help you locate your parcel.
USPS also offers the option of tracking your shipment via a label or receipt number. Priority Mail Express, an economical service offered by USPS, allows user to obtain point-by-point tracking details.
2. What causes delivery delays?
Even in a largely automated and fairly, technologically advanced system, there are still things that can go wrong. USPS is the world’s largest postal system, responsible for delivering almost 50% of the mail in the world. Due to the sheer number of mail going in and out of USPS centres, mistakes are inevitable.
Here are some common causes of delay:
Poor weather conditions can often make routes inaccessibleShortage of workersIncorrect address or inability of the delivery person to find the recipient’s addressNational holidaysA delivery driver arriving at the drop-off address when no one is homeInability to locate the mail; Lost in transitParcels containing hazardous/items
The three expected outcomes in such a scenario where the parcel could not be delivered are:
This happens when the “processing exception” notification was just a timely warning for something that was predicted to go wrong. It could also happen that the problem was fixed in the nick of time.
In this case the delivery will most likely be within a day or so.
If the delivery person is not able to find the drop-off address despite their best efforts, the package will simply be returned.
3. How to effectively deal with processing exceptions?
The general instructions given by USPS are to wait the appropriate time and check the status of the package regularly. To know the appropriate time, check the mail class of the package- for example, a Priority Mail Express delivery must be in 1-2 days and any delays should be immediately reported. However First Class Mail can take 1-5 days to deliver the package. Fill out the Help Request Form available on USPS website under the “Finding a Missing Mail” section. If there is no response within 7 business days, go to the USPS website and fill out the Missing Mail Search Request Form. Inform the recipients of the package about the delay or possible loss of the package. They might be able to help especially if the processing exception was caused by them, for example, if they missed the delivery. Reach out to the carrier of the parcel and share your concerns. Their information can be found online so ask them for their help. If the package is Lost in Transit, you have the following options:
A service such as Priority Mail Express offers a money-back guarantee through which you can get a refund. A claim can be filed if the package included insurance. This is especially useful if the package was damaged in transit.
