When a package is in transit, its tracking status may not update for several days. This is a common occurrence and usually does not mean your package is lost. Understanding the reasons for these delays can help manage expectations.
Common Reasons for Tracking Delays
Several factors can cause a package’s tracking information to remain unchanged:
- Long Distances Between Tracking Hubs: A package may be traveling a long distance, such as across the country or between countries, without passing through a scanning facility. The tracking will only update once it reaches the next hub.
- No Scans at Transfer Points: Sometimes, packages are transferred between different facilities or carriers without being scanned at every point. The package is still moving toward its destination, but the online tracking will not reflect this progress.
- International Customs Processing: When a package arrives in a new country, it must clear customs. This process can take anywhere from a few hours to several days or even weeks, depending on the contents of the package and the volume of shipments being processed. During this time, the tracking status will not change.
- Carrier Delays: High shipping volumes, especially during holiday seasons, can lead to backlogs at sorting facilities. This can cause delays in both the physical movement of the package and the updating of its tracking status.
What to Do if Your Tracking Hasn’t Updated
If your package’s tracking status has been static for an extended period, here are the steps you can take:
- Wait a Few Business Days: Delays of a few days are normal. Often, the tracking will update once the package reaches the next major sorting facility.
- Check the Carrier’s Website for Service Alerts: Look for any notices on the carrier’s official website regarding widespread delays in the origin or destination regions.
- Contact the Carrier: If there has been no update for more than 7-10 business days, it is appropriate to contact the carrier’s customer service. Provide them with your tracking number, and they may be able to offer more detailed information.
- Contact the Seller: If the carrier is unable to assist, the sender or seller can initiate an inquiry with the shipping company to locate the package.
Using an all-in-one package tracking service simplifies this process by consolidating all available tracking information onto a single platform. This makes it easy to see the last known location of your shipment without needing to check multiple websites.