Transit Delays: What are they and why do they happen?
Office Garner is committed to delivering products to your customers on time and in the
best condition possible. However, in some rare instances, shipping-related issues may
arise that are beyond our control. In this article, we will discuss the reasons why a
package may be marked undeliverable, as well as the steps you and your customers can
take to locate packages that have been marked as delivered but not received.
Transit delays are a common occurrence in the world of eCommerce. You might
experience transit delays whether you’re purchasing from a large online retailer or a
small shop. The reasons for these delays can vary, and in most cases, they only result in
a delay of a few business days. In this article, we will outline some of the common
reasons for transit delays and the potential causes behind them.
Delayed Initial Scan
When a package is shipped, it is assigned a tracking number. Shipping companies
provide the tracking number to the recipient so they can track the status of their
shipment. Sometimes, the initial scan of the package might not happen immediately
after the package is picked up. In these cases, you may not see any tracking updates for
the first several days after shipment, and then suddenly see a flurry of data indicating
where the package has been. This can happen when shipping companies experience a
high volume of packages and delay or avoid certain scans throughout their network. For
international shipments, it might take up to a week to receive the first scan due to the
distance the parcel travels between pickup and its arrival at the appropriate
international shipping hub.
Delays Between Scans Along Route
Packages are typically scanned at various points throughout their journey, which allows
recipients to track their package’s progress. However, sometimes packages experience
delays between these scans. Some of the most common reasons for these delays are:
1. Shipping Network Backups: Sometimes, your package might pass through a
sorting center or post office that is experiencing an abnormally high volume of
packages. Your package is not lost, but it might result in delayed final delivery.
2. Weather-Related Delays: From winter storms to hurricanes, weather can have a
significant impact on the efficiency of shipping networks. Packages might be rerouted to
alternative sorting facilities, which increases congestion throughout the shipping
network.
3. Volume-Related Delays: During major holidays, shipping networks are often
stressed, resulting in a significant increase in package volume worldwide. As a result,
delays are common across the shipping network. A package that usually takes five days
to arrive might take 10 days during the holidays.
Route Doesn’t Make Sense
Sometimes, the route that a package takes might not make sense. This can be due to
several reasons, including:
1. Weather-Related Delays: The weather can significantly impact the routes that
courier companies use for packages moving through their networks.
2. Volume-Related Delays: During peak seasons, shippers may route packages away
from facilities that are experiencing a backlog. If the destination address is correct, the
customer can expect to receive their package, even if the route seems illogical.
3. Routing Error: Occasionally, an error in the freight company’s routing can cause a
package to be shipped to the wrong sorting hub in a different region. As long as the
destination address is correct, the package will be rerouted to the correct location and
make it to its final destination.
Delivery Attempted
Sometimes, a delivery attempt is made, but for various reasons, it is unsuccessful. The
courier will usually leave a note indicating that a delivery was attempted, and either
reattempt delivery on the next business day or hold the package for pickup at a nearby
post office or service location. Reasons for a failed delivery attempt include:
1. Failed Delivery Attempt: When a package is being delivered to an apartment or
office building, the delivery person may not be able to verify the delivery by taking the
name of the individual who received the package. If an office building is closed or a front
desk is unoccupied, the delivery person may mark the delivery attempt as failed.
Shipping can be a complex process, and sometimes packages can be marked as
undeliverable or delivered but not received. This can be frustrating for both the sender
and the recipient, but it’s important to understand the reasons why this might happen
and what steps can be taken to address the issue.
Undeliverable
One reason why a package might be marked as undeliverable is if it was damaged in
transit. This could be due to a variety of factors, such as rough handling or extreme
weather conditions. In these cases, the shipping label may no longer be legible or the
package itself may be too damaged to be delivered. If this happens, the package will be
returned to the sender or discarded by the freight company. To avoid this issue, it’s
important to properly pack and label your packages and use reliable shipping services.
Undeliverable Location
Another reason why a package might be marked as undeliverable is if the address is
invalid or incomplete. This could be due to a typo or other error when the address was
entered during the order submission process. To avoid this issue, it’s important to
double-check the address before submitting the order and to use address verification
software or third-party sites to ensure the address is valid.
Invalid or Incomplete Address
Sometimes, even if the address is valid, the location may not be serviced by the courier
responsible for package delivery. For example, only USPS can deliver to PO Boxes, so if a
package is being delivered by UPS, it cannot be delivered to a PO Box. In addition,
customers living in remote locations or surrounded by difficult terrain may be subject to
delivery restrictions. To avoid this issue, it’s important to confirm whether the location is
serviced by the courier in question before placing the order.
Marked as Delivered but Not Received
In some cases, a package may be marked as delivered but not received by the recipient.
This could be because the courier delivered the package to an out-of-sight location or
because the package was delivered before the recipient was able to receive it. To
address this issue, the recipient should check their mailboxes, with neighbors, in bushes,
behind patio furniture, and inside storm doors to see if the package was delivered to an
out-of-sight location. They should also ask other members of the household if the
package was accepted on their behalf. If the package still cannot be found, the recipient
should contact the postal carrier or check with their local post office regarding the
item’s delivery.
At Office Garner, we understand that shipping issues can be frustrating for both the
sender and the recipient. That’s why we always do our best to ensure packages are
delivered on time and without issue. If you’re experiencing a shipping-related issue that
is not listed above or you have waited the recommended amount of time based on the
issue you’re experiencing, please don’t hesitate to contact our Support team via phone
or by email at info@officegarner.com. We’re here to help!
If you’re looking for reliable shipping services and a hassle-free shopping experience, visit our shop page here. Shop with us today and enjoy a seamless shopping experience with Office Garner!
