Why Is My USPS Tracking Number Not Updating In 2024? (Full Guide)

Ordering packages online is more popular than ever before, with 64% of Americans having purchased products online as of 2016. While extremely convenient, one of the most frustrating parts of shopping online can be tracking your package. You diligently copy down the tracking number, only to anxiously find it doesn‘t seem to be updating as your package makes its journey to you.

Don‘t panic – there are some common reasons why your USPS tracking number may not be updating as frequently as you‘d expect. As an expert in shipping logistics and consumer trends, I‘ve broken down the main factors that can cause delays in USPS tracking updates.

Have You Entered The Correct Tracking Number?

Before assuming the worst, double and triple check that the tracking number you entered on USPS.com is 100% accurate. According to USPS, 8.5% of reported issues with tracking are due to an incorrect tracking number. Tracking numbers are usually a combination of 22 numbers and letters, and it‘s easy to mistakenly record one of them incorrectly.

Carefully check the tracking number on your receipt or in the confirmation email from the sender. I recommend cross-referencing it with any shipping labels on the box itself, as sometimes numbers can be smudged on packing slips. Taking an extra moment to ensure you have the proper series of characters can save you time and frustration down the road.

How Frequently Are Tracking Updates Provided?

USPS tracking aims to provide an update every time your package reaches a new facility or is loaded onto a delivery vehicle. However, updates aren‘t provided in real-time throughout the entire journey. Packages can sometimes go several hours without a scan while in transit or if a facility is busy.

For example, if your package is traveling across the country, it may be loaded in a transport truck with hundreds of other packages. It may not be scanned again until it reaches a new sorting facility many hours later.

It‘s not necessarily a cause for concern if 12-24 hours pass without an update. For most services, USPS scans packages between 7-9 times on average throughout transit. However, remember that this tracking is not minute-by-minute live location tracking.

Severe Weather Can Delay Tracking for Days

Inclement weather such as heavy snow, torrential rain, wildfires, or extreme heat can often cause shipping delays at USPS facilities. Safety of staff is the primary concern during dangerous weather conditions, so packages may be held up for longer than usual before being scanned or shipped.

For example, during a massive winter storm that impacted most of the U.S. in February 2021, some packages were delayed for 4-6 days due to impassable roads and power outages at USPS facilities. Similarly, wildfires raging in Western states forced some processing facilities to close and delayed deliveries by 2 weeks for some addresses.

I recommend giving an extra buffer of at least 4-6 days before reporting a delayed package due to severe weather. USPS tracking is at the mercy of dangerous conditions, and they prioritize keeping staff safe in these scenarios. Have patience, as your package will arrive as soon as postal workers can safely process it given the weather challenges.

Staffing Shortages Impact Tracking Updates

In recent years, USPS has been significantly impacted by labor shortages. As many as 188 postal facilities are considered "understaffed", with fewer employees available to process and deliver the mail.

With fewer staff available at facilities and on delivery routes across the country, packages unfortunately may face longer wait times before moving through the system. Employees are stretched thin, often needing to take on extra workload to cover vacant positions. This can result in packages sitting idle before being scanned and routed to the next destination.

Have patience and wait an extra 2-3 days before contacting USPS if you suspect staffing issues are the main cause of delay. Remember, postal workers are doing their best to provide timely service despite nationwide labor deficits.

Common Reasons for USPS Tracking Delays

What If My Package Is Overdue?

If your package is past its estimated delivery date with no tracking updates, it‘s time to take action:

• Contact USPS Customer Service online or call 1-800-ASK-USPS. Have your tracking number readily available when you call.
• Visit your local Post Office and speak to an agent in person about your missing mail. Bring your tracking number and any shipment paperwork.
• File a missing mail search request online at USPS.com to initiate an investigation. Make sure to include both the "to" and "from" addresses.

When Is a Package Officially Lost?

If there are still no tracking updates after 7 days of trying to locate your package, USPS will consider it lost. At that point, you can file a claim online for lost mail and potentially receive reimbursement for the value of your contents, up to $100.

I recommend taking advantage of USPS Priority Mail insurance if you tend to ship valuable contents. It provides up to $50 or $100 of complimentary coverage in case of loss or damage. Plus, purchasing additional insurance can reimburse you up to the full value declared, giving you peace of mind.

Preventing Issues With USPS Tracking

While tracking hiccups are often out of your control, you can take proactive measures to minimize problems:

• Insure valuable packages – this covers you financially if the package does get lost
• Save tracking numbers in multiple places or print records for safe keeping
• Pick up packages requiring signatures from the Post Office when possible
• Avoid shipping during peak holiday times when delays are most likely

With extra vigilance on your part and a little patience, hopefully your package will arrive safely despite any tracking issues. Let me know in the comments if you have any other USPS tracking frustrations I can address! I‘m happy to help based on my years of experience in the shipping industry.