Why Your USPS Package Might Be In Moving Through Network or In Transit Without Updates

I wouldn’t worry about it just yet. I once had a package be picked up by USPS in Illinois and then spend well over a week stuck in Illinois. Then I got an update stating it had left Illinois and it appeared on my doorstep less than a day later. I also had a package get shuffled around between several USPS centers here in the city where I live including being returned to the original center in town and finally get delivered four days later. A long time ago I had a letter containing job application information take a week to get across town and be delivered. The USPS usually does a very good job but sometimes screw-ups happen. I don’t know if your package was originally shipped by UPS but I've also noticed that UPS sometimes has packages delivered by USPS. That probably takes at least an additional day or two for the transfer between delivery companies.

Understanding Tracking Updates

Its understandable to be concerned when your USPS package has been in the standalone track statuses like "Moving Through Network" or "In Transit" without further updates. Let's break down why these statuses might not provide updates for a long time.

Limited Scans Along the Route

Sometimes packages may not receive scans if they are being transported by truck between USPS facilities. This can result in a lack of tracking updates beyond the initial Shipped or Pre-sorted status. These vehicles may have fewer stops to scan parcels compared to delivery trucks, which can lead to long periods without updates.

High Package Volumes

During peak seasons such as holidays, USPS experiences a significant increase in package volume. This can lead to delays in processing and sorting, causing packages to remain in the Processing center or Transportation hub for extended periods. These operations may not have as frequent scanning procedures due to sheer volume.

Weather or Transportation Issues

Severe weather events, trucking delays, and other transportation problems can disrupt the flow of packages between postal facilities. These issues may cause delays and minimal tracking updates. For example, heavy snow can cause stoppages, and weather-related delays can result in packages being stuck in one location longer than usual.

Steps to Take if You're Concerned

Here are some steps you can take if you are concerned about your package:

Wait a Full Week: Give your package adequate time for transportation between major hubs, especially for long-distance shipments. USPS processing times can be unpredictable, and a week is a reasonable amount of time to wait before taking further action. Check for Updates Daily: Packages sometimes receive quick scans that you might miss if you are not monitoring the tracking closely. Regular checks can help you stay informed about any delayed updates. Confirm Address Accuracy: Double-check the delivery address to ensure there were no errors that could potentially delay delivery. A single typo can cause significant delays. Contact the Sender: Reach out to the shipper to see if they have any additional tracking information or if they can initiate an inquiry on your behalf. The sender might have more insight into the package's status. Contact USPS: If you believe your package is lost or significantly delayed, you can contact USPS and file a claim so they can start searching for it. USPS customer support may be able to provide further details or assistance. Request a Refund: If your package is severely delayed and you made the purchase through a platform like eBay or an online retailer, you may be eligible for a refund. Check the terms of service or contact the retailer for guidance.

Common Tracking Statuses Explained

Here are some common tracking statuses you might encounter with USPS packages:

Shipped: The package has been received and an initial scan was made. Moving Through Network: The package is in transit but not yet at a sorting facility. This can occur during long-distance shipments. In Transit to Next Facility: The package is en route to the next processing center. Located along the delivery route, these statuses may also not be updated frequently. Delivered: The package has been successfully delivered to the address.

Understanding these statuses can help you better anticipate your package's delivery timeline.

Additional Resources

For more information, you may find the following resources helpful:

USPS Moving Through Network Meaning and Guide - PostageGuru Moving Through Network [USPS]: The Complete Guide - Package Corner In Transit to Next Facility Arriving Late USPS: The Complete Guide - Package Corner

Feel more confident in knowing why your package might be in a specific track status and what actions you can take to ensure its timely delivery.