As a savvy consumer and longtime retail industry insider, I‘ve spent countless hours scrutinizing shipping statuses and analyzing carrier performance. One of the most common questions I hear is: "Is USPS tracking down?"
It‘s a fair concern, especially if you‘re a picky shopper like me who wants items to arrive on time and in perfect condition. Nothing induces panic quite like checking your tracking for an important package only to see zero movement for days on end.
But here‘s the thing – the United States Postal Service maintains an extremely reliable and accurate tracking system for the 6.2 billion packages it handles annually. Only in the rarest cases, like scheduled maintenance, does USPS ever take tracking offline. So if your tracking is stuck, it almost certainly doesn‘t mean the whole system is down.
So what‘s really happening when USPS tracking seems frozen? Let‘s unpack the possibilities.
Digging Into USPS Tracking Delays
Missed Scans and Human Error
Every USPS parcel contains a unique barcode that should be scanned at each point in its journey, updating the tracking. But these crucial scans can get missed, especially in busy periods.
Per a 2019 audit from the USPS Inspector General, an average of 7.5% of mail containers did not receive proper scans. That means tracking gaps are pretty common, even when packages are moving as planned.
Peak Season Backlogs
Ever feel like your packages are sluggish around the holidays? You‘re not imagining it. USPS package volume can double in December versus the rest of the year, leading to processing backlogs.
In 2020, on-time percentage for First Class packages slumped to 64% around Christmas compared to the annual average of 92%. Expect slower tracking in busy seasons.
Transportation Troubles
From hazardous road conditions to highway pileups, uncontrollable transportation issues are another key cause of tracking lags.
The USPS Office of Inspector General found that in 2018, over 100 postal facilities had to temporarily suspend operations due to natural disasters like wildfires and hurricanes. And that‘s not counting more routine weather disruptions.
Staffing Shortfalls
Like many businesses lately, USPS has struggled with staffing due to the tight labor market. Over 63,000 postal workers called out in January 2022 at the Omicron variant peak – quadruple the normal average.
Fewer available hands means packages can take longer to process and tracking updates may stall in the meantime. Until staffing stabilizes, expect more variability.
Examining Other Carrier Comparisons
USPS isn‘t the only game in town of course. How does their tracking reliability compare to rivals FedEx and UPS?
According to data from ParcelLab, which analyzed over 3 million U.S. shipments:
| Carrier | On-Time Delivery % | Ave. Transit Time | Lost Parcel % |
|---|---|---|---|
| FedEx | 88.3% | 3.2 days | 0.6% |
| UPS | 87.8% | 3.3 days | 0.8% |
| USPS | 79.2% | 3.5 days | 1.2% |
So while USPS lags slightly behind in on-time percentage, its average transit time is nearly on par and lost parcel rate is still very low overall. And it achieves this while handling far more volume than FedEx and UPS. For context:
- USPS handled 7.3 billion packages in 2020
- FedEx handled 6.7 million packages per day in 2021 (roughly 2.4 billion annually)
- UPS handled 24.7 million packages per day in 2020 (roughly 9 billion annually)
All things considered, USPS holds its own on tracking and service reliability compared to its rivals. But the postal service does face unique challenges.
The biggest hurdle for USPS service is its persistent financial insecurity. Some key facts:
- USPS has posted net losses every year since 2007, including an $9.2 billion net loss in 2020
- It has accumulated $188 billion in liabilities and debt as of early 2021
- Mail volume dropped by 33% from 2007 to 2020
As a quasi-governmental entity, USPS doesn‘t receive taxpayer money and instead relies entirely on revenue from postage and services to stay afloat. Understandably, shrinking cashflow has required some belt-tightening.
In 2021, USPS rolled out a 10-year strategic plan aimed at clawing back to financial sustainability. A few key proposals:
- Change First Class package service standards from 1-3 days to 1-5 days
- Shift more volume to ground transportation instead of air
- Reduce hours and consolidate locations in low-traffic areas
- Invest in parcel automation to boost efficiency
While necessary to stabilize USPS, these changes may result in somewhat slower and less predictable delivery than many are accustomed to. But it sure beats the alternative of a bankrupt postal service. Building in a few extra buffer days for critical shipments will be wise going forward.
Cracking the USPS Tracking Code
Despite any snags and slowdowns, you can still stay on top of your parcels‘ progress. Here are a few pro tips I‘ve learned:
🔍 Scan and save your tracking numbers right away for easy access
🔔 Sign up for tracking notifications via email or text to get pinged on updates
🗓️ Note the expected delivery date and check daily starting 2 days prior
📞 Don‘t hesitate to contact USPS help if delivery is 3 days overdue with no scans
📬 For critical shipments, consider upgrading to Priority Mail Express for faster speeds
If you do suspect your package is lost, take action:
- Contact the sender to double check the tracking number and shipping address
- Initiate a USPS Mail Search Request for missing items with no tracking scans for 7+ days
- For insured shipments, file a claim for a lost package 15-60 days after the shipping date
- Report mail theft to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service if you suspect foul play
The Last Word on USPS Tracking
At the end of the day, an unmoving tracking status is much more likely to be a temporary hiccup than a sign of total system failure. After all, 98.8% of USPS packages are delivered successfully.
Shoppers are understandably anxious to receive purchases promptly. But a little perspective and patience goes a long way. An occasional lull in scans doesn‘t mean USPS can‘t be trusted. They‘re navigating an incredibly complex operation with billions of moving pieces and mostly succeed even in the face of big obstacles.
Whenever "Is USPS tracking down?" crosses my mind, I take a deep breath and remember the amazingly interconnected delivery network that makes doorstep drop-offs possible. Perfection isn‘t the norm, and that‘s okay. Gratitude is a good posture (so is having a backup gift on hand just in case).
Consumers can empower themselves by understanding the common causes of tracking gaps, making smart shipping choices, taking decisive action if parcels do go astray, and recalibrating expectations. USPS is committed to providing the best possible service, tracking included, as it evolves to meet the challenges ahead.
