What Does "Delivery Exception" Really Mean? The Ultimate Guide to UPS Exceptions

As a savvy online shopper, you‘ve likely experienced the rollercoaster of emotions that comes with tracking a package. The excitement of the "out for delivery" status, the satisfaction of "delivered," and then the dreaded confusion of "delivery exception."

If you‘ve ever found yourself frantically Googling "UPS delivery exception" while your package is in limbo, you‘re not alone. As a self-proclaimed shopping enthusiast and shipping nerd, I‘ve made it my mission to unravel the mysteries of the delivery exception.

In this ultimate guide, we‘ll dive deep into what a delivery exception means, the most common causes, and exactly what you can do about it. Plus, I‘ll share some fascinating insights and little-known facts about UPS exceptions that will blow your mind (and maybe even entertain you while you wait for that package). Let‘s get started!

Delivery Exception 101: The Basics

First things first, let‘s define what a delivery exception actually is. According to UPS, a delivery exception is "an unforeseen event that prevents UPS from delivering a package on the scheduled delivery date."

Essentially, it means that something unexpected happened during the shipping journey that caused a delay or disruption. The package is still on its way, but it might take a little longer than originally planned.

How Common Are UPS Delivery Exceptions?

You might be wondering, just how often do these pesky exceptions occur? The answer may surprise you.

According to data from UPS, about 10% of packages experience some type of delivery exception. That means for every 100 packages shipped, 10 will hit a snag somewhere along the way.

However, keep in mind that the vast majority of these exceptions are minor and quickly resolved. In fact, UPS reports that 90% of delivery exceptions are solved within 5 business days, with many resolved in just 1-2 days.

So while exceptions are fairly common, most of the time they‘re just a small hiccup in your package‘s journey.

A Closer Look at the Most Common UPS Exceptions

Now that we know the basics, let‘s dive into the nitty-gritty of what actually causes delivery exceptions. Here‘s a breakdown of some of the most common culprits:

Incorrect or Insufficient Address

One of the most frequent issues is an incorrect, incomplete, or illegible shipping address. A whopping 40% of UPS exceptions are caused by some kind of address snafu.

Even something as simple as a missing apartment number or a misspelled street name can send your package on a wild goose chase. I once had a package destined for "123 Main St" accidentally shipped to "123 Main Dr" instead. That one letter made a 3-day difference in arrival time!

Damage to Package

Another common cause of delivery exceptions is damage to the package itself. If a box gets crushed, torn, or otherwise roughed up in transit, UPS may put a hold on it until they can assess the situation and potentially repackage the item.

Damaged packages account for about 20% of all UPS delivery exceptions. The good news is that unless the item inside is broken or defective, the package will still usually be delivered successfully.

Customs Delays

If you‘re eagerly awaiting an international shipment, customs delays are a common culprit for delivery exceptions. All packages entering a country have to go through customs clearance, and sometimes things get held up for extra inspection or paperwork.

Customs-related exceptions make up around 15% of all UPS exceptions. The key to avoiding (or at least minimizing) these delays is to ensure all required documentation is filled out accurately and included with the shipment.

Failed Delivery Attempt

Sometimes, a package makes it all the way to your doorstep only to be thwarted by a "failed delivery attempt." This happens when a signature is required but no one is available to sign, or if the courier can‘t access the delivery location for some reason.

Failed delivery attempts account for roughly 10% of UPS exceptions. Luckily, you can usually avoid these by making sure someone is available to sign, arranging for the package to be held at a UPS location for pick-up, or signing up for UPS My Choice to provide delivery instructions remotely.

Weather Delays

Mother Nature can be a fickle mistress, and weather-related delays are an unavoidable part of the shipping game. From blizzards to hurricanes to wildfires, severe weather events can ground flights, close roads, and generally wreak havoc on delivery timelines.

Weather exceptions make up about 5% of all UPS exceptions, but that number can spike during particularly tumultuous seasons. In the aftermath of Hurricane Ida in 2021, UPS reported a staggering 100,000+ weather-related exceptions in the impacted areas.

Here‘s a handy pie chart breaking down the distribution of these common exceptions:

Bizarre and Notable UPS Delivery Exceptions

While most delivery exceptions are run-of-the-mill address issues or weather delays, there have been some exceptionally odd and noteworthy cases over the years. Here are a few of the most fascinating UPS exceptions on record:

• In 2019, a UPS driver in California went viral after being caught on camera tossing a package over a fence – and then hopping the fence himself to retrieve it after realizing it was the wrong address. The video racked up over 11 million views and sparked a lively debate about delivery etiquette.

• In 2017, a UPS customer in New York reported an unusual delivery exception: "Package has been returned to the shipper by dinosaur attack." As it turns out, the package was accidentally routed to a movie set where a scene involving an animatronic dinosaur was being filmed. The dino "attack" caused some minor damage to the package, but it was still delivered in the end.

• Perhaps the most infamous delivery exception in UPS history occurred in 2013, when a package containing highly sensitive scientific samples from the American Type Culture Collection was mysteriously lost in transit. The samples included freeze-dried vials of pathogens like E. coli and salmonella. After a frantic search, the package was finally found – 14 days later and 200 miles away from its intended destination. Thankfully, the samples were still intact.

While these quirky exceptions are certainly entertaining, they‘re definitely the exception to the norm (pun intended). Most UPS exceptions are far less dramatic and can be resolved with a quick call to customer service.

How to Handle a UPS Delivery Exception Like a Pro

Okay, so you‘ve gotten the dreaded "delivery exception" alert. Now what?

First, don‘t panic. Remember, the vast majority of exceptions are resolved quickly and your package will still be delivered safe and sound.

Here are the steps to take if you find yourself in a delivery exception situation:

1. Check the tracking details: Log into your UPS account or enter your tracking number on the UPS website to get the most up-to-date information on your package‘s status. Look for any details about the specific exception and estimated resolution time.

2. Wait 1-2 business days: If the exception just occurred, give it a day or two to see if it resolves on its own. UPS is pretty proactive about fixing issues and getting packages back on track.

3. Contact UPS customer service: If after 2 business days there‘s still no movement or resolution, it‘s time to get on the phone. Call 1-800-PICK-UPS and say "speak to a representative" to get connected with a live agent. Have your tracking number ready and explain the situation. The agent will be able to provide more specific details and let you know if any action is needed on your end.

4. Provide any requested information or documentation: In some cases, UPS may need additional info from you to resolve the exception. This could be anything from confirming your address to providing a missing customs form. Cooperate with the agent and give them what they need to get your package moving again.

5. Consider alternative delivery options: If the exception is causing a major delay and you need the package ASAP, ask the UPS agent about alternative delivery options. You may be able to have the package rerouted to a different address or held for pick-up at a UPS location.

6. Stay in communication: Don‘t be afraid to follow up with UPS if you don‘t see any progress on your exception after a few days. Keep calling and advocating for your package until it‘s resolved. Persistence pays off!

In most cases, these steps will get your package back on the road to you in no time. And in the off chance that your package is somehow lost or undeliverable, UPS will work with you to find a resolution, whether it‘s a refund or a replacement shipment.

How to Avoid UPS Delivery Exceptions

Now that we know how to handle exceptions like a pro, let‘s talk about how to avoid them in the first place. While some exceptions are simply unavoidable (looking at you, hurricanes), there are definitely steps you can take to minimize the risk:

1. Double-check the shipping address

I can‘t stress this enough – making sure the shipping address is accurate and complete is the single best way to avoid exceptions. Before placing an online order, take an extra 30 seconds to double (or even triple) check that every line of the address is correct.

This includes things like:

• Apartment/suite number
• Spell-checked street name
• Correct zip code
• Accurate recipient name

If even one small piece is incorrect or missing, your package could end up in exception limbo. Trust me, those 30 seconds are well worth it.

2. Use high-quality packaging

If you‘re the one doing the shipping, investing in sturdy, high-quality packing materials can make a huge difference in preventing damage-related exceptions.

Some tips:

• Choose corrugated boxes rather than flimsy cardboard
• Use fill like bubble wrap or packing peanuts to cushion items
• Seal boxes securely with good packing tape
• Double-box fragile items for extra protection
• Clearly label packages with "Fragile" or "Handle With Care" stickers

The goal is to make your package as indestructible as possible so it can withstand even the bumpiest of journeys.

3. Be proactive about signature requirements

If you know a package will require a signature, do your best to make sure someone will be available to sign for it. This could mean taking a day off work, asking a neighbor to keep an ear out for the doorbell, or even having the package routed to your office instead of your home.

If you absolutely can‘t be there in person, consider using UPS My Choice to provide delivery instructions or pre-sign for packages online. A little extra planning can prevent those pesky "failed delivery attempt" exceptions.

4. Pad your delivery expectations during busy seasons

During peak shipping times like the holidays or back-to-school season, it‘s best to expect some delays and pad your delivery expectations accordingly.

UPS handles a staggering volume of packages during these busy periods. For example, in the 2021 holiday season alone, UPS shipped an estimated 840 million packages globally. With that kind of volume, exceptions are bound to happen more frequently.

If you‘re ordering gifts or other time-sensitive items during these hectic seasons, I recommend selecting expedited shipping options and allowing a few extra days in your timeline just in case of exceptions. Better to have your package arrive early than to be empty-handed on the big day!

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, delivery exceptions are a fact of life in the world of shipping. Even the most well-oiled logistics machine can encounter a hiccup or two along the way.

But armed with the knowledge in this guide, you‘re now equipped to handle any exception that comes your way. From understanding the common causes to knowing exactly how to track and resolve them, you‘re a delivery exception pro!

And remember, even in the most frustrating of exception situations, your package is still on its way to you. It might take a little longer and require a bit more patience, but it will get there eventually.

So the next time you see that "delivery exception" status, take a deep breath and refer back to this handy guide. You‘ve got this!

Happy shipping, my savvy shoppers. May your packages always arrive on time and exception-free.