If you are yet to receive your package and get the “departed processing center update” on the tracking status of your package, then it can be quite confusing for you if you don’t know what it means.
Well, there is nothing to worry about your package. It is usually provided by all the shipping carriers like UPS, FedEx, and USPS when your package is in transit using their shipping facility.
In this blog post, we have provided all the information that you require to know if you have got this update. Just read on to know more about it.
What’s the Meaning of “Departed Processing Center”?
If you have got this “departed processing center” update for your package it means that your package has left the processing center of the sorting facility and currently is moving to its next destination within the shipping network of the carrier.
In simple words, if you have received this update then your package has left the central sorting facility of the shipping carrier and now it’s in transit to the next destination where it will be scanned and processed further and finally released for delivery to the recipient address.
What is a Processing Center?
These are large packet sorting facilities or distribution centers that are mainly operated by shipping companies and postal services. These centers are used to sort organize and process the packages before they are dispatched for delivery to their destination address.
These centers are designed to handle large volumes of packages which makes them quite important during the peak season when all the shipping carriers experience bulk packages.
Why does a Package get this “Processing Center” Update?
Recipients usually get this “processing center” update when their package leaves one of these facilities or distribution centers after getting scanned and processed. These updates are quite important as they assure the recipient that their packages still moving forward and getting closer to delivery day by day.
Receiving this update also means that your package has been accepted by the shipping carrier and it is on its way to reach its final destination. After this update, the package is transferred to the next nearby facility of the final delivery address where they are further processed and released for the last minute delivery within the expected delivery time of the package.
What happens next when a package leaves the sorting facility?
Once a package has been processed from the sorting facility, it typically leaves and moves to the next regional or local distribution center near the recipient’s address. If the distance of delivering the shipment is quite long it may take several stops in between the multiple sorting facilities on its way to get delivered.
As the package has reached the facility the final recipient will receive an update that “arrived at the facility” which means that the package has reached a local post office after that, it will be “out for delivery” to the recipient address.
If you have received this message then it means your package is getting closer and on its way to get delivered to you within a few days.
How long does it take for a package to arrive after the ‘processing center’ update?
There are a lot of factors that can easily influence how long it will take for your package to reach the required destination like shipping method, carrier, weather conditions, and a lot more. In normal scenarios, it can take up to a week for your order to reach the delivery location after the “departing processing center” update.
But if you’re expecting an international package that needs to go through customs it might take a bit longer for the package to arrive. If all the things go right without any issue then you will be able to get your order within one to two weeks after receiving this update.
Why does a package remain stuck on this update?
If a significant amount of time has passed and you haven’t noticed any progress on the tracking status of your package then there are fair chances that it might be facing some trouble or having some issues. Below I have listed some reasons that can be cause why your package is stuck on this update.
Backlog issues
If the shipping carrier is experiencing the problem of heavy backlogs then it can also be the reason why your package is getting delayed or remain stuck on the same issue for days or weeks. It usually happens at the time of some festive seasons or when the facility is facing a problem shortage of working staff.
Unforeseen Weather Conditions
If the weather conditions in your area have been changed drastically then it can also be the reason why your packages not getting delivered on time. Conditions like heavy downpours, blizzards, and tornados can easily disrupt the package delivery process in the affected area.
Stuck at Customs
If you’re expecting an international package then it needs to go through the customs and get a clearance. However, if some important documentation of your package is missing then the officials might hold your package until you provide them the required documentation.
During the clearance, if the officials find something suspicious in the package then they might seize it immediately.
What to do if your package has been stuck for too long on this update?
If only a day has passed or two, then there is nothing to worry about sometimes temporary issues can also be the reason why your package gets delayed. You just need to wait for a while and your package will eventually make its way to you.
If weeks have passed and you haven’t noted any significant progress then you need to take this matter seriously. In such scenarios, you are required to contact your shipping carrier and ask them what’s wrong with your package.
If you think the delivery time is going to take too long then you can open a dispute or even file for a refund if the package is getting unbearably delayed.