Have you ever experienced a package getting stuck at the sorting center with absolutely no update for days? It can be quite annoying when you are really waiting for your package to get delivered but it ends up getting delayed at the sorting center.
To be true, it’s a common issue for a package to get stuck at the sorting center. Thousands of packages every single day face this issue as the carrier facility gets flooded with packages these types of problems are not a big issue at all. Most of the time these types of issues get fixed on their own but they cause delays in the expected delivery time of the consignment.
If you’re interested in knowing more about why you’re facing this issue so stick to the article as we have tried to explain everything related to it in this detailed article.
What’s the Meaning of Package Gets Stuck at the Sorting Center?
If your package seems to be stuck at the sorting center it means the package will be delayed and arrive at the delivery location after the expected delivery time. It also indicates that your package is Experiencing a delay and is not making the progress that it is expected to make.
There are a lot of reasons that can be responsible for why a package gets stuck and delayed while getting sorted at the sorting facility.
*For those who don’t know what a sorting center is? it’s a facility where packages are processed sorted and routed to the next destination.
Why does a Package get stuck at the Sorting Center?
These are a bunch of the reasons why your package gets stuck at the sorting center:
High Volume of Package
During busy times like the holiday season or event sales the volume of packages arriving at the sorting facility increases drastically which sometimes can cause delays and create long queues of packages that remain in the facility until the packages are processed.
Incorrect Labelling
If the shipping label of your package contains the wrong address or the wrong zip code then the shipping carrier won’t be able to deliver the package to the correct address which results in a long delay in the final delivery of the package.
Equipment Malfunctioning
If the equipment involved in the processing of packages like barcode readers, weighing machines, and conveyor belts have some sort of error or malfunctioning then they can also cause the packages to get delayed or stuck in the sorting facility until the issue is resolved.
However, these types of issues are quite rare as all the facilities, routinely carry out the scheduled maintenance of all the machines involved in the sorting process so these types of problems don’t arise at the first place.
Misrouted
With thousands of packages going through the sorting centers daily, it’s not a big deal as some packages may get transported to the wrong Distribution Facility. The issue remains unnoticed Until some birthing staff at the distribution facility figure it out and send it back to the correct starting center to resume its normal journey.
Clearance Delay
In case of international packages, if there is some issue with the package content or documentation, customs officials will hold up the package for further inspection resulting in a significant delay. At the same time, the status remains stuck on the same issue for days without showing any progress.
During the inspection, if something suspicious An important paperwork is found to be missing then the nearby package will be immediately seized or in the worst-case scenario will be returned to the original sender.
Severe Weather Condition
Increment weather conditions like heavy snowfall, downpours, tornados, floods, and poor visibility can also cause packages to remain stuck in the sorting facilities until the conditions are improved.
Such condition nearly makes it impossible for any shipping carrier to deliver the packages within the given time frame. If the issue persists for weeks then you are only left to wait until the weather clears up so that the normal delivery operation can resume.
Under Staff
If the carrier sorting facility is facing the problem of Insufficient working staffing either due to illness, strike, or any other reason then it can result in slow processing of the packages. If the problem persists for a longer duration then it can the packages to delay beyond the expected delivery time.
What To Do If Your Package is Stuck at the Sorting Facility?
Check the Last Scan Location
Using the tracking number provided by the shipping carrier try to know where the package was last scanned. It will help you know the last location of the package and how far it’s away from the delivery location.
Reach out to Customer Service
If the package has been getting daily for more than a week then you need to contact your shipping carrier and ask them to investigate the status of your package. They may have more information about what’s wrong with it and where your package has arrived.
Check out Your Local Post Office
If the initial delivery attempt of your package has failed then you need to check out your local post office as your package might be handed over to them for another delivery attempt.
File a Missing Mail Claim
If a month has already passed and you haven’t noticed any progress related to your international package then you need to file a claim with your shipping carrier as it will alert them to find and re-route the package to the recipient’s address as soon as possible.
Things to Keep in Mind to Avoid Packages From Getting Stuck
Provide Accurate & Complete Information
Make sure the shipping details are correct and complete otherwise your package will be put on hold until the shipping carrier contacts the recipient and ask them to provide the correct delivery address. Provide proper contact details and email address say that the driver can contact you easily at the time of delivery.
Ensure Proper Packaging
Make sure the consignment has been put in a sturdy box along with good packing material so it can be delivered without getting damaged. If you are a sender then make sure all the shipping labels are clearly visible otherwise it can cause trouble in this scanning of your package.
Use a Reliable Shipping Service
If you’re sending the package then make sure you are choosing a reliable shipping partner like USPS, UPS, and FedEx as they are quite reliable and known for their quality service. If you want your package to get delivered as soon as possible then make sure you are using the priority service as it allows your package to get delivered within a few days without waiting for a longer duration of time.
Avoid Prohibited Items
Always try to avoid the shipping of prohibited & illegal items as it may put you in legal trouble and your package may get returned from the customs facility after arriving in the destination country. Before sending a package, make sure it compliance with the rules and regulations of the customs at the destination country.
If you are sending or expecting a high-value item then make sure you have opted for signature confirmation and insurance so you can claim it, if anything goes wrong.