Are you expecting a package to be delivered by UPS, then you might come across the “UPS Estimated Delivery Delay” tracking page update, and then after it changes to the “delivery date will be provided as soon as possible.“
This usually happens when you are expecting a package from abroad. The package remains stuck at the regional facility of UPS and the estimated delivery date of the package passes. After that, the UPS updates the tracking page with that ‘there is a shipment delay’ which means you will not expect your package to be delivered any sooner.
And if you are reading this article then I can understand your anger and frustration as you don’t know when your package will be delivered. Here, I have provided a detailed guide to help you with the “UPS Estimated Delivery Delay”.
What’s the Meaning of “UPS Estimated Delivery Delay”?
The “United Parcel Service Estimated Delivery Delay” means that the delivery of your package will take place later than the expected delivery date. If it happens to you then there is nothing to worry about, eventually, the package will make its way to you within a week.
In simple, if you got this Estimated Delivery Delay update then you not gonna get your package on the expected delivery date. In turn, you can expect it to get delivered in the upcoming few days (probably a week).
Why are UPS Deliveries Being Delayed?
The Package gets Misrouted
It is fairly possible that your package to get misrouted and end up being delivered to the wrong facility of UPS. The package remains in the facility until a staff notices it and reroutes it to the correct UPS facility where it gets scanned and processed for final delivery.
This mostly happens with small-size packages as they are prone to miss a scan and the tracking status remains stuck on the same update until the issue is noticed and the package is scanned.
The whole process of rectifying and rerouting the package to the correct facility can take a few days and if there is a coming public holiday in between then you need to wait for more days to get your package delivered to your address.
Unpleasant Weather Conditions
Sometimes bad weather conditions can also cause the package to get delayed and pass the expected delivery date. During severe weather conditions, heavy rains & snowfall, major storms & hurricanes can easily disrupt the entire chain of package transportation.
Generally in these conditions, the courier transportation companies wait for the weather to clear up so that they can resume their operation and deliver the packages that are already delayed.
Sometimes the UPS doesn’t update the Tracking Status of the Package and still, the package gets delayed. If something like this happens to you then check the weather conditions of the UPS regional facility, as it might be experiencing some harsh weather conditions.
The Package got Lost
Although this happens very rarely still this can cause a potential delay in the expected delivery date of the package. This usually happens when the packages are being transited from one regional facility to another.
If the package is small in size then it can easily miss a scan and get lost & ultimately sent to the wrong UPS regional distribution center.
If something like this happens then your tracking status remains stuck on the very same delay update and in the meantime, UPS tries its best to relocate the package and deliver it back to the recipient’s address to make the final delivery. However, the package always arrives later than the expected delivery date but still, they deliver the package.
But if they fail to locate the package then the tracking status is updated to Package is lost. In that case, they either initiate a refund or provide you with adequate compensation.
Stuck at Customs
If you are expecting a package from abroad via UPS then it needs to go through customs which in turn takes a few extra days. If all the required documentation is available then the officials will review and release the package within a single day but if they find anything suspicious they will hold up the package for further inspection.
Even if everything is all right then still your package can stay in the customs facility if they are experiencing heavy volumes of packages. Along with that if public holidays are aline with the heavy volumes then your package is sure to exceed the expected delivery date.
If anything like this happens with you there is nothing to worry about. All you need to do is just wait for a few extra days(2 or 3 days) your package will its way to you without doing anything.
How Long You Should Wait If UPS Estimated Delivery Shows Delayed?
If it’s a minor delay due to some technical issue then you just need to wait for 2-3 days and your package will make its way to you within the given timeframe.
But if things are not right then you might have to wait for a few weeks to get the package delivered to your address.
The most frustrating part about it is that you can’t do anything about it rather than patiently waiting for it. During this whole time, the tracking status remained stuck on the ‘Delayed’ update which means your package may arrive while your status doesn’t provide any update.
What You Should Do If UPS Estimated Delivery Shows Delayed?
Track your Package Closely
As your package is getting delayed you need to check the tracking status more regularly as UPS may provide you with information about the location and rescheduled delivery date of the package.
To know the exact reason why your package is being delayed, look for “Shipment Progress” details, which might offer clues about the reason for the delay, like “Held at warehouse” “Customs clearance in progress”, or “Bad weather conditions.”
Check for Service Alerts
Visit the UPS Service Alerts page to see if any widespread delays are affecting your area due to weather, infrastructure issues, or other factors.
If something like this happens then you can’t do anything other than patiently waiting for the package to get delivered by UPS.
Contact the Shipper
From my own past experiences, consider contacting the shipper before contacting UPS customer care. Because UPS pays more attention to the shipper rather than the customer as they are giving them the business.
Provide them with all the required details also mention that the estimated delivery date has already passed and yet you haven’t received the package from UPS. If you have purchased something online then they will either initiate a refund or send back a replacement package to get it delivered in the required timeframe this time.
It’s solely the responsibility of the shipper that the package makes its way to the recipient’s address within the required timeframe. So it’s up to them how they make it work for you.
Contact the UPS Customer Service
If you need further assistance & help to track down your package then you should contact UPS customer service. They can provide more information about your package’s status and the appropriate reason for the delay.
Consider calling an executive rather than chatting and providing them with your tracking number so that they can easily track down the issue and assist you with the rescheduled delivery day of your package.