What USPS’s “Moving Through Network” Tracking Update Means

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Packages take a long journey before they land on your doorstep or mailbox. Sometimes a package may end up “Moving through the Network” update due to lack of scanner, unexpected timing or delivery delay. But what does this ambiguous status mean? The good news is that your package is slowly reaching you. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about this USPS status.

A “Moving Through Network” status indicates that your package has been scanned and processed at the initial drop-off location and is now slowly navigating the expansive USPS system to its final destination. Generally, it can take 1 to 8 business days for your package to arrive.

1. 

   Please check the tracking number regularly. USPS offers free tracking on most of its packages. Visit https://www.usps.com/ and enter the 22-digit tracking number in the search bar to receive the latest updates.[4]
   Find your tracking number on your USPS confirmation or order confirmation email from the shipper.

2. Please allow at least a week for your package to arrive. Unexpected delays do happen, so please allow your package plenty of time to arrive. Similarly, it is not uncommon for packets to be accidentally scanned early.

   • If your package does not arrive after that time frame, please contact USPS or the shipper for support.

3. Contact USPS customer service after 5 to 14 days. For Priority Mail Express, please call or email at 6pm local time on your guaranteed delivery date if your package has yet to arrive. However, for other packages, such as Priority Mail, First-Class Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage, you can contact support after 5 or more days from the date of shipment. However, you should still give your package at least a week to arrive before contacting him.[5]

   • Parcel Select, Media Mail, Bound Printed Material, Library Mail, Periodicals, and USPS Marketing should be contacted 14 or more days after the date of mailing.
   • USPS Ground Advantage should be contacted 14 or more days after shipment if it contains hazardous materials or live animals.
   • Call your local post office if your mail is delayed or call 1-800-275-8777 for additional assistance.[6]

4. Notify the sender and request a refund. Contact the seller or shipper to inquire about any shipment updates. They may have additional information on their side. If not, please refer to their return or refund policy for next steps.

1. 

   Limited scanning along the route When you first ship a package, it is scanned into the USPS system to activate its unique tracking number. However, sometimes while moving through the network, there may be a limited number of scanners on the route, especially if they are being moved from truck to truck between facilities.[7]

2. Bad weather Severe weather is a classic way to delay anything. If the storm is severe, it can create unsafe driving conditions or even cause damage to USPS facilities. Packages may miss their scheduled delivery date due to these issues, causing limited tracking updates.[8]

3. Large quantities of packages During peak holidays, such as Christmas, the USPS has a large volume of packages. While the USPS has measures in place — like offering Sunday delivery, jump-start options and extended worker hours — it can cause packages to sit longer between scans before reaching their next destination.[9]

4. Transport or mechanical problems Unfortunately, you never know when a conveyor belt or delivery truck will experience a problem. Transportation issues or mechanical issues may cause a package to miss its estimated delivery date.[10]

5. Great distance USPS packages have to travel a long way before they reach you. Packages move through different hands and locations, from distribution centers, sorting hubs, your local post office and your doorstep. Occasionally a wrong step in the process can delay your package. But rest assured, it’s still coming.[11]

6. Incorrect address A simple tipfeller’s mistake can derail when your package arrives. In these scenarios, the package may be returned to the sender due to an insufficient address or be sent to the wrong address entirely. Always double check your address before shipping or ordering products.[12]

   • If possible, contact the sender for insufficient address issues or request a resend of the package.

7. 

   International shipments If you are expecting a package from overseas, there may be additional delays if your package is held due to incorrectly completed custom forms. Always make sure your documentation is filled out correctly and filed.

Categories: How to
Source: HIS Education