Shipping Delays

Good morning, everyone!

Some of my shipments from the past couple of weeks have been delayed. Here's what I know about the situation:

1. The packages are not currently lost and will likely be delivered late.
2. USPS is experiencing shipping delays in certain areas. Many delayed packages are either heading to these areas or heading through them. https://about.usps.com/newsroom/service-alerts/
3. Although this is not reported as a delay factor on the website, news outlets have reported that staffing shortages coinciding with the winter weather are causing delays. My area, despite not being on the delay map, is definitely facing delays. It seems other areas are as well.
4. Packages from February 16/17 are now updating and moving through the network. Though significantly delayed, it seems they will be delivered this week. 
5. Packages from February 26th were showing that they were still in Gold Bar, where I dropped them off. I went to the post office to investigate and confirmed that they were not still there. Because some packages in that shipment have shown that they are in Seattle, I suspect that they are all in Seattle and just haven't been scanned yet. The postmaster in my area is looking into it and will give me more information in the next couple of days. I do not suspect these packages are lost, but they are probably stuck in the receiving area for Seattle and haven't moved through yet.
6. Packages are still being delayed in some regions. No word on when delays will subside.

Initiating Mail Searches

I can initiate a mail search for packages that have been stuck in one area for en extended period. Because packages from the 16/17th have been moving recently, I have decided not to initiate a search for them. However, if they are not delivered by 02/06/26, I will file a lost package claim on the remaining deliveries. See that section of the post for more information.

As for the packages I sent out on the 26th, I have initiated a search with the postmaster. Packages being delayed in Seattle is not unusual. However, it is unusual for them to not be scanned upon arrival. She will likely get back to me within the next couple of days letting me know where they are and what I can expect as far as delays go. 

Filing a Claim

I can file a claim after 15 days has passed. For some packages, this window has just passed. However, I have decided to wait until the end of this week (02/06/26) to do so. The reason being that the packages are currently moving and do not seem to be lost. If the packages are not lost, the claim won't go through regardless. Additionally, I think it might cause people to worry about whether their packages will be delivered. Rest assured that even if I file a claim, your package will be delivered if it is found. If I end up filing a claim for your package, I will contact you with reimbursement options. 

Is there anything customers can do?

Yes, please do the following things:

1. Check your tracking number for a delivery exception. Thus far, a couple of customers have had attempted but failed deliveries. Please contact your local post office to arrange for redelivery or pickup.
2. If your package is marked "delivered", but did not arrive, please wait a day. Sometimes delivery drivers will mark packages delivered preemptively before realizing they can't get to you that day. Usually, they will drop off first thing on the following day. If not, please give me all evidence you can of non-delivery so I can file a claim. I will work out reimbursement options with you via email.