Is the USPS Track & Confirm function worthless?

nankraut · March 28, 2008 12:44PM

In the past, I've had packages that the buyer reported to me as having been received, yet the USPS still shows them in transit, or being processed. Now, I have one (registered, Priority Mail) that was mailed on 3/19, and is still "in process". When I politely e-mailed USPS and asked them to update the tracking number, I got the same song&dance. Frustrating...

Any comments, or is this normal for the USPS?

tmot99 · March 28, 2008 12:50PM

Yes, in general, it is useless. The registered pretty much cancels out the Priority Mail part. Although it's been a little long, it's not out of the realm of possibility depending on how far away it travelled. There has also been some nasty weather across the country during that time frame which could have slowed things, again, depending on where it has travelled.

Your best bet is to take the tracking number into the PO rather than online.

nankraut · March 28, 2008 12:57PM

<< Yes, in general, it is useless. The registered pretty much cancels out the Priority Mail part. Although it's been a little long, it's not out of the realm of possibility depending on how far away it travelled. There has also been some nasty weather across the country during that time frame which could have slowed things, again, depending on where it has travelled.

Your best bet is to take the tracking number into the PO rather than online. >>

Thanks...I'll try that.

notwilight · March 28, 2008 1:00PM

Registered will show delivered online but does not show intermediate status. Your best bet is to relax and look at coins. Checking it's status will not change the delivery date one iota. A coin I bought Mar 5 just showed up today. What a pleasant surprise. I'll post photos later. --Jerry

ebaytrader · March 28, 2008 1:01PM

<< 

<< Yes, in general, it is useless. The registered pretty much cancels out the Priority Mail part. Although it's been a little long, it's not out of the realm of possibility depending on how far away it travelled. There has also been some nasty weather across the country during that time frame which could have slowed things, again, depending on where it has travelled.

Your best bet is to take the tracking number into the PO rather than online. >>

Thanks...I'll try that. >>

Better yet, call 800ASKUSPS #5, #5 and file a complaint. They'll research it and find the package. They'll have someone from your local PO assigned to track it down and call you back. It works.

mheffner2 · March 28, 2008 1:05PM

Allow me to make your case for you: Mailed Priority (2-3 day average, I repeat - average) + Registered from the east coast to Cali (guess where to). The package finally updated in their online tracking as arriving just THIS morning, 3/28. Mailed it 3/19 in the AM! Guess I should be happy it arrived, but damn!

seatedcollector · March 28, 2008 6:06PM

dont be surprised if going into the PO gets you the same result as going on line, the clerk goes online to check for you. same answer, updated daily, in transit, bla bla bla

fastrudy · March 28, 2008 8:33PM

Yes it is useless as a predictive tool. However, if you want to check what already has happened (a postdiction), it may have some use. Just like the politicians, it is better than nothing.

TorinoCobra71 · March 28, 2008 9:08PM

I find it quite useful. I use it to watch the pacakage as it is shipped during my current coin tag.

TC71

njcoincrank · March 28, 2008 9:14PM

Pretty much.

JBTurner · March 28, 2008 9:36PM

USPS Express mail is the only USPS mail that can be tracked AND also has a guaranteed delivery time (1 - 2 days).. any other form of mailing is not trackable and only has an estimated delivery time (2 - 3 days) with no gurantee of delivery time.
So if you require a detailed, tackable with guaranteed delivery time use Express mail.

Rampage · March 28, 2008 10:42PM

I've never had a problem with it. It works fine for my purposes.

tmot99 · March 28, 2008 11:06PM

<< Allow me to make your case for you: Mailed Priority (2-3 day average, I repeat - average) + Registered from the east coast to Cali (guess where to). The package finally updated in their online tracking as arriving just THIS morning, 3/28. Mailed it 3/19 in the AM! Guess I should be happy it arrived, but damn! >>

Priority is virtually useless when shipping Registered because it still has to be signed off along the way. It might speed it up a day over regular, but that's about it. With the weather over the past week across the country, it doesn't surprise me that it took a little over a week. But, the online tracking is useless. I guess that's why it's the cheapest shipping method over UPS and FedEx.

notwilight · March 28, 2008 11:15PM

<< dont be surprised if going into the PO gets you the same result as going on line, the clerk goes online to check for you. same answer, updated daily, in transit, bla bla bla >>

Incorrect. The clerk can check it on the internal USPS system. But why bother.

tmot99 · March 28, 2008 11:19PM

I agree. I've had to track a package before and the online system and phone system gave nothing. The clerk at the PO gave me a lot more information on the package. Still didn't tell me exactly where the package was, but did give me an estimated date to expect it.

notwilight · March 28, 2008 11:20PM

In addition to what tmott said: It may be a little confusing because registered is charged prioritiy mail or first class rates, but the delivery times go out the window. Remember, we all like registered mail because it is safe and therefore cheap to insure. it can take up to 2 weeks. Relax and keep doing coin things until they show up because worrying will not speed them up. Filing a complaint as suggested above will not speed them up and might even slow them down. It will certainly slow down overall performance at the USPS. I don't like that suggestion. --jerry

LindeDad · March 29, 2008 12:21AM

We need to note that there are two different tracking systems in use on your package.
Number one is the Registered mail tracking slower with hand to hand receipt by all that handle your package required . Benefits security and lower cost insurance.
This cancelled out the speed of the Priority mail that only shows delivery confirmation.

Also I understand that the registered tracking number can only be tracked in the postal system, not available to the internet user.

notwilight · March 29, 2008 12:28AM

Lindadad,
I agree with what you said but want to add that USPS has made registered tracking partially viewable online. It will show shipped and it will show delivered but the in-between tracking is only available on the internal USPS tracking system. --jerry

OPA · March 29, 2008 1:00AM

<< Lindadad,
I agree with what you said but want to add that USPS has made registered tracking partially viewable online. It will show shipped and it will show delivered but the in-between tracking is only available on the internal USPS tracking system. --jerry >>

For just on line delivery confirmation, USPS seems to have made some changes. It will also indicate if attempted delivery was made. Also, in the last 2 month I've noticed that it will indicate when it arrives at the destinations bulk mail center.

ricko · March 29, 2008 2:14AM

It is totally worthless.... Cheers, RickO

prooflike · March 29, 2008 2:17AM

Also, USPS service quality is inversely proportional to cost to the customer :: rates going up in may, it is just gonna get worse.

OPA · March 29, 2008 2:38AM

<< Also, USPS service quality is inversely proportional to cost to the customer :: rates going up in may, it is just gonna get worse. >>

Compared to what other options? When was the last time you mailed something via UPS, FEDEX or DHL? USPS may not have an up to the minute tracking in place, but for the cost of the item, it cannot be beat.....Just my 2 cents worth ... BTW .. compare the Postal Rates in the Euro Zone & consider yourself lucky.

thebeav · March 29, 2008 3:31AM

Always been a useless service for me.....
I had a 25K registered package 'on the road' for 2 weeks last summer. Went to the PO, all they could tell me was that this box went through Atlanta on such and such a date......Very helpful.
Don't fall prey to that 'Priority' thing when sending a registered package. It goes registered mail PERIOD....

Is the USPS Track & Confirm function worthless?

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Is the USPS Track &amp; Confirm function worthless?

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Is the USPS Track & Confirm function worthless?