Why Did My Package Go Farther Away, USPS? Find It In Seconds!

iEditorial Note: These blog posts represent the opinion of DoNotPay’s Writers, but each person’s situation and circumstances vary greatly. As a result, you should make sure to do your own independent research. Because everyone is unique, our self-help tools are never guaranteed to help with any specific situation. DoNotPay is not a law firm, is not licensed to practice law, and is not equivalent to the services of a licensed lawyer. DoNotPay provides a platform for legal information and self-help, and does not offer legal services. Third party news articles mentioned on our website do not necessarily reflect the views of the company, or the current services that we offer.

Why Did My Package Go Farther Away—USPS Package Delays Explained

Why did my package go farther away? USPS often promises your package will be delivered on time, but that’s not always the scenario. Unexpected issues can occur and cause your package to go farther away from your location. In such instances, we got your back! , and learn how to track your package at any time from the comfort of your couch! We’ll also show you how to file a claim and request a refund in minutes!

Why Did My USPS Package Go Farther Away?

Your USPS package may have gone farther away because of the following reasons:

ReasonExplanation
Employee human errorMail sometimes has to be sorted manually due to:
  • A damaged barcode
  • Bad handwriting that the computer can’t read

It’s common for packages to get sent to the wrong places in such cases

Sender errorSenders often put the wrong address or ZIP code when placing an order. Putting the wrong destination info leads to the package going to the wrong address
Paired mailMail can get stuck together due to the sticky peel-away seal on the envelopes. When that happens, both packages get sent to the location where only one of them was intended to go

Why Did My Package Leave My State—How To Track Your Package

Although the scenario is inconvenient, the good news is that you can track your package at any time to see where it got sent. This is how:

Track Your Package ViaWhat To Do
USPS websiteTo track your parcel online, follow the next steps:
  1. Go to the USPS website
  2. Provide your tracking number
  3. Hit Enter

If you don’t have your tracking number, you should reach out to the shipper and ask them to send it

Text messageText your tracking number to 28777 (2USPS) to track your parcel
USPS mobile appDownload the official USPS app for Android or iOS and use it to track your package at any time
PhoneIf you want to track your parcel over the phone, follow these steps:
  1. Call 1-800-222-1811
  2. Explain your request to a USPS rep

Know that the reps don’t have any additional info apart from what they can find on the official USPS website

Why Did My Package Go Farther Away—Common Reasons

If you’re wondering why your package went farther away from your location, check out the list of the most common reasons packages get delayed:

  • Wrong address—If you gave the wrong address or misspelled anything when placing an order, it’s possible your package will get delayed. You would need to contact USPS and correct the info
  • Weather—Poor weather and natural disasters, such as floods and fires, are some of the usual reasons packages are stuck, delayed, or even lost in transit
  • Traffic—Rush hours, roadblocks, and similar traffic conditions often lead to packages getting delayed and rerouted
  • Customs clearance—Certain states require you to provide specific documentation to receive packages. If you fail to do so, packages will most likely be stuck until the issue is resolved
  • International shipping—If your package was shipped from overseas, it will probably take longer to arrive
  • Lost package—It’s not uncommon for packages to get lost for various reasons. If this happens to your parcel, you can file a claim or request a refund
  • Undeliverable shipment—Certain items are prohibited and forbidden from selling. If what you ordered is restricted, your package will either be destroyed or returned
  • Improper packaging—Packages that are not safely packed will get stopped in transit, destroyed, or returned

Should I File a Claim if My Package Goes Farther Away?

If you notice your package went the wrong way, you can’t file a claim right away. USPS lets you file a claim if your package is lost or damaged. You’ll have to wait to see whether it will find your package and deliver it to the right address first. If it doesn’t, your package will be considered lost. That’s when you’ll be able to file a missing package claim within 60 days of the mailing date.

DoNotPay Helps You File a Claim and Request a Refund in Minutes!

USPS says delivered but no package? If you want to file a USPS missing package claim or request a refund, DoNotPay provides you with the easiest way to do so! Why spend hours waiting in lines or waste time talking to reps when you have a more convenient option at your fingertips?

DoNotPay uses the info you provide to cut your work in half and send a claim in your stead! Here’s how it works:

  1. Choose the Late Delivery Refund feature
  2. Pick USPS and answer a few questions

We’ll submit a claim to the USPS claims department in your stead, and you’re done!

If you want to file a USPS insurance claim, DoNotPay steps in with a super simple way to do so in a few minutes!

We also explain how to find your FedEx and UPS missing packages easily, how late USPS delivers packages, and what to do if USPS says delivered in the mailbox, but there’s no package in sight. If you want to file a claim for an Amazon, USPS, FedEx, or UPS late delivery, we’ll show you how to do it!

DoNotPay Has Your Back Every Step of Your Customer Journey

Helping you apply for a late, damaged, or missed delivery refund is only a fragment of what we can do for you. If you aren't satisfied with the service you've received or an item you've purchased, all you need to do is fire up your DoNotPay app.

We can bypass any company's customer service, draft a refund demand letter, or initiate a chargeback process in your stead. Our app can also digest the company's return policy and help you send the faulty product back. You won't have to lift a finger as our app does everything automatically after you answer several essential questions related to your purchase. If you decide to mail a letter to the company yourself, we'll tell you how you need to draft it to get exactly what you need.

It doesn't matter whether you bought a package for an incarcerated loved one, expected an insured mail delivery, or made a purchase to redeem a gift card but still have a few bucks left on it—we'll help you make the most of the situation. Our app can get your gift card cash back, file an insurance claim, and connect you with the loved one in jail.

How Far Do DoNotPay's Services Go?

Our app can prove handy in a variety of other situations, such as:

Visit our learning center for a full range of our services.

Fight for your rights