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UPS is one of the largest shipping carriers worldwide, but even reliable networks face hiccups.
Many customers report UPS delivery problems, from delayed or lost packages to parcels stuck in transit. These issues can frustrate individuals and disrupt businesses that depend on timely deliveries.
In this guide, we’ll unpack the most common UPS shipping problems, explain why they happen, and show you how to fix them. We’ll also explore alternatives to UPS and how partners like JORI Logistics can keep your shipments moving smoothly.
UPS delivers more than 20 million packages daily, and most arrive on time. But when problems occur, they can ripple through regional hubs and delay thousands of shipments.
In recent years, global supply chain disruptions, fuel price spikes, and rising demand for e-commerce have made delivery delays more common across all carriers, not just UPS.
Understanding these trends can help you set realistic expectations and plan smarter logistics strategies.
A UPS delivery delay is one of the most frequent issues customers face. Packages can arrive late for many reasons, from weather conditions to operational backlogs.
When your UPS package doesn’t arrive as scheduled, it’s usually because of something happening behind the scenes, rather than a lost shipment.
Delays can occur at any stage of the journey, from pickup and sorting to transportation or final delivery. In most cases, the parcel is still moving through the network, just slower than expected.
Here are some of the most common reasons UPS deliveries get delayed:
If your UPS package is not delivered on time, start by checking its latest tracking update. Sometimes, a delivery exception or customs hold will be listed.
You can also:
If the item is time-sensitive or a business shipment, it may help to contact a logistics provider, like JORI Logistics, for expedited alternatives or customs assistance.
Visit UPS.com and enter your tracking number to see the parcel’s current status. For detailed movement history, sign up for shipment notifications.
Businesses that ship frequently can integrate tracking tools through their logistics partners to receive automatic alerts on delays, which allows faster response and communication with customers.
Few things are more stressful than realizing your UPS package is lost. It could be misplaced in a sorting hub, misdelivered, or damaged beyond recognition.
If the tracking shows “Delivered” but you haven’t received the item:
Go to the UPS claims page and submit details such as the tracking number, proof of value, and description of the contents.
If you’re the receiver, the sender typically needs to initiate the claim. Claims usually take 8–15 business days to process.
Yes, but only up to the declared value. UPS automatically covers up to $100 CAD/USD for most shipments, unless you purchased additional insurance.
If your business ships high-value goods regularly, it’s wise to discuss coverage options or third-party insurance with a logistics expert, like JORI Logistics, to minimize financial risk.
Another common UPS shipping problem occurs when a package gets “stuck.” This means the tracking hasn’t updated in days, or the parcel is being held at a facility or customs checkpoint.
If you see “Held in Customs” in your tracking status, it means your shipment is under review by border authorities. This often happens because of:
A Canadian customs brokerage can step in to clear these holds by submitting the proper paperwork and communicating with customs officers on your behalf.
First, check the tracking details for the most recent scan. If the package hasn’t moved in several days, contact UPS support and ask for an investigation. In parallel, reach out to your customs broker if it’s an international shipment. They can often identify what’s causing the delay.
If the tracking says your parcel is “In Transit” or “At local facility,” it may be waiting to be loaded onto the next delivery vehicle.
These delays are usually short, but during busy periods, they can stretch for days.
If your UPS tracking hasn’t updated in a while, there are a few things you can do to get your shipment moving again.
A delivery exception occurs when UPS can’t complete delivery as scheduled. This doesn’t always mean your package is lost. Just that an unforeseen issue prevented it from arriving on time.
Common causes include:
If your tracking shows a delivery exception, check for updates in your UPS account or app. Often, delivery will be attempted again on the next business day. If not, contact UPS or your broker for clarification.
If you keep running into UPS delivery problems, it might be time to take another look at your shipping process.
You could also explore more reliable options that give you clearer tracking and better communication. With its full range of freight and customs services, JORI Logistics can help you manage your shipments more smoothly.
UPS handles millions of packages every day, moving them across cities, borders, and time zones. With such a large operation, even small hiccups can turn into noticeable problems.
Understanding why these issues happen can help you respond faster and prevent them in the future.
During peak seasons—like holidays, sales events, or back-to-school periods—UPS facilities often process more packages than usual. When volume spikes, sorting centers can get backed up, and shipments may move slower than expected.
Severe weather is one of the most common causes of delivery delays. Snowstorms, heavy rain, or wildfires can ground planes or make roads unsafe. Even a local storm can affect an entire region’s delivery schedule.
Something as simple as a missing apartment number or postal code can cause major delays. If the address doesn’t match what’s on file, your package may be rerouted, held for clarification, or even returned to the sender.
For international shipments, incorrect or incomplete paperwork can stop a package at the border. Missing details, such as HS codes, declared values, or invoices, can delay customs clearance until corrections are made.
Working with a licensed customs broker, such as JORI Logistics, helps prevent these problems by ensuring all documents are complete and compliant.
From mechanical failures in sorting facilities to driver shortages or tracking system errors, logistics networks face occasional setbacks. These issues usually get resolved quickly, but they can still affect delivery times.
Sometimes, shipments are flagged for additional screening. This might happen because of the item’s value, type, or destination. Security checks can extend the delivery timeline, especially for international parcels.
If your UPS delivery isn’t going as planned, there are a few steps you can take to get things back on track. Whether your package is delayed, lost, or stuck in transit, the key is to act early and keep communication open with both UPS and your logistics partner.
Start by reviewing your tracking number on the UPS website or app. Look for the latest scan and status update. This will tell you whether your package is in transit, delayed, or facing a delivery exception.
Updates like “In Transit,” “Out for Delivery,” or “Held in Customs” can give you important clues about where the issue lies.
If the tracking information hasn’t changed in several days, call UPS or use their online chat for support.
Have your tracking number ready and ask for a delivery update or clarification on any exceptions. In many cases, a quick inquiry can prompt an investigation or a reattempt at delivery.
Sometimes the problem isn’t with UPS itself but with the shipping details. Double-check that your address, postal code, and contact information are all correct.
For international shipments, make sure all customs paperwork is accurate and complete. This includes invoices, product descriptions, and tariff codes.
If you suspect your package has been lost, visit the UPS Claims page to file a claim. You’ll need to provide the tracking number, proof of value, and a description of the contents. Claims are usually handled by the sender, and the process can take up to two weeks.
If you manage regular shipments, consider partnering with a logistics provider such as JORI Logistics.
Their team can monitor your deliveries, handle customs documentation, and troubleshoot issues directly with carriers. This saves you time and helps prevent delays before they happen.
For businesses, communication matters as much as the shipment itself. If a delivery problem affects your customers, keep them updated about what’s happening and when they can expect a resolution. Being transparent builds trust, even when delays are beyond your control.
UPS is a trusted global carrier, but delays, lost parcels, and tracking issues can still happen. Exploring other shipping options can help you find the right balance between cost, speed, and reliability.
FedEx offers a strong global network and competitive express services. Its overnight and time-definite options make it ideal for urgent or high-value shipments.
DHL is highly reliable for international deliveries, especially in Europe and Asia. Its customs expertise and end-to-end tracking make it a top choice for cross-border trade.
For domestic shipping within Canada, Canada Post provides wide coverage at reasonable rates. It’s well-suited for small parcels, e-commerce deliveries, and residential areas.
Purolator, partly owned by Canada Post, offers dependable next-day and two-day delivery options. It’s a practical alternative for time-sensitive Canadian shipments.
Freight forwarders and third-party logistics (3PL) providers, such as JORI Logistics, combine the strengths of multiple carriers. They also handle customs paperwork and track shipments end-to-end, reducing delays and improving visibility.
While UPS, FedEx, and DHL lead the global shipping market, they’re not always the best fit for every route or shipment size. Regional carriers and specialized freight services often offer faster or more cost-effective options, especially for small businesses or cross-border deliveries.
For example, carriers like Loomis Express or Canpar might outperform the big names on short-haul routes across Canada.
Meanwhile, JORI Logistics can integrate multiple carriers into one coordinated plan, matching the speed of express delivery with the efficiency of freight forwarding.
This flexibility helps businesses stay competitive, even when global networks face disruptions or seasonal congestion.
Instead of relying on a single carrier, logistics partners can compare real-time rates, transit times, and customs performance to choose the best option for each shipment.
Even with reliable carriers, shipping mistakes can happen. The good news is that many UPS delivery problems can be avoided with better planning and coordination.
Here are a few ways your business can reduce delays and improve delivery performance.
Don’t wait until a customer reports a missing parcel. Monitor your shipments regularly using carrier tools or a logistics dashboard. If a delay appears, you can act early by contacting UPS or your broker before the situation escalates.
Most delivery issues start with small data errors. Double-check that every shipment includes the correct street address, postal code, and contact number.
For international orders, make sure invoices, product details, and HS codes are complete. Partnering with a customs broker helps keep your paperwork compliant and prevents border delays.
Relying on one carrier can increase your risk of widespread delays. Many businesses now divide shipments between two or more carriers to maintain flexibility and stability. This approach also helps you compare performance and choose the best option for each region.
Working with a third-party logistics (3PL) provider such as JORI Logistics gives you access to professional shipping management.
A 3PL can track your deliveries, resolve issues with carriers, and coordinate customs clearance. This helps your business stay on schedule and maintain strong customer satisfaction, even during busy periods.
Make sure all customs paperwork is accurate and complete before shipping. Include clear product descriptions, HS codes, and declared values. Working with a licensed customs broker can help you avoid mistakes that often cause border delays.
Yes. UPS allows certain packages to be rerouted through its UPS My Choice service or by contacting customer support. Keep in mind that rerouting options depend on the shipment’s current status and destination.
If late deliveries become frequent, review your shipping process and compare carriers. You can use multiple providers or take your business to a 3PL. This resourceful partner monitors performance and handles escalations directly with UPS or other carriers.
Yes, though it’s uncommon. Wrong-address deliveries usually happen because of data entry errors or label damage.
To avoid that, always double-check shipping details before dispatch and include a phone number on the label for easier contact if something goes wrong.