Ever shipped any special possession to your loved ones only to learn later that it couldn’t be delivered? Undelivered packages are a frequent occurrence that could occur occasionally. This article is for you if your parcels frequently become “undelivered shipments”. Continue reading to learn what it signifies and how to handle the circumstance!
What is an Undelivered Shipment?
Any package which cannot be delivered to the desired destination due to different reasons such as incorrect addresses failed delivery attempts or transportation problems and more is considered an undelivered shipment.
How to Check If Your Shipment is Undelivered?
Now that technology has advanced, practically all shipping services have a tracking option. Use your tracking number to check the status of your cargo whenever you need updates on it. Your package’s status will indicate whether it has been delivered or not. Although the exact words used by each courier partner may vary, “parcel undelivered” or “undelivered package” is likely to be used. Additionally, if the status reads “undeliverable,” you must contact the logistics service provider to find out precisely why your package cannot be delivered to the specified address.
What can be the Possible Reasons for Your Shipment Getting Undelivered?
- The contents of the packaging are damaged
Throughout the shipment process, a package is loaded and unloaded multiple times. They are sorted and grouped both manually and mechanically. And, sometimes the packaging of the shipment is poor. Due to this, the package won’t be resistant enough and soon suffers from damage.
In certain circumstances, the logistics partner might repack the items or place the shipment in a new box. But, in circumstances, where the products are badly damaged, it becomes impossible for them to repack the damaged contents.
- Incorrect Address
Often it happens that the address of your customer is incorrect or outdated. In such situations, the package is usually returned to the seller by courier service providers. Moreover, at times the courier driver or delivery boy isn’t able to find the location or it is hard to reach, the shipment in such a situation is considered undelivered.
Furthermore, in rare circumstances, it can happen that the courier boy delivered the package to a different address than what was printed on the label.
- Failed Delivery Attempt
Depending upon the different courier companies, the companies try to reach the customer once, twice, or even three times before they store packages in their local offices. In case your customer is unreachable after all the attempts, you or your customer needs to reach their local offices to collect the shipment.
- Damaged Label
In certain situations, it happens that the address label becomes illegible during the shipping and handling process or the information becomes illegible and can’t be scanned.
Pro tip: To avoid such situations, it is important that you stick your label on a flat surface and ensure that the material of the package is affixed to it properly.
- Shipment not cleared by customs
In case you forgot to pay the duty and taxes derived from customs then your shipment will not be cleared by customs. Your parcel can get stuck in customs and the time it takes to get released from customs depends upon the case and the country. Custom clearance may vary from one day to one month.
Winding It Up
You may wonder why your shipment is taking longer than usual or why it remains undelivered. There are multiple circumstances that can affect the delivery of shipments. And, undeniably a great shipping strategy is the laying foundation for a successful eCommerce business.
The ideal way to ensure that your shipments are delivered on time is to first understand the requirements of your business and then opt for a courier partner that adheres to your needs.
Want to know more about undelivered shipments? Drop your comments in the section below and we will get back to you shortly. Happy Shipping.