USPS tracking help

[Free Radical]

Hey guys,

I am supposed to have a package enroute but USPS says that the number does not exist sometimes and sometimes says that the service is down. The number is LJ029243953US.

I was hoping if some of you would enter some of your recent tracking numbers at USPS.com for received packages and tell me if the service is working or not before I inquire further with the vendor.

Thanks

[MENTAL]

My most recent arrived three days ago. I just checked the tracking status and it loaded up just fine. I have had that same problem before. It was all sorted out by morning.

[SmoothOne25]

insist ups instead. pay a little more, never have a problem ever again! ups way better!
just tell poorfish i WANT ups instead. if you pay for it the seller is usually cool with it. especially if your a regular with said seller :)

[The Deacon]

Are you sure that's a tracking number? Looks like a Customs Declaration and those are not always scanned and trackable, especially the "short form" version.

[Free Radical]

Are you sure that's a tracking number? Looks like a Customs Declaration and those are not always scanned and trackable, especially the "short form" version.

That was the number that was given to me as the tracking number although I am in Canada.

I've emailed the vendor and they should have a look at it today.

Thanks

[The Deacon]

I hear you. Some dealers assume anything that has a number and a barcode can be used for tracking. New Graham Knives is my favorite dealer, but 99% of the time when they send me a "tracking number" it's an insurance number and can't be tracked.

[NoFair]

Are you sure that's a tracking number? Looks like a Customs Declaration and those are not always scanned and trackable, especially the "short form" version.

I think Paul is right about this. I think the number will show up after it has gone through customs, but it isn't a reliable way to track a package.

Sverre

[Creepo]

In my experience for international packages only the EC numbers are fully trackable. LN and LJ numbers have show no info but display somthing like electronic shipping info received.
In my experience those letters correspond to Priority Mail®
International Flat Rate Envelope/Box which are letters, which USPS doesn't track, nor do post offices anywhere in the world. EC numbers correspond to Express Mail® International packages which are fully trackable in the US and outside the US in most countries.
LC is probably also a letter, C meaning Canada, which means it's not trackable.

[jzmtl]

Did you use 1st class or priority? 1st class cannot be tracked, priority can be but the the info is usually only updated after you get the package.

[Simsmac]

I agree that that code isn't a delivery confirmation (tracking) number. USPS delivery confirmation codes are 20 digits (only numbers) seperated by spaces every 4 digits. USPS delivery confirmation is very minimal, not at all like UPS tracking, and it's usually not very helpful. It is an option (you have to opt in) so you might not have gotten tracking with your purchase.

Tip: Use boxoh.com to track your packages. It overlays the package's route onto Google Maps, and has an RSS feed option so you can stay updated. Much better than the USPS "Track & Confirm" page. It also works for UPS, FedEx, and DHL.

[Free Radical]

I can somewhat understand that it's not trackable but what worries me is that there is not record of it at all. Creepo is right, usually it says something like electronic shipping info received.

edit:Simsmac: I received a US to US package (I picked it up in the US and brought back to Canada) with the code vh500087102us and it somewhat worked at usps.com, although no info displayed.

JZMTL: I believe the vendor used USPS 1st Class Mail


There's no record of it either at CanadaPost.ca (the tracking number worked for me before in Canada)

[jzmtl]

JZMTL: I believe the vendor used USPS 1st Class Mail


That must be why, 1st class is trackable on neither USPS nor canada post, and the number is not an actual tracking number.

[Owl45]

My experience has been that USPS tracking is nearly useless, even with the correct number.
For one thing, my understanding is it is only updated each evening.
On more than one occassion I've received a package before any tracking info shows up.

UPS however seems to have excellent tracking....every significant delivery event, plus any relevant comments.
I recently had a package improperly addressed and the UPS tracking stated that and stated what action was being taken. Pretty impressive.

Plus UPS drivers actually attempt to deliver the package, rather than just putting a note on your door and running back to their truck as fast as possible, which is what FedEx seems to do.
Seriously, I caught my FedEx guy doing exactly that...he lightly tapped on the door (cat scratched?) and was half way to his truck before I could get out of a chair and open the door.