USPS Tracking Shows "Delivered" for New Shipments
When a USPS tracking number shows a "Delivered" status immediately after label generation or shipment, this typically occurs for two reasons:
Recycled Tracking Numbers
- USPS reuses tracking numbers due to high shipping volume, normally after several months
- Occasionally, numbers are recycled much sooner than expected
- To verify: Check the tracking details on USPS.com - you'll likely see:
- A different destination address than your shipment
- A different delivery date than expected
- Possibly an "Archived" notation
What happens to your package:
- Your shipment will still be delivered normally
- The system will flag it as having a duplicate tracking number
- Tracking should update within a few days after the Post Office scans the label
- The package should reach its destination as scheduled
USPS Scanning Error
- If tracking shows the correct destination address, the Post Office likely made a scanning error
- This happens when a scanner is accidentally set to "Delivered" instead of "Accepted"
- Unfortunately, the tracking information won't update with subsequent scans
Resolution
- For recycled tracking numbers: Wait for the first Post Office scan to update tracking
- For scanning errors: Contact your local USPS customer service representative who can access their internal tracking database for updates
- Note that these issues are outside of Cahoot's control