UPS tracking status
UPS “Delay”: what it means
The short answer
Keep an eye on itYour package is behind its scheduled delivery date and UPS expects it to arrive later. The reason line, such as weather, a mechanical failure, a late trailer or operating conditions, tells you why. The package is still in the UPS network and usually keeps moving.
When to act: If there is no new scan or delivery date 2 business days after the original date, file a complaint and we send it to UPS.
Also shown as: “Running Late” · “Your package is running late.” · “A mechanical failure has caused a delay. We will update the delivery date as soon as possible.” · “A late UPS trailer arrival has delayed delivery. We're adjusting plans to deliver your package as quickly as possible.” · “Due to operating conditions, your package may be delayed.” · “Severe weather conditions have delayed delivery.” · “Delivery has been rescheduled due to holiday closures.” · “Delivery will be delayed by one business day.” · “Sender tendered the shipment to UPS after the latest pickup time for the requested service. A day delay is likely.”
What to do now
- 1
Read the reason line in the tracking details. Mechanical, trailer and weather delays usually clear without any action from you.
- 2
Check the UPS service alerts page for storms or disruptions in your area or at a hub on the route.
- 3
Sign up for UPS My Choice or tracking alerts so you see the new date as soon as it is set.
- 4
Compare the new date with the delivery date the seller promised, and keep screenshots of both. If the order was time-sensitive, note what the delay cost you.
- 5
Still not sorted? File your complaint here. We write it with you and send it to UPS, so you do not have to chase it yourself.
Running late with another courier
- FedEx: Clearance delay
- USPS: In transit, arriving late
- Amazon: Delayed, not yet shipped
- OnTrac: Delayed. Delivery date updated
- SpeedX: Delay in transit
- Veho: Package delayed
- GLS: Delivery Rescheduled
- Cainiao: Import customs clearance delay
- Royal Mail: Delayed
- Evri: Delayed
- DPD: Delayed due to an unexpected issue in your area
- Yodel: Your parcel has been delayed
- APC Overnight: Your parcel won't be delivered today
- DX: Not arrived or delayed
- ArrowXL: Couldn't deliver
- Canada Post: Item delayed, stay tuned for updates
- Purolator: Delayed in transit due to disruption
- Canpar: Delayed at facility
- Intelcom: Delivery postponed
- Australia Post: Possible delay
- StarTrack: Possible delay
- Aramex: Parcel delayed
- CouriersPlease: Delivery rescheduled
- Team Global Express: Held up in transit
- NZ Post: Parcel delayed
- An Post: Parcel delayed
What does “Delay” mean?
UPS shows a delay when your package will miss its scheduled delivery date. The detail line names the cause, for example 'A mechanical failure has caused a delay', 'A late UPS trailer arrival has delayed delivery', 'Severe weather conditions have delayed delivery', 'Due to operating conditions, your package may be delayed', holiday closures, or a package handed to UPS after the latest pickup time.
Most of these are problems in the network, not with your package. A broken sorting machine, a late truck or a storm at a hub holds up many packages at once, and UPS reroutes them as soon as it can. UPS's terms say it is not liable for late delivery except on services sold with its service guarantee.
Why does UPS show it?
- Severe weather at a hub or along the route
- A mechanical failure, such as a broken sorting machine or truck
- A trailer or plane that reached a hub late
- Very high volume, especially in the weeks before Christmas
- Holiday closures
- The seller handed the package over after the day's pickup cut-off
- A sorting mistake that sent the package to the wrong facility
How long does it last?
Most delayed packages move again within a business day or two and get a new delivery date. Weather and regional disruptions can take longer, and UPS posts big ones on its service alerts page. If tracking says the delivery date will be provided as soon as possible, the new date usually appears after the next scan.
Other UPS statuses
- Label createdNormal
- Delivered but not receivedTake action
- Out for deliveryNormal
- On the wayNormal
- ExceptionKeep an eye on it
- Delivery attemptedTake action
- Address information requiredTake action
- Clearance in progressKeep an eye on it
- Warehouse scanKeep an eye on it
Who is responsible for a late or missing package from UPS?
If you bought it online from a business, the seller is usually responsible until the package is delivered to you. The seller chose UPS, paid for the shipping and is the one UPS pays on a claim, so a late, lost or damaged order is in most cases for the seller to put right, with a replacement or a refund.
If you sent the package yourself, your contract is with UPS, under the UPS Tariff/Terms and Conditions of Service. UPS's liability is limited to $100 per package unless you declared a higher value and paid for it when shipping, and UPS is not liable for late delivery except on services sold with its service guarantee.
Questions about “Delay”
Why is my UPS package delayed?
The tracking details name the cause, such as severe weather, a mechanical failure, a late trailer, holiday closures or operating conditions. Most are problems in the UPS network rather than with your package.
What does 'A mechanical failure has caused a delay' mean?
Equipment broke somewhere along the way, for example a sorting machine at a hub or a vehicle. Packages usually move again within a day or so, once the problem is fixed or the packages are rerouted.
Will my UPS package still arrive if it says delay?
In most cases, yes. A delay means late, not lost. If no new scan or date appears for 2 business days, file a complaint on Complain.biz and we send it to UPS.
Why is my UPS package delayed in Louisville?
Louisville, Kentucky is home to UPS's main air hub, so many packages pass through it. Weather or equipment trouble there can delay packages headed anywhere in the country.
Can I get a refund for a late UPS delivery?
Usually not from UPS. UPS's terms say it has no liability for late delivery except under its service guarantee on guaranteed services, and that guarantee belongs to the shipper who paid. For an online order that is the seller, who is usually responsible for a late delivery. File a complaint on Complain.biz and we send it to them.
Based on
- UPS service alerts
- UPS: What does my UPS tracking status mean?
- UPS Tariff/Terms and Conditions of Service, United States (PDF)
- Paketda: UPS status 'A mechanical failure has caused a delay' (German)
- Paketda: UPS status 'Due to operating conditions, your package may be delayed' (German)
- Paketda: UPS status 'A late UPS trailer arrival has delayed delivery' (German)
- UPS: File a claim