USPS tracking status
USPS “Alert: delivery exception”: what it means
The short answer
Keep an eye on itUSPS has flagged a problem, and the line under Alert names it. A delivery exception means the carrier could not attempt delivery because of an animal or local weather; USPS will try again the next business day as conditions permit.
When to act: If a delivery exception has not turned into Out for Delivery within 2 business days, or a processing exception shows no new scan for about a week, file a complaint and we send it to USPS.
Also shown as: “Alert” · “Delivery Exception, Animal Interference” · “Delivery Exception, Local Weather Delay” · “Processing Exception, Other Delay” · “Processing Exception, Regional Weather Delay” · “Processing Exception, Regional Transportation Delay” · “Processing Exception”
What to do now
- 1
Read the line under Alert; if it is not a delivery or processing exception, look up that exact status.
- 2
For Animal Interference, keep pets inside or secured on delivery days and keep the path to your door and mailbox clear.
- 3
For weather, clear snow or ice from steps and the mailbox approach if you safely can; USPS retries when conditions allow.
- 4
Watch the tracking for Out for Delivery on the next business day.
- 5
If it keeps happening with no animal or bad weather around, note the dates and take a screenshot of each exception scan for your complaint.
- 6
Still not sorted? File your complaint here. We write it with you and send it to USPS, so you do not have to chase it yourself.
What does “Alert: delivery exception” mean?
Alert is a status category, not a single event. USPS files many different problems under it: delivery exceptions, processing exceptions, Awaiting Delivery Scan, Forwarded, Refused and Return to Sender reasons such as Insufficient Address. Always read the line under the heading.
A delivery exception happens at your door. Delivery Exception, Animal Interference means the carrier reported an animal that made an attempt unsafe. Delivery Exception, Local Weather Delay means local weather stopped the attempt. In both cases USPS's tracking text says the package will go out for delivery the next business day as conditions permit. A processing exception happens before delivery. With Regional Weather Delay, Regional Transportation Delay or Other Delay, USPS says the shipment has potentially been delayed by weather, transport problems or an emergency at a location on its route. A plain Processing Exception is different: USPS spotted an irregularity in how the package was processed (its scan list calls this loop mail) and the facility is correcting it.
Why does USPS show it?
- A loose dog or other animal near your door or mailbox
- Ice, snow, flooding or storms on your street
- Weather or transport problems somewhere on the package's route
- An emergency or other disruption at a location on the route
- A processing irregularity the facility has to correct (a plain Processing Exception)
- Other alert lines, such as a forwarding order, a missing delivery scan or an address problem
How long does it last?
After a delivery exception the package usually goes out again the next business day, once conditions allow. After a processing exception it moves on once the route recovers or the facility has fixed the processing problem, which can take from a day to several days after major storms. Watch for Out for Delivery.
Other USPS statuses
- Label created, USPS awaiting itemKeep an eye on it
- Moving through networkNormal
- Tracking not updatingKeep an eye on it
- In transit, arriving lateKeep an eye on it
- Origin Post is Preparing ShipmentKeep an eye on it
- Arrived at Post OfficeNormal
- Out for DeliveryNormal
- Awaiting delivery scanKeep an eye on it
- No access to delivery locationKeep an eye on it
- Notice leftTake action
- Held at post officeTake action
- Insufficient addressTake action
- ForwardedKeep an eye on it
- Delivered, but not receivedTake action
Who is responsible for a late or missing package from USPS?
Bought it online from a business? Then the seller is usually responsible until the package is delivered. The seller chose USPS, bought the label and holds the mailing record that USPS needs for a lost package, so a late, lost or damaged order is in most cases the seller's to put right with a replacement or a refund.
Sent it yourself? Then your contract is with USPS, under the mailing rules in its Domestic Mail Manual. Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express and USPS Ground Advantage include insurance of up to $100 for merchandise on most shipments; without insurance USPS pays nothing for loss or damage. Insurance does not cover delay, or a package lost or taken after delivery.
Questions about “Alert: delivery exception”
What does Alert mean on USPS tracking?
USPS has flagged a problem or change with the package. The text under Alert tells you what it is, for example a delivery exception, Awaiting Delivery Scan, Forwarded or Insufficient Address. Each has a different next step.
Will USPS try to deliver again after a delivery exception?
Yes. For animal interference and local weather, USPS says the package will go out for delivery the next business day as conditions permit. You do not need to schedule a redelivery.
Is a USPS delivery exception text or email real?
Be careful. USPS lists messages about a problem with your shipping address or a package waiting at the post office as common scam lures, and it does not charge a fee for redelivery. Type the tracking number into USPS Tracking yourself instead of tapping links in the message.
What is a USPS processing exception?
A delay before delivery. With Regional Weather Delay, Regional Transportation Delay or Other Delay, USPS says weather, transport problems or an emergency on the route may have delayed the package; it usually clears when the route catches up. A plain Processing Exception means USPS found a processing problem with the package and is correcting it.
Why does USPS say animal interference when I don't have a dog?
The animal does not have to be yours. A neighbor's dog, a stray or another animal near your door or mailbox can stop the carrier. If it keeps happening with no animal around, file a complaint on Complain.biz and we send it to USPS.
Based on
- USPS PostalPro: Domestic Tracking Scan Events (event codes and tracking texts)
- USPS FAQ: USPS Tracking, The Basics
- USPS Service Alerts
- USPS FAQ: Scams and Scheme Alerts
- Pirate Ship Support: What does my USPS tracking status mean?
- USPS Domestic Mail Manual 609: Filing Indemnity Claims for Loss or Damage
- USPS FAQ: Domestic Claims, The Basics