Seeing the status “Exception” when tracking a package indicates a disruption in the planned transit of your shipment, suggesting the package will not arrive on its originally scheduled date. Understanding what a UPS exception signifies is the first step toward determining the appropriate course of action. This article clarifies the common causes for these service interruptions and provides steps on how recipients can address the delay.
Understanding the UPS Exception Status
The term “exception” in UPS logistics refers to any event outside of the standard, predetermined shipment path that prevents the package from being delivered as scheduled. It signals an unexpected occurrence that requires intervention by the carrier, the shipper, or the recipient before the delivery process can resume. This status is triggered when a deviation from the initial delivery plan is logged in the tracking system. The specific nature of the disruption determines how quickly the package can be placed back into the normal delivery stream.
Most Common Reasons for a Delivery Exception
Issues Related to the Delivery Address
One of the most frequent causes for a delivery exception involves inaccuracies or issues with the destination information provided on the shipping label. The system may log an exception if the address is incorrect, incomplete, or if a suite or apartment number is missing entirely. Other common issues arise when a required signature is needed, but the recipient is not available. For commercial deliveries, an exception may be noted if the business is closed when the driver attempts delivery.
Environmental and Operational Delays
Circumstances outside of UPS’s direct control can also cause a delivery exception. Severe weather events, such as snowstorms, floods, or hurricanes, often halt ground and air operations, preventing safe transit. International shipments frequently encounter exceptions due to government or customs delays, where the package is held for inspection or administrative processing. Operational issues, such as a vehicle breakdown or an unexpected closure at a sorting facility, can also disrupt the flow of packages.
Required Documentation or Payment Issues
Exceptions are often triggered when necessary paperwork is missing or incomplete, particularly for international shipments crossing borders. This includes a missing commercial invoice, which details the package contents and value for customs purposes. If the shipment was sent with a Cash on Delivery (COD) requirement, and the recipient cannot provide payment, an exception will be logged. Similarly, if duties, taxes, or other customs fees are due upon arrival, the package may be held until these payments are processed.
Physical Package Problems
A delivery exception can relate directly to the physical state of the package during transit. If the package sustains damage while moving through the network, an exception is noted. Packages with labels that become illegible, torn, or detached from the box will also cause a hold. An exception may also denote that the package is lost, or that it has been placed on a security hold pending further review.
How Long Does an Exception Delay Last?
The duration of a delivery exception depends entirely on the cause of the delay. Temporary operational issues, such as a localized vehicle delay, might be resolved within a few hours. Weather-related delays often clear up quickly once local conditions improve and the carrier resumes service. Issues requiring customer intervention, such as an incorrect address, usually take 24 to 48 hours to resolve once the correct information is provided to UPS. Complex processes, like customs review or investigations into a damaged package, can sometimes last several days or longer.
Resolving the Exception and Next Steps
Addressing a delivery exception requires the recipient to first identify the specific cause noted in the tracking details. If the exception is due to environmental factors or a customs hold, the recipient should monitor the tracking and wait for the situation to clear. If the issue stems from an incorrect address or a payment requirement, immediate action is necessary to prevent further delays. The most efficient way to begin the resolution process is by using the tracking number to contact UPS customer service directly.
For issues like an incomplete address or a missed delivery attempt, the recipient can use the UPS My Choice service or contact the carrier to provide the correct information or reschedule the delivery. However, certain changes, such as rerouting a package or changing the service type, must be authorized by the original sender (shipper). If the exception relates to documentation, damage, or a lost package, the recipient must contact the shipper to initiate an investigation or provide corrected paperwork. Having the tracking number and specific exception code available expedites communication with both the carrier and the sender.