USPS tracking: early archiving of details

[btgc]

Hello all,
has anybody heard of similar case: on 16th package left U.S. and on 18th USPS tracking page displays that details are stored in offline file. I've requested restoration of tracking records, after two hours status again is "International dispatch". Later I read that archiving happens after 60 days.

Well, shipping time hasn't exceeded reasonable 7-10 days yet, though I'm wondering why details of active package got archived?

Should I start worry and ask seller to check with USPS (but what they can say)? Just wanted to hear if this is common (as IT related I know that software can fail and it fails, usually - and I hope this is software failure not human touch).

[Nikon Bob]

From what I recall, you can't track a package once it has left the USA on the USPS tracking systems site. You have to go to the destination county's postal site and use their tracking system. The USPS tracking number should be valid there. At least that is the way I have done it when receiving USPS packages with tracking in Canada YMMV.

Bob

[George S.]

That's probably meaning it left the US, and USPS ain't responsible for it any more... USPS told me I couldn't track an international (US to whomever) package.

Within the US is just as bad. I've had packages reach their destination before it even shows up at all on USPS tracking info. Then the status goes to "delivered" all at once....Sometimes a buyer thinks I'm lying and that I haven't sent the item yet.

[35mmdelux]

from where to what destination?

[btgc]

Oh thanks for support, in meantime I googled about USPS and their tracking. Someone wrote that USPS sometimes USPS recycle their tracking numbers sooner than after 6 months - my case could be winner in race. And software fails, that's why some guys and girls have and will have a job.

So I'm calmly waiting while .... arrives from US to Latvia. Sorry, for awhile I will not tell what exactly it is - to not heat grill while bear is still in wood.

[David Murphy]

USPS tracking for non-Priority mail stops at the border. Priority mail has better international tracking as it's insured. Express International is the most bullet-proof service with online tracking all the way to the doorstep of the recipient. I never ship anything international if it's over $50 without one of the two insured services. Doing so is asking for a big financial loss.

Incidentally I know for a fact that USPS Priority International is tracked inside the target country. This is ascertained by calling a USPS International service number (of some sort - can't remember all the details) - not Web access. USPS International Priority mail is rarely lost, but it can knock around in the system for months sometimes (like three or four occasionally).

[btgc]

Package is treated as USPS Priority Mail International. I remember that last time priority package from U.S. came in five days. OK, it can vary, so couple of days I can wait yet.

I just stared too often into tracking page and bad luck, got hooked on malfunction.

[bennyng]

I use USPS's Priority Mail International (cheaper) and Express mail International (more expensive) quite often. Both offers online status and tracking. I can see the pack every step of the way. Also, there is actually signature confirmation for both services as well.

Cheers,

[btgc]

Thanks all!
I got package today.

USPS tracking page shows Intnl. Dispatch. That's OK.
Initially I worried not that tracking isn't very detailed but why tracking details got archived so early.

[George S.]

So, just what was the item?

[btgc]

Damn. Konica III with messed up aperture blades.
I've already posted in repair forum

This is camera I also want to use, because it feels right. Proper feel, proper weight, proper controls and handling. I like it from first hours.