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USPS tracking number?

Posted: Apr 30th, '12, 11:52
by Leo_Blue
I put in an order from TeaSpring earlier this month and I am still eagerly awaiting my package. While I don't fear that it's lost as it hasn't been *that* long since the package was sent I did find something that troubles me. I typed in the tracking number from TeaSpring's site for my order and USPS only has a processing event in Hong Kong ten days ago and nothing since then. I was just wondering if anyone else has used USPS tracking numbers and could attest to how reliable they are. Is it normal for USPS to not update these very often or should I worry that my tea never reached the States? Like I said I do not think that the package is taking too long (I've had a package from TeaSpring take 17 days to reach me, but that was during the holidays), but the lack of shipping info does worry me.

Re: USPS tracking number?

Posted: Apr 30th, '12, 13:49
by teaisme
For me usually reliable, but there have been a couple times I would here nothing (after it was marked as arrived at an inbetween port) until it arrived at my door. So much for tracking huh ? :roll: I don't think it was through USPS though. How did you manage that...

Did you use the express? wouldn't their express service be EMS sent from china? You wouldn't be tracking via the usps website...and it should only take 5-7 days. On their website it says only express shipping (which I assume is ems because of the speed) has tracking.

Regular mail is supposed to have no tracking. PS: I have never ordered from teaspring directly.

Re: USPS tracking number?

Posted: Apr 30th, '12, 14:37
by Leo_Blue
I read more into it and the number that TeaSpring gave me with the order confirmation was a "Delivery Confirmation" number. The confusion set in when the order info said "Tracking number" and gave me said number. All this means is it isn't really tracking the package, though I could get an update randomly on the status of the package. TeaSpring's standard shipping option is just normal airmail that goes through USPS, I've never even used the express option. Like I said I wasn't worried (yet) about the arrival of the package, but rather the lack of updates on the number. But from what I read elsewhere those numbers don't actually track the package and you shouldn't expect them to say anything except at the start and end of its journey.

Re: USPS tracking number?

Posted: Apr 30th, '12, 14:39
by rdl
my experience in the past has been i enter the tracking # and the usps site shows only the date it was registered in china, but never any tracking info. then the package arrives at my post office and still the tracking record is empty. however, as i have a package en route i checked as i read your post and for the first time i see current info. it took 11 days to go from shanghai to nyc. as of april 28th, that's where it states my package is - even though today is the 30th.
i hope the time frame of my package's shipping is is helpful for you to get a sense of your shipment. and one tracking record kept up to date and none others may be an anomaly, so i wouldn't worry :lol:
- i know you wrote you're not worried so like all of us anxiously waiting for a package - i should have said, don't worry about the lack of info on usps web tracking.