Order Delay Help Guide: Complete Brand & Carrier FAQ

Why your order is delayed and what to do: Most delays happen due to carrier capacity limits during peak season (November-January), weather disruptions, or customs clearance for international shipments. The quickest path to resolution depends on where your package is stuck. This guide maps every common delay scenario by brand and carrier so you can take the right action immediately.

Use the jump navigation below to find your specific situation—whether it's "Amazon package running late," "USPS two-day shipping late," or "Shein order delayed." Each section includes what the delay means, typical resolution time, and exact steps to take.

Photo by Yan Krukau on Pexels

Universal FAQs: Tracking Meanings & Timelines

These apply regardless of brand or carrier. Start here if you're not sure what your tracking status means.

What does "delayed in transit" mean?

"Delayed in transit" means your package is moving but behind schedule. Common causes: weather, carrier capacity limits during peak season, or facility backlogs. Typical delay: 1-3 extra days beyond the original estimate. Action: Wait 2-3 days. If tracking doesn't update, contact the retailer.

What does "running late" mean?

"Running late" is carrier language for "we're behind but it's still coming." This usually appears when carriers miss their internal deadlines but the package is still in their system. Action: Check tracking daily. If it's past the delivery promise date, contact the retailer for a refund or replacement.

What does "no tracking update" mean?

If tracking hasn't updated in 3-5 days (domestic) or 7-10 days (international), the package may be stuck at a facility, lost, or the barcode isn't scanning properly. Action: After 7 days of no updates, contact the retailer to investigate. They can escalate with the carrier.

How long is a typical delay during peak season?

During November-January, add 2-5 business days to normal transit times. USPS Priority Mail that usually takes 2-3 days may take 5-7 days. UPS Ground that usually takes 5 days may take 7-10 days. This is normal during peak volume.

What does "customs clearance" mean and how long does it take?

International packages must clear customs inspection before final delivery. US Customs processes packages in 1-3 days typically, but during peak season or random inspections, it can take 5-14 days. Carriers often show "Customs inspection—delivery time might delay 2-10 days." Action: Nothing you can do to speed this up. Wait. If it's been 15+ days, contact the retailer.

When should I contact the retailer vs the carrier?

Contact the retailer first in 95% of cases. They have business relationships with carriers and can escalate faster than individual consumers. Only contact the carrier directly if: (1) the retailer tells you to, (2) you need to schedule a redelivery or pickup, or (3) the package shows "delivered" but GPS/photo proves wrong location.

For complete guidance on who to contact and when, see: How to get help with order delays.

USPS Delays

USPS package running late with no tracking updates

Common causes: Regional facility backlogs, packages stuck in sorting, barcode damage preventing scans.

Typical timeline: If tracking stopped updating, expect 5-10 days before it either shows up or is declared lost. USPS processes 30-40% more volume in Q4, creating backlogs.

What to do:

1. Check tracking on usps.com (not just the retailer's tracking page—USPS sometimes shows more detail)
2. If no update for 7+ days, contact the retailer to file a missing mail claim
3. USPS requires 7 days after expected delivery before investigating lost packages
4. If tracking shows "In Transit, Arriving Late," wait 3-5 days before escalating

Contact: Retailer first. If you must contact USPS: 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777). Expect long hold times during peak season.

USPS two-day shipping is late

Common causes: Priority Mail Express (the only guaranteed USPS service) occasionally misses its 1-2 day promise due to weather or facility issues. Priority Mail (non-Express) isn't guaranteed and often takes 3-5 days despite the "2-day" marketing.

What to do:

1. Check if you paid for Priority Mail Express (guaranteed) or Priority Mail (not guaranteed)
2. If Express: retailer can request a refund of shipping costs from USPS
3. If Priority Mail: you're not entitled to compensation, but retailer may offer goodwill credit
4. Contact retailer if it's 3+ days past the estimate

USPS tracking delay on international package

Common causes: Customs clearance in the destination country. USPS hands off international packages to destination country postal services, and tracking often stops updating until final delivery.

What to do:

1. Use the destination country's postal tracking (for US deliveries, that's usps.com; for deliveries to you from abroad, use your country's postal site)
2. Expect 10-30 business days for international economy shipping
3. Customs can add 5-14 days—this is normal
4. If it's been 45+ days, contact the retailer

UPS Delays

UPS one-day shipping is late

Common causes: Weather delays, incorrect address requiring rerouting, missed delivery attempt.

What to do:

1. Check tracking for "Exception" status—this explains why it's late
2. If it says "Delivery will be rescheduled," check if there's a delivery notice at your door
3. If weather-related, expect 1-2 day delay
4. If address-related, contact retailer to correct the address
5. UPS Next Day Air is guaranteed—retailer can claim shipping refund if late

Contact: Retailer first. If you need to schedule redelivery: 1-800-PICK-UPS (1-800-742-5877) or ups.com.

UPS international shipping delays

Common causes: Customs clearance, broker fees not paid, incorrect customs documentation.

What to do:

1. Check tracking for "Clearance Delay" or "Broker Release Pending"
2. If broker fees are required, UPS will contact you (check email/text)
3. Pay any broker fees immediately to release the package
4. Customs can add 3-10 business days
5. If it's been 15+ days in customs, contact the retailer—they may need to provide additional documentation

UPS tracking shows "Exception"—what does that mean?

"Exception" means something prevented normal delivery. Common reasons:

• Address issue: Incorrect or incomplete address
• Weather: Storms delaying flights/trucks
• Business closed: Package sent to business address on weekend/holiday
• Signature required: No one available to sign

What to do: Click the tracking number on ups.com for details. Often you can authorize delivery without signature or redirect to a UPS Access Point. If you can't resolve it online, contact the retailer.

FedEx Delays

FedEx two-day shipping delayed

Common causes: FedEx consolidates packages at hubs, which can add 1-2 days. Weather, capacity limits, or facility backlogs also contribute.

What to do:

1. Check if you paid for FedEx 2Day (guaranteed) or FedEx Home Delivery (not guaranteed despite 2-day marketing)
2. If 2Day and it's late: retailer can claim shipping refund from FedEx
3. If Home Delivery: no compensation, but contact retailer if it's 4+ days past estimate
4. FedEx Ground often shows "Pending" for 1-2 days at hubs—this is normal

Contact: Retailer first. For redelivery: 1-800-GO-FEDEX (1-800-463-3339) or fedex.com.

FedEx delivery exception meaning

Same as UPS—something prevented delivery. Common FedEx-specific reasons:

• Local weather delay: Not safe to deliver
• Incorrect address: Needs correction
• Future delivery requested: Someone requested hold for later date
• Customer not available: Signature required, no one home

What to do: Check fedex.com for details. You can request hold at FedEx location or authorize release without signature in many cases.

FedEx international package stuck at facility

Common causes: Customs clearance, duties/taxes not paid, missing commercial invoice.

What to do:

1. Check tracking for customs status
2. FedEx will email/text if duties are owed—pay immediately
3. Customs delays: 2-14 days depending on country and item
4. If it's been 20+ days, contact retailer—they may need to provide documentation

DHL Delays

DHL clearance delay—how long?

Common causes: DHL shipments often come from international sellers. Customs clearance is the primary delay cause.

Timeline: DHL often shows "Customs inspection—delivery time might delay 2-10 days." Expect the full 10 days if it's peak season or a random inspection. Average: 5-7 days.

What to do:

1. Wait 10 days before escalating
2. Check if duties/taxes are owed (DHL will email/text)
3. If it's been 15+ days in customs, contact the retailer—they can check with DHL
4. Customs delays cannot be expedited by anyone

DHL tracking says "Shipment on hold"

Common causes: Missing recipient information, customs hold, payment required.

What to do:

1. Check your email—DHL usually sends instructions
2. If they need info or payment, respond immediately
3. If no email, call DHL: 1-800-CALL-DHL (1-800-225-5345)
4. If hold lasts 7+ days with no communication, contact the retailer

DHL eCommerce vs DHL Express—what's the difference?

DHL eCommerce: Economy service, 10-20 business days, slower but cheaper. Used by AliExpress, Shein, and budget international sellers.

DHL Express: Premium service, 2-5 business days, faster but expensive. Used for time-sensitive international shipments.

If your tracking says "DHL eCommerce," expect longer delivery times and less frequent tracking updates. This is normal.

Amazon Delays

Amazon package running late with no tracking

Common causes: Amazon Logistics (their own delivery service) sometimes has scanning delays. Packages may be on the truck but not yet scanned "out for delivery."

What to do:

1. Check your order on amazon.com—it often shows more detail than the tracking page
2. If it's past the guaranteed delivery date, request refund or replacement immediately
3. Amazon rarely disputes late delivery claims—they'll refund or reship automatically
4. For third-party sellers: file an A-to-Z Guarantee claim if past delivery date

Amazon-specific tip: If tracking says "delivered" but you don't have it, check amazon.com for delivery photos (Amazon drivers take photos at drop-off). If the photo shows wrong location, contact Amazon immediately.

Amazon order delayed in transit

Common causes: Weather, carrier delays, or inventory shipped from distant warehouse.

What to do:

1. Amazon will send an email if delivery date changes
2. Check Your Orders page for updated estimate
3. If it's past the original guaranteed date, request refund (you're entitled to this)
4. Amazon Prime members can request free month extension if delays are frequent

Amazon not yet shipped after several days

Common causes: Item out of stock, high demand, or third-party seller delay.

What to do:

1. If order confirmation promised shipping within X days and it hasn't shipped, contact Amazon
2. Request expedited shipping at no charge if item eventually ships late
3. Cancel and reorder elsewhere if you need it by a specific date
4. Third-party sellers: file A-to-Z claim if not shipped within promised window

Shein Delays

Shein order delayed—2021/2022 context

Background: Shein faced major logistics issues in 2021-2022 due to pandemic supply chain disruptions and shipping route changes. Delivery windows ballooned from 10-15 days to 30-45 days in some cases.

Current status (2025): Shein's logistics have stabilized. Current delivery windows: 10-20 business days for standard shipping, 5-10 days for express. Delays still happen during peak season (November-January) but are less severe than 2021-2022.

Shein package late—what to do

What to do:

1. Track your order on shein.com using your order number (not just email tracking—the app/site shows more detail)
2. Shein ships from China, so expect 10-25 days total
3. If it's past the delivery window shown in your confirmation, contact Shein via app or website
4. Shein typically offers refund or reshipment if past delivery window
5. Response time: 2-4 days for Shein customer service

Shein tracking stopped updating

Common causes: Shein uses third-party logistics. Tracking updates when package leaves China, stops during transit, restarts when USPS scans it in the US.

What to do:

1. Tracking gaps of 7-14 days are normal for international shipping
2. If it's been 30+ days with no updates, contact Shein
3. Try tracking the USPS tracking number (if provided) directly on usps.com

AliExpress Delays

AliExpress shipping delayed

Common timeline: Standard shipping from AliExpress takes 15-45 days. Yes, 45 days. This is normal for economy shipping from China.

What to do:

1. Check your order page on aliexpress.com for the protection deadline (usually 60-90 days)
2. If package doesn't arrive by protection deadline, open a dispute
3. AliExpress Buyer Protection covers late/non-delivery—you'll get refund if dispute approved
4. Tracking often stops updating during transit—this is normal for ePacket/China Post

AliExpress Buyer Protection running out

What to do:

1. If delivery window is close but package is still in transit, request protection extension
2. Seller can extend protection by 10-30 days
3. If protection expires before delivery, open a dispute immediately
4. Do NOT confirm receipt until package actually arrives

AliExpress package stuck at "Acceptance" or "Origin Post is Preparing Shipment"

Meaning: Package is at the origin country post office waiting to be shipped internationally. Can sit here 5-14 days before moving.

What to do:

1. Wait 14 days before escalating
2. If it's been 20+ days, contact the seller
3. Seller should provide updated tracking or reship

Etsy Delays

Etsy order delayed—small seller issues

Common causes: Many Etsy sellers are individuals or small businesses. Delays happen due to: custom/handmade items taking longer than estimated, seller illness/emergencies, shipping method (first-class mail has no tracking).

What to do:

1. Check the processing time in your order confirmation (Etsy sellers set their own processing times: 1-3 days, 1-2 weeks, etc.)
2. If it's past processing time + shipping time, message the seller via Etsy Messages
3. Most sellers respond within 24-48 hours and will reship or refund
4. If no response in 48 hours, open a case via Etsy's Resolution Center

Etsy case process for late delivery

Timeline:

1. You can open a case 3 days after the estimated delivery date
2. Seller has 48 hours to respond with resolution (refund, reship, or explanation)
3. If seller doesn't respond or you're not satisfied, escalate to Etsy
4. Etsy reviews evidence (order confirmation, messages, tracking) and decides
5. Most cases resolve within 5-10 days

Pro tip: Always pay for tracking on Etsy orders over $25. Without tracking, it's harder to prove non-delivery.

Other Major Brands: Quick Reference

StockX Shipping Delays

Timeline: StockX authenticates items before shipping, adding 5-10 business days. Total delivery: 10-20 days.

Common delays: Authentication backlog during peak season, item fails authentication (you'll be refunded).

What to do: Check order status on stockx.com. If it's past the delivery estimate, contact StockX support. They typically extend delivery windows during peak but will refund if authentication fails.

Shopee Delayed Shipping

Timeline: Shopee operates in Southeast Asia. Delivery windows: 5-14 days depending on seller location and buyer location.

Common delays: Cross-border shipping (Singapore to Philippines, etc.), customs clearance.

What to do: Use in-app tracking. If past delivery window, contact seller via Shopee chat. Open dispute if seller doesn't resolve within 48 hours.

Everlane, Patagonia, Eddie Bauer Delays

These brands typically ship from US warehouses with reliable delivery (3-7 business days).

Common delays: Weather, carrier delays, backorders.

What to do: Contact customer service via their websites. All three brands have strong customer service reputations and will reship or refund quickly if delivery is late.

Fanatics, Foot Locker Delays

Timeline: 5-10 business days typically. Delays during product launches or holiday seasons.

What to do: Check order status on their websites. Contact support if past delivery window. Both brands typically offer partial refunds or discounts for delays.

Samsung, Google Store Delays

Timeline: Electronics from manufacturer stores: 5-14 days (longer if custom-configured).

Common delays: Build-to-order items, high demand during launches.

What to do: Check order tracking on their websites. Contact support if past delivery window. Both offer refunds if you request them for late delivery.

Shutterfly, Vistaprint (Custom Print Delays)

Timeline: Production time (3-7 days) + shipping time (3-7 days) = 6-14 days total.

Common delays: Production issues, peak season (holidays, graduation, wedding season).

What to do: Check order status. If production is taking longer than promised, contact support. They'll expedite shipping at no charge if production caused the delay.

Gymshark Delays

Timeline: UK-based, so US orders take 7-14 business days.

Common delays: International shipping, customs (though Gymshark pre-pays duties).

What to do: Track on gymshark.com. If delayed past window, contact support via live chat. They're responsive and typically offer discounts for delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I wait before contacting anyone about a delay?

Wait until after the promised delivery date. If the order confirmation said "Delivery by December 20," wait until December 21. If it just said "Ships in 3-5 days," add shipping transit time (usually 5-7 days) and wait until that window closes.

Can weather delays last more than a few days?

Yes. Major hurricanes, snowstorms, or floods can delay packages 5-14 days if they affect hub cities or flight routes. Carriers extend delivery estimates during weather events but don't compensate for delays. You're entitled to a refund from the retailer if you don't want to wait.

What if multiple packages from the same order arrive at different times?

Retailers often split orders and ship from different warehouses. This is normal. Each tracking number has its own delivery window. If one package arrives late, contact the retailer about that specific tracking number.

Why does tracking say "out for delivery" but it's 9pm and nothing arrived?

Carriers scan packages "out for delivery" when they load trucks in the morning, but delivery can happen anytime up to 8-9pm. Amazon Logistics and regional carriers sometimes deliver as late as 10pm. Wait until midnight before assuming it's lost. If it doesn't arrive, contact the retailer next morning.

What does "attempted delivery" mean if I was home all day?

Sometimes drivers mark "attempted delivery" when they couldn't access a building, couldn't find parking, or ran out of time. Check for a delivery notice at your door. Schedule redelivery or pickup via the carrier's website. If this happens repeatedly, contact the retailer to change delivery instructions.

Can I speed up a delayed package?

Usually no. Once the carrier has custody, only the shipper (retailer) can request expedited delivery, and carriers rarely honor these requests for packages already in transit. Your best option: request the retailer reship with faster shipping at no charge.

Do I have to pay for return shipping if the package arrived too late to be useful?

No. If the retailer missed their delivery promise, you're entitled to a refund without paying return shipping. Most retailers will provide a prepaid return label or tell you to keep/donate the item and issue a refund anyway.

What if I already contacted the retailer and they refused to help?

Escalate to a manager via phone or email. Reference FTC Mail Order Rule and your right to a refund for missed delivery promises. If they still refuse, file a credit card chargeback for "merchandise not received." Document your communication attempts.

Can I get compensation beyond a refund for a delayed package?

Sometimes. If the delay caused measurable harm (you had to buy a replacement at higher cost, missed an event, paid extra fees), request partial refund or store credit. Many retailers offer 10-20% discount or $10-25 credit as goodwill. Not guaranteed, but worth asking.

What happens if the tracking never updates and the package never arrives?

After 30 days (domestic) or 60 days (international) with no tracking updates, carriers declare packages lost. The retailer should refund or reship immediately—don't wait 30 days. Contact them after 7-10 days of no updates to start the process.

Find Your Resolution

Scroll up to the brand or carrier section that matches your delay. Follow the action steps. Most delays resolve within 48 hours once you contact the right party with the right information.

Remember: retailers are responsible until the package reaches your hands, even if the carrier lost it. Don't let them pass the buck. Demand resolution—refund, replacement, or compensation.

Related Guides:

• How to Get Help With Order Delays: Complete Action Guide
• Holiday Customer Service Staffing Plan (For Retailers)