USPS Recycled Tracking Numbers for Existing Packages

[darkmistofwoods]

We just started using Shipstation, and since Monday of last week, we have pushed ~90 orders out the door. Most of these orders shipped with USPS, and at least six of these USPS packages (so far) have used recycled tracking numbers for packages still in transit. I am aware that USPS uses recycled tracking numbers; however, the tracking numbers that were assigned to our affected packages combine the existing (and ongoing) tracking information from a different package with our tracking. Multiple customers are contacting us wondering where their packages went, and we cannot provide any meaningful answers. We can't verify that these packages are on their way to their destination because the tracking information ends once the "other" package is delivered.

I contacted Shipstation support and was advised to void and reprint affected shipping labels (not possible once a package is shipped) or contact USPS directly. We reprinted labels for the packages whose tracking numbers we could catch before shipping, but many slipped through. We also contacted USPS, which we wholeheartedly regret. Not only did USPS refuse to provide any assistance in the most unpleasant way possible, but they also stated that Shipstation was the source of the issue and that the USPS system does not make mistakes when issuing tracking numbers. A quick Google search and personal experience memory revealed this was utterly false. 

In short, we have gotten nowhere in attempting to resolve this issue. Has anyone else had issues with recycled tracking numbers for their USPS shipments? How did you get it resolved? Is this an issue with Shipstation or Stamps.com?

[Ktinamk188]

Yes!! This has happened to me and if they can't properly deliver/provide the arrive you paid for then that's on them. I filed an insurance claim marking it as lost. 

[CaraAdmin · Accepted solution]

Hello @Ktinamk188 and @darkmistofwoods!

Thank you both for your posts in the community and for bringing this to our attention. I spoke with the support team, and they confirmed that they are actively working on a fix to address the issue with recycled tracking numbers. We appreciate your patience as we work toward a solution!

We appreciate your patience!

-Cara

[darkmistofwoods]

Thank you, Cara! That is outstanding news.

And thank you to your support team for promptly identifying and addressing the issue.

[Edwards]

Have you had any luck with the issue? We have been shipping bulk packages and just notified by an employee at the USPS yesterday that the past few drop-offs have had recycled tracking numbers as well (which apparently has been causing them to charge our account). I also just learned today through online research that USPS recycles tracking numbers. I was unaware of all of this until the past 2 days, but have many more packages to ship and am afraid to print any more labels if they are reusing tracking numbers. 
My second question is, are your recycled numbers also going to the same addresses? My USPS worker told me they are packages going to the same addresses, but using the same tracking numbers. These labels are being printed weeks apart, so, I know I am not accidentally reprinting a label twice and sticking it on 2 different packages. 

[CaraAdmin]

Hello @Edwards!

Thank you for following up and for your patience while we looked into this! It appears to be an issue on Amazon’s end, so I’d recommend reaching out to them to make them aware.

We’re keeping a close eye on this as well and will share any updates we come across.

I truly appreciate your patience!

Happy Shipping!

-Cara
 

[kayla-zk]

What? Amazon issue? This ongoing issue of recycling tracking numbers is solely a USPS issue, no?? I just responded to at least 5-6 different eBay customers of ours that reached out about conflicting / invalid tracking info as a result of this issue. On the other hand, we've only had a couple Amazon customers reach out about it. This is affecting many and is not limited to one marketplace.

[CaraAdmin]

Hello @kayla-zk!

"Thank you so much for your response! I apologize for any confusion on my part. Initially, this issue was documented as being specific to Amazon Buy shipments. However, if anyone encounters this issue if seeing recycled tracking numbers on any platform, we kindly ask that they reach out to support so we can document their experience and ensure the issue is addressed properly. 

Your help and understanding is greatly appreciated!

-Cara