Don’t Panic, Here’s How to Solve Package On Hold Appropriately!

“Package On Hold” is a term that is usually used in the context of shipping goods or packages. It refers to a situation where a package or shipment has been temporarily held by a shipping service provider or delivery company for some specific reason.

“Package On Hold” indicates that the package is not in the process of being delivered and is awaiting additional action before it can continue its journey to its final destination. Recipients are usually notified of this situation and provided with instructions on the steps to take to resolve the issue causing the package hold. What are the causes and how to overcome this held package? Check out the article with  TransTRACK!

Causes of Package On Hold

The following are some common reasons why packages can be put on hold by delivery service providers:

Unclear address

Delivery of goods requires a clear and complete address so that the courier can find the exact location of the delivery. If the address provided is incomplete or unclear, for example, without a proper house number or street name, or if there are typographical errors, the courier may have difficulty locating the address. In these situations, the package may be held so that the delivery service provider can confirm or obtain additional information about the correct address before proceeding with delivery.

Incomplete contact information

Incomplete or invalid contact information, such as an inactive phone number or incorrect email address, can make it difficult for the courier to contact the recipient or provide notification of the shipment. Ineffective communication can lead to delays or package holds, as couriers may need to confirm shipping information before proceeding with the delivery process.

Late payment

In some cases, especially for international shipments or items subject to import taxes or customs duties, the recipient may have to pay additional fees before the package can be handed over. If the recipient does not make payment on time or if there is an error in the payment process, the package may be held by the delivery service provider until the payment issue is resolved.

Administrative issues

There are various administrative issues that can lead to package detention, such as errors in shipping documents or special requirements that must be met. For example, for international shipments, packages may require special documents such as commercial invoices or export licenses. If these documents are incomplete or do not comply with established requirements, the package may be temporarily held to rectify the administrative issues.

Previous delivery failed

If there was a previous delivery attempt that failed for some reason, such as the recipient being unavailable at the intended address, the package may be held for delivery resets. In some cases, the courier may need to contact the recipient to make redelivery arrangements before proceeding with the delivery process.

Severe weather or natural disasters

Extreme weather conditions or natural disasters, such as snowstorms, floods or tropical storms, may cause disruptions in delivery operations. To protect packages and ensure their safety, delivery service providers may hold deliveries when weather conditions make delivery impossible or dangerous.

Deliveries exceeding operating hour limits

Each delivery facility has certain operating hours during which packages can be received and processed. If a package arrives at the delivery facility after operating hours have ended, for example, at night or on a weekend, it may be held until the next business day when the delivery facility reopens.

In all of these situations, it is important for the delivery service provider to provide clear information to the recipient about the reason for the package hold and the steps to take to resolve the issue. By doing so, the recipient can work with the delivery service provider to overcome the obstacle that caused the package hold so that delivery can resume as soon as possible.

How to Resolve Package On Hold

Here are some ways to resolve a situation where your package is on hold:

Contact the expedition’s customer service

The first step you can take is to contact the customer service of the expedition company responsible for shipping your package. They can provide more information about the reason for the package hold and provide guidance on the steps to take to resolve the issue.

Check the shipping arrangements

Double-check the shipping details that you provide to the shipping company. Make sure your shipping address is correct and complete, and that your contact information is also valid. If there are any errors or ambiguities, you may need to provide additional information or update your shipping details.

Searching for a drop point

If your package is held at a distribution center or shipping facility, you may be able to look for options to pick up your package directly from a drop point or pickup location designated by the forwarder. Usually, information about drop points is available through the forwarder’s website or app.

Contacting the courier

If your package is being held by a courier who is making a delivery, try contacting the courier directly to get more information about the delivery status and the reason for the hold. They may be able to provide additional information or help you resolve the issue that caused the package hold.

Applying for a refund

If your package cannot be delivered or if there are insurmountable delays, you may need to apply to the shipping company for a refund. This process usually depends on the shipping company’s refund policy and can involve a certain process that you must follow.

In all cases, it is important to remain calm and communicate with the forwarder or courier company in a clear and polite manner. By providing the necessary information and following the guidelines provided, you can help expedite the process to resolve the package hold issue and ensure the shipment goes as planned.

In carefully addressing package detention situations, TransTRACK offers an integrated solution through its Transportation Management System (TMS) that can make it easier for you to manage your shipments more efficiently and effectively. With TMS, you can address various issues that may arise, such as package detention, with targeted and quick steps.

With features such as real-time shipment monitoring, live notifications, and the ability to update shipment information, TransTRACK allows you to stay connected and in full control of your shipments. You can easily coordinate with your carriers or shipping service providers, as well as optimize the overall shipping process.

When you use TransTRACK’s Transportation Management System, you not only address current package detention issues, but also strengthen your operational foundation to avoid similar issues in the future. By doing so, you can deliver a better delivery experience for your customers and ensure the smooth running of your logistics operations.

So, don’t let package detention disrupt your business flow. Utilize TransTRACK’s TMS to help you manage your shipments more efficiently and improve your customer satisfaction.