I generate my USPS mailing labels through Etsy, and I know that the tracking numbers don't work through USPS tracking, you have to use the Pitney-Bowes site.

My issue is that I dropped off a package at the post office I always use last week. It was a typical shipment like hundreds of others I've done. But it still says "pre-transit" as of 6 days ago. I went into the post office to try and get info on it, but the person at the desk wasn't helpful. He tried the tracking number which didn't work of course. My customer is wondering why his order is taking so long and I wanted to try and tell him something. I didn't know how else to explain to him. I brought another printout copy of the label I used for the shipment in question, and showed an identical package I was mailing that day with the same type of label, and he just kinda shrugged. 👍

It's weird how these labels move through the USPS system with tracking updates that can be seen through Etsy and Pitney-Bowes but can't be seen through USPS tracking (or by their employees). It seems like a wacky system, and sometimes customers freak out that the tracking number doesn't work. But it normally goes fine and I haven't ever had a package lost. I have a feeling this one will probably be fine eventually, but you never know.

I didn't want to be a Karen and get a supervisor involved at the post office, but if the package is in their possession and is being shipped by them, they should be able to tell me something. I'll probably go back again after work.

Does anyone else have experience or tips with physically tracking things down at least offices? Any jargon or terminology I need to use? Secret handshake?