Seeing the message “scheduled delivery details are not available at this time” when tracking a UPS package can be frustrating. This vague status update leaves you wondering what happened to your package and when you can expect it to arrive.
This article will explain the common reasons for this unhelpful tracking status, what it typically means, and how to get more clarity on your package’s status and expected delivery date. With some extra effort, you can usually get the details you need to stop wondering and ensure your UPS delivery arrives safely and on time.
Why Might Delivery Details Be Unavailable?
There are a few common reasons why UPS may not be able to provide scheduled delivery details at a given point in time:
The Package Was Just Entered into the UPS System
Packages are usually scanned upon induction into the UPS network. However, occasionally a package gets inducted but does not get an origin scan. Since UPS does not have any tracking data for the package yet, the scheduled delivery date cannot be determined. This usually resolves itself within 24 hours as the package gets its first scan.
The Package is Between Scans
As a package travels through the UPS network, it receives periodic scans that allow the tracking system to estimate its progress. However, packages can go hours or longer between scans, depending on the shipping route. During these periods, UPS cannot pinpoint the package’s exact location or make accurate delivery projections. The tracking status reverts to “not available” until the next scan occurs.
There Was an Exception Event Like Weather Delay
Severe weather, natural disasters, or other exception events can cause delivery delays across entire regions. UPS may remove all scheduled delivery details in affected areas until operations return to normal. This prevents providing inaccurate delivery dates due to factors beyond their control.
The Delivery Date Has Passed
Once the estimated delivery date passes without the package being delivered, the tracking system no longer displays expected delivery details. This is often accompanied by a “check back tomorrow for updated delivery” message. It does not necessarily mean the package is lost or excessively delayed.
The Package is Destined for a Rural Area
Packages headed to rural addresses occasionally get a “not available” status simply because deliveries to remote areas are less time-definite. Fewer scans and unpredictable transit times make it difficult to pin down an accurate delivery date ahead of time.
What Does “Not Available” Mean for Delivery?
So if UPS cannot provide a scheduled delivery date for your package, what does that mean in terms of when you can expect to receive it? There are a few possibilities:
The Package is Still on Time
Just because the tracking information is limited does not necessarily mean your delivery will be late. The package may still be progressing normally through the UPS system without scan updates. Expect the delivery details to become available again once the package reaches the next sorting facility.
There Will Be a Minor Delivery Delay
If the package has encountered an exception like severe weather or missed a connection, there may be a minor delay of a day or two. But packages usually recover quickly and get back on schedule. Continue monitoring the tracking over the next several days.
The Package May Be Lost or Significantly Delayed
In rare cases, a “not available” status can indicate a major delay or even a lost package. This is most likely if the status persists for 4-5 days with no further scans or updates. But there’s still a good chance the package is just behind schedule, so keep checking tracking periodically.
The Scheduled Delivery Date is Wrong
Sometimes when details become available again, the delivery date is incorrect. Delivery dates can be inaccurate when there are long gaps between scans. The system may erroneously push back the expected delivery. But you may still receive the package sooner than the updated delivery date.
The “not available” tracking status is ambiguous. But in most cases, it does not mean your package is excessively delayed or lost. It may cause a minor delay of a day or two at most. Continue to monitor tracking over the next several days for more information.
Troubleshooting Unavailable Delivery Details
Here are some steps you can take to get clarity when UPS tracking shows “scheduled delivery details are not available”:
Verify the Tracking Number
Make sure you entered the 22-character UPS tracking number correctly on the UPS.com website or mobile app. Incorrect tracking numbers will not return any information. Double check the number on your shipping label or receipt.
Check Again Later
New tracking information may become available if you check back in 4-6 hours. Packages receive multiple daily scans as they travel through the UPS network. Status is updated each time the barcode is scanned.
Call UPS Customer Service
Speaking with a UPS agent provides the opportunity to get details that are not available online. Agents can contact UPS facilities directly to locate packages and investigate issues. Call 1-800-742-5877 or say “speak to an agent” if using the UPS virtual assistant.
Visit a UPS Location
Stop by a UPS store or customer center and ask an employee to look up the tracking status in their system. Their tracking tools may provide more insight, especially if the package seems delayed or lost.
Contact the Sender
The merchant you purchased from may be able to provide additional tracking details from their account. Big retailers can see more in-depth package status and delivery projections. Ask them to assist if UPS tracking remains vague.
Request a Tracing Investigation
If there are no tracking updates for several days and the package seems lost, you can have UPS open a tracing investigation. This prompts UPS to search for the package in their network and determine what went wrong.
While you wait for more details, be patient and avoid worrying prematurely. Most packages that display a “scheduled delivery details not available” status are still traveling normally through the UPS network. With a proactive approach, you can get clarity on your delivery status and date.
Common Reasons for Delayed or Missed Deliveries
If your package ultimately gets delayed beyond the original estimated delivery date, here are some common explanations:
Weather Issues
Severe storms, snowfall, extreme heat, and natural disasters can create hazardous conditions that interrupt deliveries across entire regions. Safety takes priority during extreme weather.
Volume Overloads
During peak seasons like the holidays, UPS handles massive volumes that can overwhelm facilities. This results in packages getting backed up.
Improper Addressing
An incomplete delivery address or missing apartment number can prevent successful delivery on the first attempt. The driver has to return the package to the facility to resolve the address issue.
Peak Demand
Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and other high-volume retail events can strain delivery capacity and result in minor delays.
Local Disruptions
Accidents, road closures, medical emergencies and other random events can temporarily halt deliveries in specific areas on certain days.
Missed Connection
If a package misses its scheduled transfer between UPS planes, trucks, or facilities, it can miss the planned delivery day. It has to be rerouted to the next available transport.
Damaged Package
If an item is damaged in transit, UPS has to halt delivery and notify the merchant. The sender files a claim and sends a replacement item.
Driver Shortage
A lack of delivery drivers compared to volume in a particular area can lead to delivery delays. UPS may have more packages than drivers available to deliver them.
Security Delays
Extensive security screenings of packages headed to high-profile locations and events can add a delay day.
Improper Packaging
A poorly packaged item that breaks open in transit has to be repackaged by UPS before delivery. Fragile items need ample padding and reinforcement.
Inclement Weather
Rain, snow, hail, fog, and other inclement weather along the delivery route will slow down drivers and delay deliveries.
Rural Location
Packages to remote rural areas often have wider delivery windows and are less time-definite overall compared to urban destinations.
Large Items
Oversized items and pallet shipments often move slower through the UPS network and can take extra time to deliver the last mile.
When to Start Worrying About a Delayed Delivery
Minor 1-2 day delivery delays are common and usually nothing to be concerned about. But at what point should you start to worry that a UPS package is significantly delayed or even lost? Here are some general guidelines:
- No scan or tracking updates for 4-5 days – This likely indicates an issue like a missed scan or transfer failure.
- No delivery or tracking update after a week – Contact UPS to open an investigation into the stalled package.
- Out for delivery but not delivered at the end of day – This typically means delivery will spill over into the next day.
- Scanned as “out for delivery” but returned to facility – Indicates inability to deliver due to address issue or customer unavailability.
- Status shows “emergency or natural disaster” – Severe weather or other crisis is impairing deliveries in your area.
- Delivery date updated to 3 or more days later – A missed connection or hub delay has likely rerouted the package.
Use the original estimated delivery date as a baseline for when to consider a package delayed. If there are no changes in tracking for several days or the package fails to arrive within 3-5 days of that date, it’s reasonable to start investigating by contacting UPS.
Next Steps if Your Package is Delayed
If your UPS delivery is significantly delayed beyond the original estimated delivery date, here are some tips on next steps:
- File a claim if the contents are valuable – UPS allows claims for lost, damaged or delayed items.
- Ask the merchant to assist – Let the retailer you purchased from know the item is delayed and ask them to help reship or refund.
- Request compensation from UPS – Late deliveries may qualify for service refunds to offset inconvenience.
- Extend pickup hold at location – Change the UPS Access Point or UPS store hold expiration while awaiting late delivery.
- Change delivery to will call pickup – Redirect the package to the nearest UPS facility for customer pickup when it is ready.
- Pick up package from UPS facility – If tracking shows it is held up at a nearby UPS hub, arrange to retrieve it yourself.
- Intercept the package – Reschedule delivery to a different address where someone is available to receive it.
- Cancel the delivery – As a last resort, request UPS to return the undelivered package to the shipper for a refund.
Persistence usually pays off when dealing with delayed UPS deliveries. Keep checking the tracking status periodically and utilize all options, including UPS customer service, until the package finally arrives.
How to Prevent Missed and Delayed Deliveries
While delays are often unavoidable, there are a few precautions you can take to help avoid late UPS deliveries:
- Provide complete delivery addresses – Always include full street address, apartment numbers, gate codes, etc. to prevent first attempt delivery failures.
- Avoid residential addresses for work deliveries – Business deliveries are less prone to delays and have expanded delivery windows.
- Request signature service for high-value items – This ensures someone is present to receive the package.
- Give detailed delivery instructions – Add specific directions for difficult to find addresses to aid drivers.
- Select UPS Access Point locations – Pickup sites have generously long holds and prevent missed attempts.
- Get tracking notifications – Opt-in for email and text tracking updates to monitor delays in real-time.
- Reinforce packaging – Use ample padding in a sturdy box to prevent damage that causes delays.
- Ship with plenty of lead time – Leave a buffer between expected delivery date and when you actually need the item.
- Review UPS holiday schedules – Avoid ship dates when UPS suspends delivery services for major holidays.
- Insure high-value contents – This guarantees compensation if a lost or extensively delayed package contained expensive items.
With smart preparation, packaging, and delivery planning, you can minimize the chances of delayed and missed UPS deliveries.
Key Takeaways on “Scheduled Delivery Details Not Available” Status
Here are the most important things to keep in mind when UPS tracking shows no scheduled delivery date available:
- It does not necessarily indicate a delayed package or problem – Tracking details routinely go unavailable while in transit.
- Check back in 4-6 hours for potential status updates – New scans usually occur as the package moves through the UPS network.
- Contact UPS customer support for additional tracking insight – Agents can investigate issues and contact facilities directly.
- Packages are rarely lost – The vast majority arrive within 1-3 days of the original estimated date unless impacted by major exception events.
- Address errors cause many delivery failures – Double check that the shipping address, apartment number, gate code etc. are complete and accurate.
- Extended tracking outages or missed delivery dates warrant investigation – But don’t panic at the first sign of a delay.
- Continue monitoring tracking proactively until the package arrives – Persistence pays off when dealing with delivery delays.
While an unavailable delivery date is ambiguous and frustrating, it’s rarely an indication of a lost package or extensive delay. With a patient, proactive approach, you can get the details needed to ensure your UPS shipment arrives quickly and safely.
