You eagerly track your package and see the status has been updated to “out for delivery.” Finally! But the hours pass and no package arrives. What happened?
The “out for delivery” scan is one of the most anxiously awaited statuses during the shipping process. But sometimes, packages take longer than expected even after this scan. Read on to understand why and get your questions answered about Canada Post’s “out for delivery” scans.
The Meaning Behind the “Out For Delivery” Scan
The Canada Post “out for delivery” scan indicates your mail carrier has received the parcel from the processing facility, sorted and loaded it onto their vehicle in preparation to deliver that day. This scan typically happens in the morning hours as carriers are preparing for their route.
So, in simple wording “Out for Delivery” means your package has been loaded onto the mail carrier’s delivery truck and is out on their route for delivery that day. When you see this status from Canada Post, it signals your package is imminent – expect it to arrive sometime later that same day as the carrier completes their deliveries.
Remember, It does not necessarily mean the parcel will be delivered that same day even if you expected it.
Common Reasons for Missed Delivery After The Scan
While that “out for delivery” scan from Canada Post signals intent to deliver that day, things can and do go wrong. Review these common reasons for a parcel not arriving despite the initial scan:
Missorted to The Wrong Route
With thousands of parcels flowing through their system, mismatches happen. A parcel gets loaded onto the wrong route vehicle accidentally. Once the carrier realizes it’s not theirs, it gets returned to the facility to await proper sorting.
Loaded Onto Truck But No Room
Carriers have finite space in their vehicles. If filled earlier in the route, they cannot take on additional items. Those parcels get bumped back to the facility to go out the next day. Space, not the scan, dictates possibility.
Extreme Weather Delays Delivery
From blizzards to thunderstorms and more, Canadian weather can wreak havoc on mail delivery. Carriers do their best to finish routes, but extreme conditions often cause parcels to get delayed until the next day out of safety precautions.
Item Requires Signature But Recipient Not Home
If an item requires a signature upon delivery but no one answers the door, carriers cannot just leave it. The parcel gets returned to the facility as undeliverable for that day so a new delivery attempt happens later when someone is home.
So in some cases, the tracking status may not fully reflect your box’s transportation progress if scans fail to sync quickly. The systems can inadvertently indicate ahead of reality.
In summary, delivery delays after that coveted “out for delivery” scan occur due to forces within and beyond Canada Post’s control. Tracking mishaps, weather impacts, human errors, mechanical issues, and more can slow the final transportation leg. So don’t panic yet if your expected delivery takes longer than anticipated.
How Much Time Until Delivery After The “Out for Delivery” Scan Displayed?
Canada Post strives to deliver items marked “out for delivery” the same day they receive this status whenever possible. However, the actual delivery time after this scan can vary widely:
- Some efficiently routed packages in dense urban areas with limited obstacles may arrive mere hours after the “out for delivery” scan posts. If the stars align, you could receive your parcel in as little as 1-2 hours later.
- Suburban or rural deliveries with longer travel times might get packages later in the afternoon or early evening of the scan date. Recipients in more remote locations should expect this baseline schedule.
- In less ideal circumstances, delayed packages may limp into facilities late in the evening only to be delivered the following day or morning instead. This averages out to about an 18-24 hour delivery window after the initial scan.
- During major delays from weather events, tracking errors, breakdowns, staff shortages, or other disruptions, boxes can fall severely behind schedule. Some unlucky recipients must wait 2-3 days later with still no delivery if re-routing takes time.
So once that long-awaited “out for delivery” scan appears, brace yourself for a broad delivery window – anytime between a couple of hours later to 72 hours to be safe. Package volume surges like before holidays can also temporarily impact shipping speed as well. Continue monitoring tracking for further updates.
What to Do If Your Parcel Doesn’t Arrive After the Scan
You’ve checked the tracking again in the evening but have seen no updates since the morning scan. What should you do if the mail date comes and goes with no parcel delivery? Here are some tips:
Allow Extra Delivery Time Before Taking Action
Before taking any action, allow some extra delivery time. While carriers typically finish routes by early evening, they may run late some days.
Wait until the following day to see if the status updates with delivery. If not, then you can contact Canada Post to inquire. Jumping the gun by calling right away when a carrier runs late may just yield frustrating results.
Check Tracking for New Scans
Before contacting Canada Post, carefully check the tracking again for new scans. There’s a chance the parcel was missorted or bumped to the next route day accidentally.
New scans indicating arrival at a postal facility or out again for delivery would signify this. As long as the parcel continues moving along, there’s no need to panic yet.
Call Canada Post Support If No Updates
If by the day after the initial “out for delivery” scan you see no further progress or delivery, then yes – it’s reasonable to contact Canada Post. Have your tracking number handy when you call. Let them investigate why it’s showing no additional movement.
Based on their findings, they may initiate a trace search or locate the parcel if it was missorted. As long as the parcel hasn’t been returned to the shipper as undeliverable, the post office can still track its last known location in its network.
*Having the tracking number gives them access to those details that customers cannot see. So don’t fret about a parcel marked “out for delivery” but not arriving just yet. With proper tracking data, Canada Post can get to the bottom of mysteries like this.
Request Redelivery Attempt If Needed
If Canada Post support discovers the parcel is still at the delivering postal facility after missing the initial delivery attempt, you can request they send it back out for re-delivery.
This prompts the facility workers to pull your parcel and reschedule another delivery try. Just call back and ask to set up a redelivery after getting your case details.
Other Common Questions About “Out for Delivery” Scans
Confused about what that “out for delivery” status means? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Does this scan mean the package is on the truck?
Not always. The scan indicates the item is expected to be loaded onto a delivery vehicle for drop-off. But it could still be awaiting transport when marked.
Can my delivery arrive if there’s no scan saying “out for delivery”?
Absolutely! Not all trucks or locations are scan-equipped. Your driver may not have the ability to enter this status update. The package can still be delivered as scheduled without this specific scan.
What if the status says “processed” or “transit” but hasn’t been updated?
Don’t panic. More detailed tracking events like these scans often lag behind a package’s actual movement. Assume your parcel is in transit as expected until proven otherwise.
Conclusion
The “Out For Delivery” scan means your parcel is close, but it’s not quite at the finish line yet. The final scan you want to see is “Item Delivered” along with the exact delivery time and location. This confirms the successful completion of the delivery.
Continue monitoring the tracking until you receive the “Item Delivered” confirmation. And if you encounter any issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to Canada Post’s customer service for help.
With the knowledge from this article, you’ll know exactly what to expect when that “Out For Delivery” scan pops up. Now you can breathe easy knowing your package is nearing your doorstep.
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