Package not moving? Why tracking stalls and what to do
A tracking page that hasn't changed for days is stressful, but it's usually normal. Parcels are only scanned at specific points, so silence often just means the package is between scans. Here's how to tell normal from a real problem.
Normal transit gaps
Packages are scanned at pickup, at hubs, at customs, and on delivery — not continuously. On a long-haul or international route, 24–72 hours with no update is completely normal, especially over weekends and holidays.
Customs clearance
International parcels can sit at customs for a few days while duties and inspections are processed. The status may show "customs" or nothing at all until it clears.
Backlogs, weather and missed scans
Peak season, storms and sorting-facility backlogs slow scans. Sometimes a package moves but a scan is simply missed — the next scan will jump it forward.
When to take action
If there's no movement for 5–7 business days domestically (or 2–3 weeks internationally), contact the carrier with your tracking number, or ask the sender to open an inquiry. ParcelTrack re-predicts the ETA at every scan, so check back — a single new scan usually resolves the worry.
Track your package now
Paste any tracking number — ParcelTrack detects the carrier and shows the live status.
FAQ
How long can a package show no movement before it's lost?
Domestically, 5–7 business days of no scans is the point to contact the carrier. Internationally, allow 2–3 weeks, as customs and long transit legs create long gaps between scans.
Does 'no update' mean my package is lost?
Usually not. Most stalls are missed scans or normal transit gaps. It's only a concern once it exceeds the carrier's expected delivery window by several days.