At Monster Bolts, we occasionally hear from customers worried that their USPS tracking shows a package traveling the “wrong way.” While it can look confusing, it’s usually normal and your order is still on track. Here’s why it happens:
1. Your Package Found a Friend! (Paired Mail)
Occasionally, two bubble mailers stick together in transit — almost like they “found a friend.” While rare, it happens because of the self-seal tabs or tiny adhesive spots on packaging. When this occurs, USPS may route both pieces together until they’re separated at a sorting hub. Once they part ways, your package continues on its normal path.
2. Weather & Natural Disruptions
Storms, hurricanes, and power outages may force USPS to bypass certain hubs. Packages take a detour to keep moving rather than sitting idle. For the latest updates, check USPS Service Disruptions.
3. Peak Season Overflow
During the holidays, Prime Day, or major mail-in ballot events, local hubs overflow. USPS offloads packages to nearby facilities, which can make routes appear “backwards.” Think of it like taking a longer back road to avoid traffic jams.
- Christmas: Hundreds of millions of packages move between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.
- Returns season: January sees just as much volume.
- Amazon Prime Day spikes.
- National elections (mail-in ballots).
4. Unique Situations (COVID-19 Example)
Labor shortages and health events have caused delays in the past, like during the COVID-19 pandemic. USPS had thousands of employees quarantined daily in 2021, which caused rerouting and delays.
What This Means for You
Detours don’t mean lost packages. USPS routing is designed to keep your order moving, even if the path looks odd on tracking. Most packages arrive on time, and nearly all within the expected delivery window.
Need help? If tracking hasn’t updated for 7+ days, reach out to us at support@monsterbolts.com or call (850) 764-2658 and we’ll help investigate.
USPS Routing & Tracking FAQs
Why did my package get routed in the wrong direction?
This is normal with USPS network optimization. During high volume or hub congestion, parcels can be sent to alternate facilities before heading back toward the destination. It often looks “wrong,” but it keeps things moving.
What does “Your package found a friend” (paired mail) mean?
Occasionally two mailers stick together in transit (e.g., bubble mailers with self-seal tabs). They travel together until separated at a sorting hub, then each resumes the correct route.
What does “In Transit, Arriving Late” mean?
USPS flagged a delay due to weather, volume, or facility backups. It usually self-resolves without action; most parcels resume scans within 1–3 business days.
My tracking hasn’t updated in a few days—what should I do?
First, give it 2–3 business days (scans can be missed). If no movement after 5 business days, reply to your Monster Bolts order email and we’ll help investigate or file a trace if needed.
Could weather or holidays be the reason?
Yes. Severe weather and peak seasons (Nov–Jan, Prime events, large returns periods) can trigger reroutes and temporary “out of sequence” scans.
How long should I wait before contacting you?
If the package is still within the carrier’s estimated window, it’s likely en route. If it’s 3+ business days past the estimate or shows no updates for 5+ business days, reach out and we’ll step in.
What can Monster Bolts do once an order has shipped?
We can verify the address, open a USPS inquiry, and guide next steps. While we can’t redirect USPS routes mid-stream, we’ll support you through to resolution.
Why do scans appear out of order?
Different facilities batch-upload scans at different times. You may see a “later” scan appear after an “earlier” one. The parcel is still moving normally.
Does service type affect routing speed?
Yes. Priority Mail typically processes faster than Ground Advantage/First-Class. However, any service can be rerouted during surges or disruptions.
What if the address had a typo or forwarding request?
Forwarding or address corrections can add time and odd detours. If you suspect an address issue, contact us right away so we can help.
1 comment
Charles Gatto
Question about your pricing. a package of ten is it $2.57 or is that for 1 bolt.