You’re tracking a package. Everything looks normal—until it doesn’t.
You refresh the page and see a new status: Shipment Exception.
Now what?
Whether you’re a customer trying to understand a delivery hiccup or an e-commerce brand managing your own outbound shipping, a shipment exception can be confusing and stressful. But the good news is: it doesn’t always mean a package is lost, and in most cases, the issue can be resolved quickly.
Let’s break down what a shipment exception actually means, what causes it, and what you can do to fix or prevent it.
What Is a Shipment Exception?
A shipment exception is a carrier update that indicates something unexpected has delayed or interrupted the delivery process. It doesn’t necessarily mean the package is lost or undeliverable—it just means there’s been a deviation from the original delivery plan.
In many cases, shipment exceptions are temporary and resolve themselves without any intervention. But occasionally, they require input from the sender, receiver, or carrier to keep things moving.
Common Causes of Shipment Exceptions
Here are some of the most frequent reasons you might see a shipment exception:
- 📍 Incorrect or incomplete address
- 🌧️ Weather delays (storms, floods, natural disasters, and especially snow)
- 🏠 Delivery attempt failed (no one home, gated property, etc.)
- 🌐 Customs issues (for international shipments)
- 🔍 Label damage or scanning errors
- 📦 Package held or rerouted by the carrier
In short, anything that prevents the carrier from delivering the shipment as planned may trigger an exception.
What Should You Do When a Shipment Exception Happens?
If you’re a merchant or fulfillment operator, here’s how to respond:
✅ Check the Tracking Page
Carriers like USPS, UPS, and FedEx often provide additional notes when exceptions occur. Read carefully for clues—sometimes the fix is as simple as a missing apartment number.
✅ Verify the Address
If the issue is address-related, cross-check the shipping information from your store or platform. Make sure street numbers, zip codes, and apartment or suite numbers are accurate.
✅ Notify the Customer
It’s always better to be proactive. A quick email or message explaining the delay (and what’s being done about it) can go a long way toward preserving trust.
✅ Contact the Carrier
If the tracking page doesn’t offer clear instructions, contact the carrier directly with the tracking number and shipment details.
✅ File a Claim if Necessary
If the package is confirmed lost or damaged, depending on the carrier’s policies and your coverage, you may be eligible to file a claim.
How to Prevent Shipment Exceptions Before They Happen
You can’t control the weather, but there are several things you can do to reduce the chance of exceptions:
- 🧠 Validate addresses automatically before label generation
- 🏷️ Ensure labels are printed cleanly and securely affixed
- 📞 Include a valid customer phone number for delivery teams
- 🚚 Choose the right carrier and service level for the destination
- 📦 Avoid handwriting shipping labels or editing them manually
- 📊 Monitor exception trends and escalate recurring issues with your carrier or fulfillment provider
How eHub Helps You Minimize Shipping Exceptions
At eHub, we help e-commerce brands simplify and streamline their shipping operations, so exceptions are the exception, not the norm.
With eHub, you can:
- 🧭 Validate every address before label generation
- 📦 Automate label creation across multiple carriers
- 🚨 Get visibility into tracking and exception updates
Exceptions will happen—but with better data, automation, and flexibility, you can stay ahead of them.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Panic—Just Be Proactive
A shipment exception is frustrating, but it’s not the end of the road.
Most issues are solvable, and the faster you identify them, the quicker you can get the order back on track.
