USPS duplicate tracking number?

GSPgirl · ‎01-03-2012

Has this happend to anyone else? I sent back an item to HSN using their label. I received a receipt with the tracking number after the agent scanned the package. HSN has still not received my return. I entered the tracking number at the USPS tracking site and it came up with delivered on June 1st, 2018, yet my receipt says Nov. 18th, 2018. I’m waiting for HSN to open their c/s dept to speak with them. I have never had issues before. I’m sure HSN will refund my money. I’ve entrered the number in a few times, too.

shopperqvc · ‎03-10-2010

@GSPgirlI had the same thing on a package I tried to track for something I had ordered. It showed that a package with that number had been received in another state a few months before, only this was through UPS. I called the 800 number for UPS and I was told that all the shipping companies reuse the same numbers over again. They would have run out of numbers long ago without using the same numbers after a certain amount of time.

Later, once the people in the shipping area caught up with their work, then my number showed that my package was on it's way to me, in my location. But, now and then, they reuse a number that hasn't been taken out of the system. When that happens, it looks like your package has gone to someone else months before you ordered it. It should work out okay for you. My package got to me just fine, and yours should too.

nomless · ‎03-10-2010

UPS recycles tracking numbers, too. Yes, it's haapened to to me. Having a recycled number does not interfere with delivery. Packages still get to their destination.

IMW · ‎06-15-2014

Yes. They recycle numbers.

GSPgirl · ‎01-03-2012

Thank you everyone. HSN was very gracious and credited my account for the returned item. It must cause havoc with companies sending things and receiving returns.

GSPgirl · ‎01-03-2012

@shopperqvc wrote:
@GSPgirlI had the same thing on a package I tried to track for something I had ordered. It showed that a package with that number had been received in another state a few months before, only this was through UPS. I called the 800 number for UPS and I was told that all the shipping companies reuse the same numbers over again. They would have run out of numbers long ago without using the same numbers after a certain amount of time.
Later, once the people in the shipping area caught up with their work, then my number showed that my package was on it's way to me, in my location. But, now and then, they reuse a number that hasn't been taken out of the system. When that happens, it looks like your package has gone to someone else months before you ordered it. It should work out okay for you. My package got to me just fine, and yours should too.

Thank you for explaining this!

Linmat · ‎05-19-2014

Now 2025 and I had exchanged a pair of shoes, exchanged pair did not fit so I did a return through customer service. When I went to track return, it showed the tracking for my exchange. They had same tracking number.
can anyone explain why they do this?