Item Re-routed Due to Processing Error – Canada Post

You’re expecting a package through Canada Post and have received an “Item Re-routed Due to Processing Error” tracking update.

What does this mean exactly? What happened to your parcel when you see this alert and is there anything you need to do?

Let’s take a look…

Item Re-routed Due to Processing Error – Guide

When an item is processed inside the Canada Post delivery network, it means it has been sorted and scanned for dispatch to the next location on the route.

This could be another facility or even the recipient’s address.

When a processing error occurs, it means that there has been an issue in this process, and this has resulted in the package being sent to the wrong place.

This will normally be an incorrect Canada Post facility in terms of where the item needs to be delivered.

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However, the fact the “Item Re-routed Due to Processing Error” update has been triggered means that Canada Post is aware of the situation.

The item is being rerouted to the correct location. Either back to the facility it just left, or toward the appropriate facility for the destination address.

What Causes the Processing Error?

There are several reasons for a mail item being processed incorrectly by Canada Post.

Sortation issues can come from a machine or human error, label scanning problems, and as well an incorrect address.

Essentially, the package has ended up on the wrong truck for this update to have occurred. 

Logistical mishaps that lead to this can all be a cause of the error.

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What to do After an “Item Re-routed Due to Processing Error” Update?

There is actually little you can do after receiving this update.

As mentioned, Canada Post is aware of the issue and the item is being rerouted to the correct location.

The delay may be an issue, however. The steps the package needs to take to get back on track will vary based on the situation. 

If the package is rerouted back to the original facility, it will need to go through that facility and be processed again.

Depending on package volumes etc, this could take a day or two.

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So How Long Will my Package be Delayed?

Again, this is difficult to determine. At best, the item will be directly rerouted toward the facility it should have been going to in the first place.

If the distance isn’t significant the error may only cause the delivery to be delayed one or two days.

However, if it needs to go back to the previous facility and go through the process of being rescanned, this can add multiple days to the delivery.

In worst-case scenarios, I have seen some reports from Canada Post customers stating that the package was over a week late after they received the “Item Re-routed Due to Processing Error”. 

This is where either the distance traveled before the error was discovered was great, or where an item was held up inside the facility for too long before it was successfully rerouted to the correct location.

If your package delay does amount to this extended period of time, you should call Canada Post to find out what is happening.

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Final Words

Overall, the “Item Re-routed Due to Processing Error” simply means that Canada Post has made an error routing the package to the facility and is aware of the issue.

The item will now have to be rerouted to the correct destination for normal delivery to resume.

In most cases, this will only cause a delay of a day or two. Anything longer and you should contact Canada Post to speed things along.

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