Delays at Greenford MC

[Dontgotmail]

Merry soon-to-be Christmas all, I see you’re inundated already so I’ll make it quick, my Tracking Number is LH185512266US the parcel has been at Greenford since the 14th, so almost 10 days.

Are there any delays to be expected in that area (headed for London)?
Is there anything I can do other than wait patiently?
Thanks in advance to anyone able to offer any help!

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Greenford may be an overflow site for Heathrow so its possible it is still delayed in customs but they are storing it at Greenford. Its a pity Royal Mail don't communicate with employees or customers very well.

[Dontgotmail]

Greenford may be an overflow site for Heathrow so its possible it is still delayed in customs but they are storing it at Greenford. Its a pity Royal Mail don't communicate with employees or customers very well.

If it’s stuck in customs would it be a case of it being in a queue to be processed or would it be that it didn’t clear customs and me or the sender need to get in contact with them somehow?

Edit: that said, Greenford is in my direction so I’m inclined to believe that it is headed towards me… maybe haha

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Greenford may be an overflow site for Heathrow so its possible it is still delayed in customs but they are storing it at Greenford. Its a pity Royal Mail don't communicate with employees or customers very well.

If it’s stuck in customs would it be a case of it being in a queue to be processed or would it be that it didn’t clear customs and me or the sender need to get in contact with them somehow?

Edit: that said, Greenford is in my direction so I’m inclined to believe that it is headed towards me… maybe haha

Both or either.

1. Customs will pull individual suspect items as they pass through their scanners. But this is not the usual course for delays.
2. Customs will target origin points such as China or USA, if they get "intelligence" - this can cause delays but is relatively rare.
3. Customs will and do select random batches of post (eg a whole container or aircraft load) and inspect everything - This is the leading cause of delays.
4. Customs will discover VAT or Import irregularities. This does not cause delays normally as the carrier pays for any charges if there are no other issues, processes them and bills the receiver. If the item is rejected outright by customs it is normally returned to the origin country for disposal, this does not cause delays but will be reflected in tracking changes.