Incorrect post code on tracking receipt, parcel sent to wrong MC twice.

[Zoi]

Hi all,

Bit stressed about this parcel.

So I sent a parcel to a NE32 post code via tracked 48, but the post office worker mistook the E as a G; there was an issue at the post office with an elderly lady needing help while we were being served so can understand their distraction completely, plus I always photograph my parcels as proof and can somewhat see how the E can be mistaken as a G, especially when in a rush. However, directly above it is the full address clearly stating Tyne & Wear.

It was due to be delivered on Monday but was sent to Nottingham MC where it stayed until Wednesday. I expected a delay and hoped it would be directed, which it was. It was received at Tyneside MC this morning. About an hour ago I checked the tracking again to see a brand new update, only to find it has been sent back to Nottingham MC. I can see this repeating again and again, so have contacted both Royal Mail for help, and the customer to let them know I've made contact with them.

Is there any chance that the MC workers will correct this mistake and it will be delivered? Or is this cycle likely to continue repeating itself?

Thanks in advance from someone who gets way too stressed over .parcels being safely delivered

[SpacePhoenix]

Did the post office staffer stick a label on with a 2D barcode (kinda looks similar to a QR code)? if they did, then the address that they typed in will be encoded into that along with the incorrect postcode. Not sure but I believe that both them MCs have machines that sort parcels. Tyneside MC certainly must have as the machine has probably read the incorrect postcode and sorted the parcel based on that postcode.

We've had forum posts in the past where parcels have bounced between two MCs where one has a machine reading a wrong postcode from a 2D barcode

[Zoi]

Did the post office staffer stick a label on with a 2D barcode (kinda looks similar to a QR code)? if they did, then the address that they typed in will be encoded into that along with the incorrect postcode. Not sure but I believe that both them MCs have machines that sort parcels. Tyneside MC certainly must have as the machine has probably read the incorrect postcode and sorted the parcel based on that postcode.

We've had forum posts in the past where parcels have bounced between two MCs where one has a machine reading a wrong postcode from a 2D barcode

Unfortunately I can't quite remember, but I suspect so. It was actually sent back to Tyneside for a second time so I hoped it would finally be on route, but I've just checked again and it has been sent to Nottingham for a third time now. I can see this going on and on and on, and I've not heard back from Royal Mail yet either. I just wish they'd send it back to me but it seems stuck in a loop now.

[yellowbelly]

Did the post office staffer stick a label on with a 2D barcode (kinda looks similar to a QR code)? if they did, then the address that they typed in will be encoded into that along with the incorrect postcode. Not sure but I believe that both them MCs have machines that sort parcels. Tyneside MC certainly must have as the machine has probably read the incorrect postcode and sorted the parcel based on that postcode.

We've had forum posts in the past where parcels have bounced between two MCs where one has a machine reading a wrong postcode from a 2D barcode

Unfortunately I can't quite remember, but I suspect so. It was actually sent back to Tyneside for a second time so I hoped it would finally be on route, but I've just checked again and it has been sent to Nottingham for a third time now. I can see this going on and on and on, and I've not heard back from Royal Mail yet either. I just wish they'd send it back to me but it seems stuck in a loop now.

Sorted by machines at the MC that's the trouble. At a delivery office level I've seen this several times and fortunately if the same postie is doing the same (parcel sorting) job a few days in a row they might spot it (or even the first time!) and correct the obvious error. I don't know if there's an intelligent 'counter' in the systems at mail centres which might recognise a parcel barcode transiting through several times and send it to a 'rejects' where it can be looked at.

On the photo you took can you identify the 16 digit (I think it's 16) serial number near the bar code made up of letters and numbers separated by hyphens? Did you pass this number on to Royal Mail? They might be able to put this into a system somehow that might be able to reject it when it gets scanned at a mail centre again - not totally sure about this, just guessing!

[Lockardian]

We aren’t trained to do so, but I tend to cross out the 2D barcode and QR code, leaving just the tracking number, when amending and address and redirecting an item to another MC - in the hope the machine there won’t enable to read the code and reject the item for a manual sort. I don’t know why staff can’t be trained to do this, as it usually prevents the situation above.

[SpacePhoenix]

We aren’t trained to do so, but I tend to cross out the 2D barcode and QR code, leaving just the tracking number, when amending and address and redirecting an item to another MC - in the hope the machine there won’t enable to read the code and reject the item for a manual sort. I don’t know why staff can’t be trained to do this, as it usually prevents the situation above.

If the tracking number is a 2D barcode the destination address will be encoded into the tracking number