In recent days, one of the most common tracking statuses on Amazon is, “On the way, but running late.”
Unfortunately, this is also affecting Prime users.
Contrary to the common belief that it’s due to the recently introduced tariffs, that’s not the entire truth.
What gives? Let’s find out.
What Does, “On The Way, But Running Late” Mean On Amazon?
This tracking status means that an item is still in transit toward the recipient, but going slower than intended.
Essentially, this doesn’t always translate to the item getting to the recipient at a later date than initially estimated.
If, for example, an item under Prime was intended to reach the recipient by the following morning between 8 AM and 10 AM, it might end up getting there a few minutes or hours past 10 AM.
In that case, Amazon uses the term “running late.”
In rare occurrences, items end up getting to recipients later than the estimated delivery date, but for night deliveries. This is the exception but not the rule.
7 KEY Reasons Why Amazon Says An Item Is Running Late
Adverse Weather Conditions
Severe weather conditions such as heavy rain, snowstorms, hurricanes, or flooding can significantly disrupt transportation and logistics networks.
In such cases, delivery trucks may be forced to reroute, slow down, or temporarily stop, causing packages to arrive later than expected. Contacting Amazon at this point won’t do much as they have no control over the weather.
High Shipping Volume
During peak seasons like holidays, Prime Day, or major sales events, courier services and Amazon fulfillment centers often experience a dramatic surge in package volume.
This increase can overwhelm carriers, causing bottlenecks and delays in scanning, sorting, and delivering packages.
Transportation Issues
Problems like mechanical failures, traffic jams, or accidents involving delivery trucks can interfere with the timely movement of your package.
These transportation setbacks might occur anywhere along the shipping route, leading to unexpected delays.
Incorrect Scanning or Tracking Errors
Sometimes a package might not be scanned correctly at a sorting facility or during transit. This can result in inaccurate tracking information and may cause the system to estimate a later delivery even if the package is still progressing as planned.
Third-Party Carrier Delays
When Amazon relies on third-party carriers like USPS, UPS, or FedEx for delivery, delays can occur if those carriers are experiencing operational issues.
Since Amazon has limited control over third-party logistics, delivery timelines may be impacted.
Logistical Misrouting
Packages are occasionally sent to the wrong distribution center or follow an inefficient route due to a sorting error.
When a package goes off course, it must be redirected, which can add extra time to its journey.
Staffing Shortages
A lack of delivery drivers or fulfillment center workers, whether due to labor strikes, illnesses, or general understaffing, can slow down Amazon’s ability to process and deliver packages within the estimated timeframe.
What Do I Do When My Amazon Package Is Running Late?
Re-track The Item
Since you have no clarity about where your Amazon package is even as they say your item is on the way but running late, it’s prudent to get more clarity by re-tracking the item using free third-party sites such as 17Track and Parcelsapp.
At that point, you are in a better position to know how many more minutes or hours it will take for you to receive your item.
Be More Patient
After getting the much-needed details about the exact location of your item, it would be best if you wait for it.
We only recommend taking an action and contacting them should the tracking status change and show you that your Amazon package may be lost.