New Study Ranks States Where Your Parcel Will be Delayed

• New study has been conducted to rank the states where parcels are most likely to be delayed based on several factors, including the volume of online searches related to delayed or lost packages, the performance of the United States Postal Service (USPS) in each state, and the freight flow per capita.
  
• North Dakota tops the list for parcel delays due to its high freight flow per capita and significant search volumes for delivery issues while having one of the smallest populations.
  
• Georgia ranks second and has the highest search rate.

Overnight Glasses has recently conducted a study to identify the states where parcels are most likely to be delayed. To achieve this, several key factors that contribute to delivery delays were analyzed, including the volume of online searches related to delayed or lost packages, the performance of the United States Postal Service (USPS) in each state, and the freight flow per capita, which reflects the logistical burden on the state’s delivery infrastructure.

North Dakota is at the top of the list with an index of 61.9. The state experiences a freight flow of over $277 million for its 783K population, resulting in significant logistical challenges. The state has a USPS performance rate of 70%, and residents frequently search for terms like “package delayed” and “order not delivered.” The high number of searches, high freight activity and moderate USPS performance make North Dakota the most challenging state for timely parcel delivery.

Georgia follows closely in the second position with an index of 50.2. With a population of over 11 million, the state has the highest searches per 1000 in the list. The USPS performance in Georgia is 63.7%, one of the lower rates, and the state’s freight flow is valued at approximately $841.7 million. These factors collectively contribute to Georgia being the second most likely state where parcels might be delayed.

In third place is Illinois, with an index of 41.9. Illinois has a population of 12.5 million and a freight flow value of $1.45 billion. The search ratio per 1000 is at 86.8 in the state and with a USPS performance rate of 65%, Illinois ranks in the top 3. The combination of significant search activity and a large volume of packages moving through the state lead to delivery delays.

New York ranks fourth, with an index of 40.8. New York’s massive population of nearly 19.6 million generates a high volume of searches, reflected in a search value of 92.6 per 1000 people. The USPS performance rate is only 65%, leading to frequent concerns about delayed parcels. The state’s freight flow is valued at $1.09 billion, further complicating timely deliveries.

Texas takes the fifth spot with an index of 40.7. Texas has the highest freight flow in the nation, totaling $3.64 billion, which significantly impacts its ranking. The state’s immense size and population of over 30.5 million create logistical challenges. The USPS performance rate in Texas at an average 65%, and issues with timely deliveries, as reflected in the search value of 85.0 gives the state a high position in the ranking.

Wyoming follows in the sixth position with an index of 36.8. The state’s population of 584K and freight flow of $60.8 million contribute to its ranking. With the search value of 89.5 and a USPS performance rate of 84%, Wyoming faces challenges in ensuring timely parcel delivery despite its smaller size.

Washington comes in seventh with an index of 35.9. The state experiences a freight flow of $595 million for a population of 7.8 million. The state’s search value is 92.9, and its USPS performance is 87%. While the delivery system is generally reliable, the volume of searches indicates potential issues with package delays.

Virginia ranks eighth with an index of 35.2. Virginia faces moderate logistical challenges with a population of 8.7 million and a freight flow of $430.1 million. The searches at 86.9, and the USPS performance rate is 65%, contribute to its place in the ranking.

Massachusetts takes the ninth spot with an index of 34.7. The state has a population of 7 million and a freight flow of $410.2 million. The search ratio is 87.2, and the USPS performance rate is 70%. While Massachusetts has a strong postal service, the frequency of searches indicates some challenges in meeting delivery expectations.

South Carolina rounds out the top ten with an index of 34.5. The state’s population of 5.4 million and freight flow of $362.9 million contribute to its ranking. The search value is 91.6, and the USPS performance rate is 85%. South Carolina’s position reflects a balance of factors contributing to occasional parcel delivery delays.

Here are the results summed up:

A spokesperson from Overnight Glasses commented “What really stands out to me is how a state like North Dakota, with a relatively small population, still ends up at the top of the list for parcel delays. It shows that it’s not just about how many packages are being shipped but also about how well the infrastructure can handle that load, especially in areas that might not be as densely populated. The high search volumes we’re seeing for delayed parcels suggest that people are getting more impatient and aware of these issues. In today’s world, where everyone expects quick deliveries, even small hiccups can lead to a lot of frustration. I think this study highlights a real need for companies to invest in better, more flexible logistics networks, especially in states where freight flow is high. It makes me wonder how much of a difference emerging technologies like AI and real-time tracking could make in reducing these delays and keeping customers happier.”