Ever wondered what happens if you accidentally entered the wrong shipping details or made a mistake when sending a package with UPS? You’re not alone—mistakes like these happen all the time, and knowing how UPS handles or “voids” information you’ve provided can save you time, money, and future headaches.
In this article, we’ll break down what it means to void information received by UPS, why it matters, and how you can take action if you need to correct an error.
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Understanding How UPS Voided Information Received Works
Shipping a package with UPS is usually a straightforward process. However, sometimes you might see a tracking update or notification that says, “Voided Information Received.” This can be confusing and leave you wondering: what does this mean, why did it happen, and what should you do next? Let’s break down this topic to make it crystal clear.
What Does “UPS Voided Information Received” Mean?
When you create a shipment label with UPS, your package information is entered into their system. “Information Received” means UPS has your shipping details, but their team hasn’t physically scanned or received your package yet.
If you later see that this information has been “voided,” it means that the shipment or shipping label was canceled before UPS took possession of the package. In simple terms: no physical package will be shipped under that tracking number.
Key reasons for this status:
- The label was mistakenly created and then canceled.
- The shipper changed their mind or found an error in the details.
- The package wasn’t handed over to UPS at all.
- The cancellation happened before the item entered the UPS network.
Why Does UPS Void Shipment Information?
There are several reasons why a shipment might be voided after information was received:
1. Mistaken Label Creation
Sometimes, while setting up shipments, users may make errors like:
- Typing the wrong address.
- Selecting the wrong service.
- Duplicating a shipment by accident.
To avoid shipping mistakes and unnecessary costs, the shipper may void the label before sending the package.
2. Order or Buyer Changes
Customer orders can change! If the recipient cancels or alters their order, businesses may rush to void the label before it’s shipped.
3. Payment & Technical Issues
Occasionally, payment issues or system glitches may prevent the shipment from proceeding. If UPS doesn’t recognize payment, or a technical error occurs, the system may void the information received.
4. Pickup Never Occurred
If a package was scheduled for pickup but never handed over to UPS (due to scheduling problems or cancellations), the shipment could be voided to prevent an unintentional delivery attempt.
How Does the “Void” Process Work with UPS?
Voiding a shipment with UPS is designed to be simple for both individual shippers and businesses. Here’s how the process typically unfolds:
1. Label Creation
You generate a shipping label through UPS’s website or shipping software. The tracking number is assigned, and “Information Received” appears.
2. Package Not Handed Off
For a “voided” status to appear, you never actually give the package to UPS, or the service cancels the shipment before it is scanned into their network.
3. Voiding the Label
You (or the shipping system) must actively void the label. On the UPS website, there is a feature to view and void shipments. Here, you find your shipment and select “Void” to cancel it.
- After voiding, the tracking status may change to “Voided” or “Canceled.”
4. UPS Updates Tracking
UPS updates the tracking status to indicate the shipment is voided. After that point, the tracking number becomes inactive and is not usable.
Common Scenarios Leading to a Voided UPS Shipment
Understanding the most frequent situations leading to this status can help you avoid confusion:
- Incorrect Shipping Details
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Realizing errors in shipping address, weight, or packaging, and canceling the label.
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Customer Order Canceled
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Buyer changes their mind; the seller cancels the shipment and voids the label.
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Duplicate Shipments
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Accidentally creating multiple labels for the same order, then voiding the extras.
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Payment Failure
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Unsuccessful payment leads to label voiding by the system.
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Package Not Shipped
- Forgetting to hand over or send out the package, then voiding the unused label.
Benefits of Voiding a Shipment with UPS
Voiding a label isn’t just about correcting mistakes. There are important advantages:
- Cost Savings: You avoid charges for unused or incorrect labels.
- Inventory Accuracy: Keeps your shipping records up-to-date and accurate.
- Cleaner Tracking: Reduces confusion for recipients and customer service teams.
- Prevents Delivery Delays: Avoids unnecessary tracking or delivery attempts for items not actually being shipped.
- Budget Control: Helps eCommerce businesses manage shipping budgets, by canceling failed or duplicate shipments.
Challenges and Aspects to Consider When Voiding Shipments
Although voiding packages is helpful, there are some challenges and considerations:
- Time Limit for Voiding: You generally must void a label within a certain period after creation (often within 24 hours).
- Refund Timing: Refunds for unused shipping labels don’t always process instantly.
- Communication: If you’re a seller, communicate with your customer when an order is canceled or a shipment is delayed due to voiding.
- Possible Confusion: Multiple tracking numbers or cancellations can confuse both customers and customer service staff.
- Record Keeping: Always keep clear records of which shipments were voided and why, especially for returns and customer service inquiries.
Practical Tips for Managing UPS Voided Shipments
Here are actionable steps for smooth shipping operations:
- Double-check shipping details before processing labels.
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Accuracy at the start prevents the need to void labels later.
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Use UPS’s online tools to easily void shipments.
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Their website and shipping software usually have a “Void” or “Cancel” shipment feature.
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Act quickly if you spot an error.
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Voiding is easiest and most effective soon after label creation.
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Keep customers informed.
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If you void a shipment (especially as a business), notify the recipient about the change.
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Monitor your UPS account for refunds.
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Check for credited fees after voiding and follow up if necessary.
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Integrate with shipping platforms if you’re a business.
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Platforms like ShipScience and ParcelPath can help track shipment status, including voided labels.
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Save tracking and voiding records.
- For audit purposes and customer inquiries, it pays to keep digital or printed proof.
Cost-Saving Tips When Shipping with UPS
Voiding shipments properly is a key way to control your shipping expenses. Here’s how you can maximize your cost savings:
- Voiding vs. Paying: Only pay for labels actually used! Voiding unused ones ensures you won’t be billed.
- Bulk Label Management: If you print labels in advance, routinely audit them and void any unneeded ones.
- Shipping Exceptions: Watch out for “exceptions” (like missed pickups). Promptly void any that weren’t shipped.
- Track Return Shipments: If you send return labels to customers, void unused ones to avoid unnecessary charges.
- Automate Voids: Use integrated shipping software that cancels labels automatically on order changes, payment issues, or buyer cancellations.
Summary
A “Voided Information Received” status with UPS simply means the shipping label was created but canceled—no package was ever shipped under that tracking number. This can happen for various reasons, from address mistakes to order changes or technical hiccups. While this can seem confusing in tracking, understanding why these voids occur and how to manage them helps you ship smarter, avoid unnecessary charges, and keep your shipping records tidy.
Voiding shipments when necessary protects your bottom line, maintains customer trust, and keeps operations running smoothly. With a few proactive steps and the right tools, managing UPS shipment voids becomes straightforward.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does “Voided Information Received” mean in UPS tracking?
This status indicates that a shipping label was created, but the shipment was canceled before UPS picked up or received the package. Essentially, no item will move under that tracking number.
Can I get a refund if I void a UPS shipping label?
Yes, when you void a label before the package is shipped, you are eligible for a refund. Refunds usually appear in your account after processing, but timing may vary depending on your payment method and platform.
How long do I have to void a UPS shipment?
Generally, you need to void a shipment within 24 hours of label creation. This window may vary slightly depending on your UPS account type and shipping software.
Will my customer see the voided shipment?
If you’ve already shared the tracking number with your customer, they may see the “voided” status online. It’s best practice to let them know if an order is canceled or delayed.
Can I reuse a voided tracking number?
No, once a tracking number is voided, it cannot be reused. You will need to create a new shipping label and receive a new tracking number for any future shipments.
Voiding shipments is a simple but essential part of efficient shipping. Whether you’re a business managing hundreds of orders or an individual sending a gift, understanding and using the void process will save you headaches, time, and money.
