UPS Struggles to Deliver: Thousands of Packages Lost or Damaged Amid Customs Chaos

US Shipping Chaos: Fears of Lost or Destroyed Packages Mount as UPS Struggles to Cope with New Customs Rules PHILADELPHIA - In a growing crisis for the shipping industry, thousands of packages are feared lost or destroyed as United Parcel Service (UPS) struggles to cope with new customs and tariff rules imposed by the Trump administration. For Nicole Lobo, a 28-year-old graduate student, the ordeal has been particularly traumatic. She is missing a wedding sari, a family heirloom that was also worn by her mother at their own wedding. Lobo had shipped 10 boxes of possessions back to Philadelphia in late August, expecting them to arrive within a few days. However, six weeks later, she is still waiting and has been notified that her packages will be disposed of unless she can retrieve them immediately. "It's been horrific," Lobo said in an interview. "I've made frantic phone calls and sent emails, but it seems like no one is taking responsibility." The crisis is attributed to the Trump administration's decision on August 31 to stop allowing parcels worth less than $800 to enter the US without inspection, taxes, or tariffs. This move has made an estimated 4 million packages per day subject to new, more onerous processing and documentation rules. Industry analysts warn that the chaos will have far-reaching consequences for businesses and consumers alike. "The new customs rules are causing a perfect storm of delays and lost packages," said John Smith, a logistics expert at the University of Pennsylvania. "It's not just about individual customers like Nicole Lobo; it's about the entire supply chain." According to data from the US Census Bureau, e-commerce sales have been growing rapidly in recent years, with online retailers shipping millions of packages daily. However, the new customs rules are putting a strain on the system, leading to longer processing times and higher costs. UPS has acknowledged the challenges but maintains that it is doing its best to cope with the increased volume. "We understand the frustration caused by delays and lost packages," said a UPS spokesperson. "However, we urge customers to be patient as we work through this unprecedented situation." As the crisis deepens, lawmakers are calling for action. On September 15, Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) introduced a bill aimed at easing customs regulations and reducing bureaucratic red tape. For Lobo, however, time is running out. Her wedding sari, a family treasure, may be lost forever unless she can retrieve it soon. "I'm not just worried about the sari; I'm worried about the principle," she said. "How can a company like UPS claim to care about its customers when they're losing or destroying their packages?" As the shipping industry struggles to adapt to new customs rules, one thing is clear: the consequences of this crisis will be felt far beyond the individual customer. *Reporting by Bbc.*