UPS is 'disposing of' U.S.-bound packages over customs paperwork problems

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: NBC News

Oct. 10, 2025, 1:45 AM EDT


Thousands of U.S.-bound packages shipped by UPS are trapped at hubs across the country, unable to clear the maze of new customs requirements imposed by the Trump administration.

As packages flagged for customs issues pile up in UPS warehouses, the company told NBC News it has begun “disposing of” some shipments.

Frustrated UPS customers describe waiting for weeks and trying to make sense of scores of conflicting tracking updates from the world’s largest courier. “I’ve never seen anything like this before,” Matthew Wasserbach, brokerage manager of Express Customs Clearance, said of the UPS backlog. “It’s totally unprecedented.”

Wasserbach’s New York City-based shipping services firm helps clients move shipments through customs. He said the company has seen a spike in inquiries for help with UPS customs clearance.

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/ups-delay-customs-tariffs-packages-destroyed-rcna236607

[underpants]

1. Right in time for the Holidays

The incoherence and lack of coordination is astounding

[LiberalArkie]

4. Yes, and I believe this is an intended result. Some really want people to not believe in government. You know "Drown

government in bathtub.


My goal is to cut government in half in twenty-five years, to get it down to the size where we can drown it in the bathtub.

Grover Norquist

[obamanut2012]

2. Oh great

I have something coming from the UK that has been stuck in LA for a week.

[SamKnause]

3. I hope all the packages are insured.

I hope no one sent 1 of a kind, irreplaceable, sentimental items.

[littlemissmartypants]

7. And...

Sending "...1 of a kind, irreplaceable, sentimental items." is exactly what they did according to the article.

Very sad, and evil of UPS to actually send them updates that they "destroyed" the property of at least 10% of their customers. Certainly not a smart way to run a business, but I guess they make so much money on the other 90% they don't give a damn.

Laughing all the way to the bank, as the saying goes.

❤️

[Botany]

5. How about having people working for Customs working on incoming packages instead of having ICE ...

…. terrorizing people just living their lives?

[BattleRow]

10. But..but..that might eliminate some of the confusion...

[kimbutgar]

6. Another reason to point out that with republicans in control, the government doesn't work for the people

Only their rich donors. I guess the American people are going to get so screwed over that they HAVE to blame repukes and not Democrats since the repukes control all three branches. Can’t blame President Biden for undelivered packages during the reign of terror of the tuckfrump administration.

[littlemissmartypants]

8. Except that...

The Republicans are also controlling "the narrative" by controlling more than 80% of the current broadcast media companies. It's not enough to play by the rules and expect the best out of others, apparently.

It appears that overwhelming your opponents in every way possible is a necessity.

[aggiesal]

9. So much winning, I can't stand it anymore. When will the winning stop? n/t

[niyad]

11. Can ups be sued for destruction of property or some such?

[mackdaddy]

12. I have seen several dozen vids of people getting surprise Tariff bills after their package is delivered.

Mostly people buying stuff from Temu or similar where the item is shipped from China or other overseas source.

Smaller orders used to be exempted, but not under Trump

Often the tariff charges are greater than what they paid for the item.

Sometimes they did not even know the seller was shipping from overseas. SURPRISE.

[Aussie105]

13. A lot of stuff you order from an American based website

isn't made in America.
Simply an import business taking orders and buying from overseas.
Guess unexpected tariffs on those items should not come as a surprise, but rather reveal the business practise behind some 'American' companies.

Example: Looking for quality cheap optical eyewear?
https://www.goggles4u.com/

American site, right?

Items you receive come from the manufacturer. In Thailand or Pakistan. (The postmark tells you that.)
Any tariff to be paid on those?
Yep, 10%

I'm guessing the packages that are the topic of this thread were hand delivered, and needed payment of tariff on the spot before handing it over, and the buyer said 'No thanks! Go away! I don't want it!'

Got to ask the question though:
If, as per Trump's pronouncements, the tariffs would be paid by overseas countries, why don't the bills go to the sender rather than the recipient of overseas products?

[Beowulf42]

14. WOW!

America has gone from a country that worked pretty good to one that can't even get the mail delivered. Make America Great Again my ass.