A shipment exception is an unexpected event or circumstance that occurs during the delivery process, which may delay the shipments delivery. It is a status that appears on the tracking information of a package, indicating that there is a problem with the delivery. Some examples of shipment exceptions include customs delays, inclement weather, natural disasters, missing documentation, national holidays, vehicle/truck issues, and unexpected events. A shipment exception does not necessarily mean that the package will arrive late, but it may cause some delays. If a package encounters a shipment exception, it can still be delivered, but it may take longer than expected. To avoid shipment exception delays, it is recommended to consider weather delays, public holidays, federal holidays, and customs clearances when planning a shipment. If a package encounters a shipment exception, it is best to contact the courier service immediately for assistance.