The US Postal Service is already warning that the storm may delay the processing, transportation, and delivery of mail and packages across Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts.
And USPS isn't the only delivery service keeping an eye on the weather.
Amazon, UPS, and FedEx all have procedures for severe weather that can result in packages being delayed, routes being changed, or deliveries being suspended when conditions become unsafe.
Will USPS Deliver?
USPS specifically lists the nor'easter among its current service alerts, warning that flooding associated with the storm may affect mail and package service across eight states from Virginia to Massachusetts.
Customers can check USPS service disruptions to see whether mail is being delivered in their area or whether their local post office is open.
USPS is also warning of separate flooding-related disruptions in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Texas, and New Mexico.
What About Amazon Packages?
Amazon deliveries could be delayed, rerouted, or paused depending on local conditions.
The company has a team of meteorologists monitoring weather around the clock and providing forecasts and risk assessments that guide operational decisions, according to Amazon.
Depending on conditions, Amazon can delay shifts, reroute drivers, or pause operations until conditions improve. Its system can also proactively cancel transportation loads affected by severe weather, including high-wind warnings.
Amazon announced this week that it is also rolling out additional real-time hazard alerts for its delivery drivers, including warnings about accidents, road closures, and construction. Navigation can automatically adjust routes during inclement weather or when hazards are detected.
Drivers are also instructed not to complete a delivery if they believe conditions are unsafe and can return to their station when necessary, Amazon says.
Will FedEx Deliver?
FedEx is already warning that weather could affect pickup and delivery services on Friday, Sept. 25.
The company's proactive weather alert system lists numerous ZIP codes in Massachusetts where high winds could affect shipments.
FedEx customers could also see a "delivery exception" appear in their tracking information when a shipment is temporarily delayed because of extreme weather, a natural disaster, or another unavoidable circumstance.
A delivery exception doesn't necessarily mean a package will arrive late, according to FedEx. Customers can continue checking their estimated delivery date and tracking information for changes.
What About UPS?
UPS warns that severe weather, natural disasters, and other conditions beyond its control can occasionally delay or disrupt service.
As of Thursday night, Sept. 24, however, UPS was not listing this nor'easter as a specific service disruption on its national alerts page.
The company advises customers to use individual package tracking for the latest shipment status when weather threatens deliveries.
UPS also notes that its Service Guarantee does not apply to shipments affected by conditions beyond its control.
How To Know If Your Package Is Coming
For anyone waiting on a delivery, tracking the individual package remains the best way to determine whether the storm has affected it.
A delivery scheduled for Friday or the weekend may still arrive normally in one community while flooding, high winds, road closures, or other dangerous conditions disrupt service elsewhere.
For now, USPS has issued the broadest warning tied directly to the nor'easter, while FedEx is flagging potential weather impacts for Friday, and Amazon and UPS have systems in place to adjust deliveries as conditions change.
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