What does missorted mail mean?

Missorted mail refers to mail that has been sorted incorrectly within the postal system. When mail is sorted to the correct ZIP code but is then associated with the wrong carrier route, it means that although the destination might be accurate at a broader level, it does not reach the intended local area for delivery. This can lead to delays in delivery or significant inconvenience for both the postal service and the recipient.

A key aspect of postal operations involves ensuring that mail is not only correctly addressed but also sorted to the specific carrier routes that will facilitate efficient delivery. Therefore, missorted mail at this stage indicates a breakdown either in the sorting process or the final routing assignment within the postal system.

The other options describe various types of delivery errors, but they do not capture the nuance of the sorting process itself as directly related to the defined term of missorted mail.