You can't really "grieve". You could complain to the BBB or your provincial consumer affairs if you feel that UPS has done you wrong as a consumer. A mis-sort, unexplained loss with appropriate compensation, or total damage loss due to poor packaging isn't really a "wronging", IMO.
If UPS could only load a properly packaged and paid for express shipment or a goodwill upgrade into an aircraft, they'll go for the former.
Regardless, don't worry. It's unfortunate, but UPS SUCKS for scanning (but is getting better), the scanning takes a while (8-24hrs) to be updated, and a lot of scans that are done on your box will not show up on the tracking, but will show up on the call centre or tracer's screen. in our facility, boxes get scanned 4 times (5+ times if it's an export or any air service), but only 2 scans will show up on the website.
Start freaking out when they can't tell you where your package is on Friday. I wonder if UPS has the same policy as FX, where if they can't tell you exactly where your shipment is within 60 seconds, it's free.
With international or canada shipments generally a waybill is used, meaning the only information for shipping is in a plastic pouch which tends to separate from the package. Looks like it passed customs since it made it's way to Winnepeg. Sure sounds like an overgood situation, your package was found without a label and sent to the "island of lost packages". To prevent this from happening, always put an address label inside the package and marked permanently on the box itself. I do not know if UPS implements any special procedures with overgood Christmas packages, for now keep tabs on your tracer, if not resolved at least we will pay for your loss. If found can only imagine that it will be rushed ASAP to the designation, generally it is company policy to make sure all seasonal Christmas packages be delivered before the holiday.
UPS Canada has the internet shipping tool available, and they strongly encourage Canadian customers to use the internet shipping tool.
Although 99% of pacakges clear US/CA customs without being seen and are
determined to have "cleared" before the trailer departs the facility (let alone before hitting the border), the pacakge hasn't cleared until it goes through the St. Paul hub. Or does CA>>US via Manitoba go through Rapid City?