This quest starts by reading a note with it on it, but you turn it in to the trader when you complete it. Similar objectives to your quest, but mine starts differently. That is where I think the issue is with your quest. Maybe add this to the code:
<objective type="RandomGotoNPC" phase="1">
<property name="completion_distance" value="20"/>
<property name="distance" value="350-600"/>
<property name="nav_object" value="quest" />
</objective>
<objective type="RallyPoint">
<property name="start_mode" value="Create"/>
<property name="phase" value="2"/>
<property name="nav_object" value="rally" />
</objective>
This adds a rally to the quest which will change it slightly (so now a floating yellow exclamation point). This is from the buried supplies quests. I don't think this creates the object underground (that is done in phase 3).
Thinking, I would add those in front of your fetchkeep objectives (and now make it phase 3 and advanced the other steps accordingly). I probably would reduce the property "distance" (from 350-600) to something closer so you activate the rally marker outside of the trader protection area.
