With USPS tracking, you can find out if a package is accepted, processed, sent for delivery, or delivered. USPS tracks packages through barcode scans recorded as the item travels through the postal system, so updates may not be continuous. If a package is in transit from one facility to another, it can stay in the same status.
This guide covers the most common tracking statuses for the United States Postal Service, such as “USPS Awaiting Item,” “In Transit,” “Arrived at USPS Facility,” “Out for Delivery,” “Delivered,” and delivery exceptions. You will also learn how to track a package sent by USPS, what to do when tracking fails to update, how to find your tracking number, and how USPS Ground Advantage tracking differs from USPS Priority Mail tracking.
USPS Tracking Statuses: What Do Each of Them Mean?
The tracking status on the USPS status page reflects the most recent known event of your package. Most statuses just tell you that the USPS system is moving normally, and a few statuses require some action.
- Shipping Label Created, USPS Awaiting Item
A shipping label has been made, but USPS hasn't physically received the package. The seller might still have the package in their possession, or USPS could have received the package without an acceptance scan.
- Shipment Received, Package Acceptance Pending
USPS has received a shipment, but the specific package has not yet been accepted. This should be followed by the next tracking update.
- USPS In Possession of Item
USPS has received the package physically and has added it to the network. This indicates that the shipment passed the label creation phase.
- Accepted
Accepted indicates that the package has been accepted for processing by USPS. An acceptance scan may be performed at the Post Office or other U.S. Postal Service processing site.
- Arrived at USPS Facility
The package has arrived at a USPS processing center. It may be sorted there before moving on to the destination.
- Departed USPS Facility
The package is no longer at the USPS facility in the tracking history and is being processed through the USPS system.
- In Transit
The package is en route with the U.S. Postal Service. This status does not indicate that a new physical scan has taken place at that exact moment.
- In Transit to Next Facility
The package is moving to the next U.S. Postal Service facility. Tracking can stay on this message for messages that are in between scans, and a few days without an updated message does not necessarily indicate that the package has been lost.
- Arriving Late
USPS will not deliver the package in the same time period as originally estimated. The package may still be traveling through the network.
- Arrived at Post Office
The package is at the Post Office in the last delivery area and is being sorted for delivery.
- Out for Delivery
The package has been scheduled for delivery. The USPS tries to deliver it that day, but it can take a few days. USPS says most deliveries are by 5 p.m. local time, but in unusual cases, they can be delayed.
- Delivered
USPS has marked the package as delivered and may be able to provide you with the delivery date, time, and place, which may include a mailbox, front door, reception area, or other location.
- Awaiting Delivery Scan
The package was pre-addressed and previously scanned for delivery, but has not been scanned for final delivery yet by USPS. Not all packages are delivered, and not all packages are scanned.
- Delivery Attempted
USPS tried to deliver but was not able to do so. This can be due to a lack of access to the delivery location, an unavailable authorized recipient, a full container, or another delivery problem.
- Notice Left
USPS was unable to deliver and left a notice with instructions. Under the circumstances, the package can be picked up or delivered again.
- Available for Pickup
The package is being sent to someone who will have to pick it up from the United States Postal Service. Confirm details with the tracking information for the pickup location and instructions.
- Forwarded
USPS has forwarded the package to another address, typically when forwarding instructions are included with the recipient or when a package needs to be forwarded per the original address.
- Insufficient Address
USPS needs more information to complete the delivery. This type of problem can be caused by any number of mistakes, like an incorrect apartment, suite, street, or ZIP code.
- No Such Number
The delivery number provided in the address was not found by USPS. If the issue cannot be addressed, the package can be sent back to the sender.
- Refused
The recipient declined the package. It may be sent back to the sender by USPS.
- Return to Sender
USPS will return the package to the sender due to being nondeliverable. This may result from a problem, refusal, expired forwarding order, or unclaimed package.
- Alert
The Alert means there is a problem that could impact delivery. The tracking page needs to give more details regarding the problem, e.g., an address problem, delivery interruption, or other exception.
How to Track a USPS Package?
The USPS tracking number can be used to track a package online. There are other options for USPS tracking, including text messages, a mobile application, and other notifications.
Step 1: Find Your USPS Tracking Number
Check a USPS mailing receipt, shipping label, online shipping record, sales receipt, or seller's shipping confirmation for the tracking number. If you are the sender and you cannot find it, contact the recipient, as USPS is unlikely to be able to determine a lost tracking number for you.
Step 2: Open USPS Tracking
Visit the official USPS Tracking page and type in the tracking number in the tracking field.
Step 3: Enter the Tracking Number
Enter the tracking number exactly as it is given. Next, choose the Search for the package option.
Step 4: Check the Latest Status
Check the latest scan, the history of the scan, expected delivery details, and any instructions displayed on the page.
Step 5: Take Action if Needed
If there is an exception (e.g., Delivery Attempted, Available for Pickup, Insufficient Address, or Alert), follow the instructions that appear on USPS. If the package is just being sent through the network, another scan could be visible later. USPS also provides tracking information with email and text message if it's available.
What If USPS Tracking is Not Updating?
If the USPS tracking system does not provide information:
- Double-check the tracking number for spelling mistakes.
- Make sure that the mailer actually deposited the package into USPS.
- Wait for the first acceptance scan to show.
- Look on the USPS tracking page again for a new scan.
- If the item is still in the “USPS Awaiting Item” status, contact the sender.
- If the package is beyond the applicable delivery timeframe, use USPS's delayed-mail or Missing Mail options.
It is important to keep the receipt or shipping confirmation with you because the USPS says they can't track the item without the tracking number.
Conclusion
USPS tracking provides a history of your package's journey from acceptance to delivery, but not real-time tracking. The majority of tracking messages are just the most recent scan that has been recorded in the USPS network. Typical statuses that indicate normal movement are Accepted, In Transit, Arrived at USPS Facility, and Out for Delivery.
You need to take action on statuses like Alert, Delivery Attempted, Insufficient Address, Available for Pickup, and Return to Sender. Do not assume that the tracking stops immediately if it stops being updated. Compare the tracking history to the delivery standard, then take action if the package is actually late or if USPS gives an exception message.
FAQs
How long does it take for the USPS Tracking to update?
USPS states that they update information as scans become available throughout the day. Tracking can still be the same between scanning points, though, so an instant update after every move is not always possible.
Why does my tracking say delivered but no package?
Review the address provided in USPS tracking information, review local safe areas, review household, neighbors, or building reception. USPS tracking will list the recorded date, time, and location.
How does USPS tracking work?
The tracking of packages at USPS is done using the barcode scanning method, which marks every stage from acceptance to delivery. Any changes in status, such as “In Transit,” will be updated as new scans are recorded and will be the same between facilities. Tracking only tells you where the shipment is, it doesn't make it faster or make sure it arrives on time.
What's the difference between USPS Ground Advantage and Priority tracking?
Both types of services offer tracking options, and Ground Advantage has a 2 to 5 business day delivery standard while Priority Mail generally has a 2 to 3 business day standard. Both standards make no guarantees of delivery unless otherwise stated by USPS.
Why is my USPS Tracking not working?
A package can potentially transfer between facilities without a new scan, which is why statuses like “In Transit” may not change for a period of time. When the package is much later than the estimated delivery date, review USPS tips on delayed mail and consider a Missing Mail search if applicable.
What are the different types of USPS tracking number formats?
USPS tracking numbers can be 13 to 34 characters long and depend on the type of service. Numerous domestic packages have a numeric package number, and some international and specialized packages have letters and numbers.
Where can I find my USPS tracking number?
It can be found on the USPS mailing label, USPS shipping receipt, online shipping record, sales receipt, or the seller's shipping confirmation. If you don't have it, request that the sender provide you with the tracking number.
