The Complete Guide to USPS Tracking Status Meanings

The Complete Guide to USPS Tracking Status Meanings helps you understand every USPS tracking update, what each tracking status means, and how to respond when your package is delayed, out for delivery, or marked as delivered.

If you ship or receive packages in the U.S., understanding USPS tracking status meanings can save you hours of confusion, customer complaints, and unnecessary disputes. USPS tracking statuses describe a package’s journey from the moment a shipping label is created until the final delivery scan confirms the parcel reached the correct delivery location.

But USPS updates can be vague: “In Transit,” “Arrived at USPS Facility,” “Departed USPS Facility,” “Out for Delivery,” or “Delivery Attempted.” If you don’t know what each USPS tracking status means, you may assume a package is lost when it’s actually moving normally through the USPS network.

How the USPS Tracking System Works

The United States Postal Service uses barcode scans to update tracking. Each scan is an event created when a parcel is processed at a postal facility, loaded onto transport, or handed to the delivery person for the final route. In simple terms, the status means USPS has recorded a checkpoint, not necessarily that the package moved instantly at that exact moment.

USPS tracking updates typically follow four stages:

1. Label created / Pre-Shipment (USPS may be awaiting item)
2. Accepted & processed (entered the USPS system and USPS network)
3. In transit through USPS facility scans (regional hubs, processing centers)
4. Out for delivery → delivered / attempted delivery / pickup

To view tracking information, use the:

• USPS tracking page on the USPS website
• USPS mobile app
• USPS Informed Delivery (also called informed delivery)

These tools show USPS tracking updates, a delivery date estimate, and the current delivery status in one place.

USPS Tracking Number, Tracking Number, and Where to Find It

A USPS tracking number is the unique code used for package tracking. You can find the tracking number (or “tracking number” displayed differently) on:

• The order confirmation email
• The mailing receipt at the counter
• The shipping label or USPS shipping label
• The tracking page inside the carrier portal

Sometimes customers ask about “such number” on the receipt—this refers to the tracking number printed on the mailing receipt or confirmation.

If you don’t have the number, you generally cannot access full USPS tracking information. Always store your tracking number and share the USPS tracking number with recipients for smoother follow-up.

Common USPS Tracking Statuses Explained

Below are the most common USPS tracking statuses and what each one means. You’ll also see the recommended action so you can make a quick decision.

Pre-Shipment and Label Created

Shipping Label Created / USPS Shipping Label Created / Pre-Shipment

What it means:
A shipping label created event indicates the label exists, but USPS has not scanned the package into the USPS system.

Why it happens:

• The sender printed the label but has not dropped the parcel off
• The parcel is staged for pickup
• A shipping partner is holding the parcel before USPS induction

What to do:
Wait 24–72 hours. If it doesn’t update, ask the shipper for the actual drop-off time.

USPS Awaiting Item

What it means:
USPS is expecting the parcel, but the package has not been scanned at a USPS counter or facility.

What to do:
If it stays here for several business days, contact the shipper or the shipping partner responsible for handoff.

Acceptance and Processing

USPS Accepted

What it means:
USPS has scanned the parcel and formally accepted it into the USPS network.

What to do:
Nothing—this is a good sign. The package is now in the system and will start moving through facilities.

USPS Processed / Processed Through Facility

What it means:
The package was scanned at a sorting center or processing hub. You might see multiple processed scans during the delivery process.

What to do:
Normal. Continue monitoring for “departed” or regional destination scans.

Facility Movement Updates

Arrived at USPS Facility

What it means:
The parcel arrived at a USPS sorting or distribution center (a USPS facility / postal facility).

Why you might see it more than once:
A package may arrive at several USPS facility locations before reaching the destination region.

Departed USPS Facility

What it means:
The parcel has left the USPS facility and is moving toward the next scan point—often a regional hub or destination USPS processing facility.

Destination USPS Processing Facility / Destination Facility

What it means:
The package has reached a processing center in or near the recipient’s city. This typically indicates final delivery is approaching.

What to do:
Expect “Arrived at Post Office,” “Out for Delivery,” or “Awaiting delivery scan” soon.

In Transit and Progress Messages

In Transit

What it means:
The parcel is moving through the USPS network. This status can remain for a while even when the package is traveling normally.

Why tracking updates may pause:

• Long-distance transport without intermediate scans
• Weather disruptions
• Peak-season volume
• Packages loaded in bulk containers

What to do:
If you still get periodic tracking updates, it’s usually fine. If no updates for a long time, move to the troubleshooting section.

Delivery Progress / Tracking Updates

What it means:
Some USPS pages show delivery progress wording rather than a strict facility scan. It’s still part of tracking information and reflects movement in the network.

Out for Delivery, Attempted Delivery, and Pickup

Out for Delivery

What it means:
The parcel is on the local route with the delivery person and should be delivered that day, typically during normal business hours.

What to do:
Be available if signature is required or if delivery access is limited.

Awaiting Delivery Scan

What it means:
The package is at or near the destination area but is waiting for a final route scan. It may be at the destination post office or staging with the carrier.

What to do:
Check again later the same day. If it repeats over multiple days, contact the destination post office.

Delivery Attempt / USPS Attempted Delivery

What it means:
USPS tried to deliver the package but couldn’t complete delivery.

Common reasons:

• Access to delivery location blocked (gate, secure building, locked entrance)
• No authorized recipient available (signature required)
• Address issue or business closed
• Unsafe conditions

What to do:
Look for a notice left on the door/mailbox and use the tracking page to schedule redelivery.

Available for Pickup

What it means:
USPS is holding the parcel at a post office (often the local post office or destination post office). This can occur after a delivery attempt or for certain address/locker situations.

What to do:
Bring ID and the tracking number. Pick up during business hours, or request redelivery online.

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Delivered Status and What “Delivered” Really Means

USPS Delivered

What it means:
The tracking status shows the parcel reached the delivery location. This is usually considered an acceptable delivery event in USPS records.

Common delivery locations include:

• Front door/porch
• Mailbox
• Parcel locker
• Secure location (when safe drop-off is permitted)

Delivered to Agent / Delivered, Left with Individual (Authorized Recipient)

What it means:
The parcel was handed to an authorized recipient or a doorman/office agent.

What to do:
Check with building management, mailroom, or reception.

If USPS Says Delivered but You Didn’t Receive It

This is one of the most common complaints. Before assuming the parcel is stolen or lost, take these steps:

1. Check all possible delivery locations (porch, side door, garage, mailbox, secure location)
2. Ask neighbors or building staff
3. Verify the delivery address on the shipping label
4. Go to the local post office and request delivery scan details
5. If needed, contact USPS or contact USPS customer service to open a case and confirm delivery

Sometimes “delivered” means it was placed in a parcel locker or left with an agent, not necessarily at your doorstep.

Address Problems, Access Issues, and Customer Requests

Insufficient Address

What it means:
USPS cannot complete delivery due to an incomplete or incorrect address.

What to do:
Contact USPS immediately. If the parcel can’t be corrected, it may be returned or sent to the mail recovery center.

Delivery Access / Access to Delivery Location Issues

What it means:
The carrier cannot reach the delivery location due to security restrictions, locked gates, or blocked entrance.

What to do:
Fix access issues and schedule redelivery. If it happens repeatedly, have the parcel held for pickup.

Post Office Customer Request / Customer Request

What it means:
A request was made—such as hold mail, intercept, forwarding, or rescheduling. Sometimes it appears when the recipient requested USPS action.

You may also see wording like recipient requested USPS if the recipient initiated a change.

Forwarded / Forwarding Address

What it means:
The package is being redirected based on a forwarding address on file.

Impact:
Forwarding can add delivery time and affect the estimated delivery date.

Delays, Missing Mail, and Recovery

When a Package Seems Stuck

If tracking doesn’t update for several days, it doesn’t always mean the USPS package is lost. USPS scans packages at key points, but there can be gaps between scans.

Common reasons for delays:

• High volume at a destination USPS processing facility
• Weather events
• Transportation interruptions
• International handoffs

Mail Recovery Center

What it means:
Unclaimed or undeliverable items can be routed to the mail recovery center.

What to do:
Act quickly—address correction and recipient response can prevent recovery routing.

USPS Tracking for International Mail, Customs, and US Customs

International package tracking can involve customs statuses in addition to normal USPS tracking statuses.

Customs Clearance / US Customs

What it means:
The package is being reviewed by US customs or clearing import/export checks.

What to do:
Customs can take time. Ensure paperwork and declared values are accurate. Some packages pause in tracking updates while customs processes them.

USPS Website, Tracking Page, and Informed Delivery Tips

For the most accurate tracking information:

• Use the official USPS website and USPS tracking page
• Turn on USPS Informed Delivery (or informed delivery) to see incoming mail and eligible packages
• Use the USPS mobile app to receive push alerts and see tracking updates faster

Always compare what you see on third-party tracking sites to USPS tracking information, especially when a shipping partner is involved.

Troubleshooting Checklist: What to Do Based on Your Tracking Status

Use this quick checklist if you need action steps:

• Pre-Shipment / USPS awaiting item → Confirm ship date with sender or shipping partner
• Accepted / Arrived at USPS Facility → Normal processing, keep monitoring
• Departed USPS Facility / In Transit → Movement in USPS network, expect next scan
• Out for Delivery → Ensure delivery access, be available for signature
• Delivery Attempt / USPS attempted delivery → Look for notice left, schedule redelivery or pickup
• Available for pickup → Go to post office during business hours
• Delivered but not received → Confirm delivery location, check secure location, contact local post office, then contact USPS customer service if needed
• Insufficient address → Call or visit post office ASAP to correct
• Customs clearance / US customs → Wait, verify documents, monitor tracking page

FAQ: USPS Tracking Status Meanings

How accurate is the USPS delivery date?

The delivery date is an estimate based on service level and recent scans. It can change after processing at a destination USPS processing facility.

Why does USPS tracking show “In Transit” for days?

Because USPS scans packages at key checkpoints, and long transport legs may not generate new scans until arrival at the next USPS facility.

What is the fastest way to resolve tracking problems?

If the package is at a destination post office or shows repeated delivery attempt messages, visiting or calling the local post office is often faster than waiting.

Can I confirm delivery with USPS?

Yes. If a parcel shows delivered but is missing, ask the post office to confirm delivery using the delivery scan details.

Final Summary: Understanding USPS Tracking the Smart Way

The key to understanding USPS tracking is recognizing that USPS tracking statuses are scan-based snapshots. A missing scan doesn’t always mean trouble, and many updates repeat as the parcel moves through the USPS network.

When you understand what each USPS tracking status means—from shipping label created, to arrived at USPS facility, to departed USPS facility, to available for pickup—you can manage deliveries confidently, reduce disputes, and take action at the right time using the USPS tracking page, USPS website, and USPS mobile app.