If you’re asking “Where is my USPS package?”, you’re not alone. Millions of customers rely on USPS Tracking® every day to monitor the delivery progress of their mail and packages. However, tracking messages can sometimes be confusing or unclear.
This complete USPS tracking status guide explains every common tracking update, what it means, and exactly what you should do if your package is late, missing, or misdelivered. This article is ideal for WordPress and Blogger websites, written in SEO-friendly language with structured headings, tables, and FAQs.
📌 Table of Contents
What Is USPS Tracking®?
How to Track a USPS Package
Delivered & Delivery Attempted Statuses
Out for Delivery Status
Moving Through Network Statuses
Preparing for Delivery Status
Acceptance & Pre‑Shipment Statuses
Address & Access Issues
Redelivery & Pickup Notices
Shipping Partner Statuses Explained
Tracking Status Overview Table
What to Do If Your Package Is Late or Missing
USPS Informed Delivery®
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is USPS Tracking®?
USPS Tracking® is a free service that allows customers to check the real-time status of domestic and international shipments. Each package is assigned a unique tracking number that shows scans as the item moves through the USPS network.
Tracking updates help you understand:
Where your package is
When it will arrive
Whether delivery was attempted
If action is required from you
You can check tracking anytime at https://tools.usps.com.
How to Track a USPS Package
Follow these steps to track your package:
Locate your USPS tracking number (from receipt, email, or shipping confirmation).
Visit the USPS tracking page.
Enter the tracking number.
Review the latest tracking status and delivery updates.
💡 Tip: Sign up for email or SMS notifications to receive automatic updates.
Delivered & Delivery Attempted Statuses
Delivered
What It Means: Your package was delivered successfully, including date, time, and location.
If You Can’t Find It:
Check mailbox, porch, garage, and exterior doors
Look in secure or hidden areas (behind plants, under mats)
Ask household members or neighbors
Check parcel lockers in apartments or community mailboxes
What You Can Do:
If more than 24 hours have passed, submit a service request at your local Post Office™.
No Access to Delivery Location
What It Means: The carrier couldn’t reach your delivery point due to obstacles such as:
Blocked mailbox
Locked gate or building
Loose animals
Emergency or utility work
What You Can Do:
Delivery will be retried automatically the next business day.
Insufficient Address / No Such Number
What It Means: The address is incomplete or incorrect. The package is being returned to the sender.
What You Can Do:
Contact the sender to correct the address and request reshipment.
Out for Delivery Status
Out for Delivery
What It Means: The package is with a carrier and should arrive today.
Important Notes:
Packages may arrive later than regular mail
Different carriers may deliver packages
What You Can Do:
If not delivered within 24 hours, submit a service request.
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| USPS Tracking |
Delivery Status Not Updated / Awaiting Delivery Scan
What It Means: A delivery scan wasn’t recorded by 9 PM.
What You Can Do:
Expect delivery the next business day. If delayed beyond 24 hours, contact USPS.
Moving Through Network Statuses
In Transit / Arrived at USPS Facility / Departed USPS Facility
What It Means: Your package is moving through USPS sorting and transportation centers.
What You Can Do:
No action needed. Tracking updates may repeat as the package travels.
Forwarded / Forwarded Processed
What It Means: Your package is being redirected due to a change of address or routing issue.
Preparing for Delivery Status
Arrived at Post Office
What It Means: The package is at your local Post Office™ and being prepared for delivery.
What You Can Do:
If no delivery occurs within 24 hours, submit a service request.
Acceptance & Pre‑Shipment Statuses
Shipping Label Created / Pre‑Shipment Info Sent
What It Means: A label was created, but USPS has not received the package.
What You Can Do:
Contact the shipper for confirmation.
USPS In Possession of Item
What It Means: USPS has received the package and started processing.
Shipment Received, Package Acceptance Pending
What It Means: USPS received a container of packages; individual scans will follow.
Redelivery & Pickup Notices
Notice Left (No Authorized Recipient Available)
What It Means: A signature was required, but no one was available.
Your Options:
Schedule redelivery
Pick up at Post Office™
Request return to sender
Available for Pickup
What It Means: Delivery failed, and the package must be picked up.
What You Need:
Valid photo ID
Held at Post Office, At Customer Request
What It Means: The package is held due to Hold Mail®, Hold for Pickup, or Delivery Instructions®.
Shipping Partner Statuses Explained
Arrived / Departed / Picked Up by Shipping Partner
What It Means: USPS does not yet have the package. A third-party carrier will transfer it.
What You Can Do:
Contact the shipper for more details.
Tracking Status Overview Table
| Tracking Status | Meaning | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Delivered | Package delivered | Check location, contact USPS if missing |
| Out for Delivery | Arriving today | Wait 24 hours |
| In Transit | Moving through network | No action |
| USPS Awaiting Item | Label created | Contact shipper |
| Available for Pickup | Pickup required | Visit Post Office |
| Insufficient Address | Returning to sender | Correct address |
| No Access | Delivery blocked | Remove obstruction |
What to Do If Your Package Is Late or Missing
If your package is delayed or missing:
Verify tracking details
Wait 24–48 hours after expected delivery
Submit a Missing Mail search request
File a Domestic Claim (if insured)
Contact USPS Customer Service
USPS Informed Delivery®
Informed Delivery® provides:
Digital previews of incoming mail
Package tracking dashboard
Delivery notifications
It’s free and highly recommended for all USPS customers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Why does USPS tracking stop updating?
Tracking may pause during transportation or processing delays.
❓ Can USPS tracking be wrong?
Occasionally, scans may be delayed or missed, but updates usually correct themselves.
❓ How long should I wait before contacting USPS?
Wait 24 hours after a delivery-related status or 48 hours for transit delays.
❓ What if my package says delivered but isn’t there?
Check all possible locations and submit a service request after 24 hours.
Related USPS Articles
USPS Tracking® – The Basics
How to Find Your Tracking Number
Missing Mail – The Basics
Delayed Mail and Packages
USPS Package Intercept® – The Basics
Final Thoughts
Understanding USPS tracking statuses can save time, reduce stress, and help you take the right action when needed. Bookmark this guide for future reference and always enable tracking notifications for the best experience.
📦 Still wondering where your package is? Check your tracking number now and stay informed!
