When customers ship a package via the United States Postal Service (USPS) the postal service tracks the package as it is in transit. When the package reaches a certain destination along the route, the customer is sent a notice by email or text, letting them know the USPS tracking status… in other words, progress of the package toward its final destination. Tracking statuses are important both to the sender and the recipient of the package. In this writing we will look at the various USPS tracking statuses in order to understand their meanings.
Understanding USPS Tracking
- What is USPS Tracking? USPS tracking is the process of scanning an identifying code into the technological system in order to note that a package has arrived at a certain sorting facility in the mail-stream on the way to its final destination.
- How Does USPS Assign Tracking Numbers? USPS tracking numbers for domestic packages begin with two letters, followed by nine digits, and then two more letters. The first two letters indicate the type of mail service used, indicating whether it is Priority Mail, First-Class Mail and so forth. The middle nine digits are a unique identifier for the specific package. The last two letters act as a check digit, ensuring the validity of the number.
- For international packages, the first two letters can also indicate the service type, and the last two letters can indicate the country of origin. According to the postal service website, the label of a trackable item is scanned several times throughout the mail-stream, whether or not it is in the hands of the USPS or one of their shipping partners.
What are the Common USPS Tracking Statuses?
- ‘In Transit’ means that the package was brought into a USPS Facility, the shipping type has been determined and purchased, and the package has departed the USPS Facility. The package is in transit, or in the process of delivery. It is being scanned into the computer system when it reaches different points along the mail-stream at USPS facilities. Multiple scans will be done as the package moves toward its destination.
- ‘Out for Delivery’ means that the package is on its way to the final destination. It is on the brink of reaching the destination and the recipient can expect the package on the day that the ‘out for delivery’ message is received.
- ‘Delivered’ means that the package was successfully delivered to the recipient’s address. If the package is marked as “delivered” but has not been received, the recipient should contact a neighbor or the delivery location. If it is still not found, the recipient should contact USPS for further investigation.
- Other Frequent Statuses and their meanings could be: ‘Delivery Attempt’ which would mean that the package wasn’t able to be delivered; ‘Customs clearance’ which would mean that it is an international delivery that has cleared customs; ‘Departed USPS facility’ which would be the same or similar to ‘In Transit’; ‘Available for Pickup’ which would mean that the recipient needs to pick up the package at the US Post Office; ‘Arriving Late’ would mean that there was some kind of delay and the package will not arrive at the expected date; ‘Picked Up’ would mean that the recipient picked up the package at the local post office; ‘Delivered to Agent’ means that the package was delivered to an agent (such as a college dorm, apartment building, etc.).
- Frequency of Tracking Updates can vary but generally updates are provided as each transit milestone is reached. USPS tracking updates occur when the package reaches new processing points in the network. This includes when a package is received, departs a facility, arrives at a new facility, or is out for delivery.
USPS Priority Mail Services
- Domestic Priority Mail Tracking: Every Priority Mail package has a unique tracking number that identifies it within the USPS system. Customers can enter the tracking number online at the USPS Tracking page to see the current status and location of the package. The tracking system provides updates on the package’s progress, such as when it was shipped, where it’s currently located (e.g., sorting facility, transit), and when it’s out for delivery. USPS Tracking is included at no additional cost with Priority Mail. Customers can also track their package through text messaging or by calling the USPS.
- International Priority Mail Tracking: A package’s location can be tracked with real-time updates and status throughout its journey. The USPS offers tracking for various international services, including Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail International, and First-Class Package International Service. Tracking is included in the postage for eligible international products. Customers need to use the USPS Tracking page or the tracking website of the destination country or use a third-party service. Tracking details and availability may vary depending on the destination country and the postal service in that country.
USPS Services for Mail Management
- Informed Delivery: According to the AI overview, Informed Delivery is a free, optional USPS service that allows customers to digitally preview their letter-sized mail and manage their packages scheduled for delivery soon. Customers can view images of their incoming mail and track their packages through an online dashboard, mobile app, or email.
- Package Intercept: Package Intercept, offered by services like USPS Package Intercept and UPS Delivery Intercept, allows customers to redirect or return a package before it’s delivered. It essentially gives customers a chance to change the destination or return the package to their location before it reaches the intended recipient.
- Hold Mail: USPS Hold Mail is a service that temporarily pauses mail delivery at a residential address, holding mail at the local post office for a specific period, typically up to 30 days. This allows customers to prevent mail accumulation while they are away, reducing the risk of theft and keeping mail secure until they return.
Conclusion
As readers can see, the services of the United States Postal Service are extensive and tracking of mail is very informative and helpful to customers both international and national. With USPS tracking, customers can know where their package is located, when it will be delivered, and whether or not any problems have been encountered. Customers can indicate that they want to pick up the package, or have the USPS hold the package if delivery is inconvenient. Essentially, USPS tracking is an excellent service for customers, creating trust and informing the customers of all of their options.
CTA
The AMS Fulfillment Shipping Department utilizes USPS as well as many other service providers. Clients of AMS are greatly benefitted by AMS’ proprietary software, called RateLogic. Utilizing this software as well as excellent relationships with shippers, AMS is able to provide high-end support and shipping service at the lowest possible cost.
