Every USPS tracking status code carries a specific meaning about where your package is and what happens next. This guide covers every status message in the USPS system — from pre-shipment through delivery and exceptions — so you know exactly what each one means and what action, if any, is required.
For a complete overview of USPS package tracking, including how to enter your tracking number and use the USPS app, see the USPS Tracking guide.
Pre-Shipment USPS Tracking Status Codes
These statuses appear before USPS physically receives your package. The shipping label has been created, but the postal system has not yet scanned the item into the network.
Pre-Shipment Info Sent to USPS, USPS Awaiting Item
The sender generated a shipping label and transmitted the data to USPS, but has not yet dropped off or scheduled pickup for the package. This status can persist 1–5 days if the sender delays dropping off the item. No action needed — wait for the sender to hand the package to USPS.
Shipment Received, Package Acceptance Pending
USPS accepted the physical package at a retail location or collection point, but the facility has not yet processed it into the tracking system. Typically resolves within 24 hours. No action needed.
Accepted at USPS Origin Facility
The package was scanned into the origin processing and distribution center. This is the first full tracking scan confirming USPS physically has your item. Delivery estimate is now active.
In-Transit USPS Tracking Status Codes
These statuses indicate your package is actively moving through the postal network between facilities.
| Status Code | Meaning | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| In Transit to Next Facility | Package moving between sorting/processing centers | Hours to 1 day |
| Arrived at USPS Regional Facility | Package reached a major regional sorting hub | Hours (sorted same day) |
| Departed USPS Regional Facility | Left the sorting hub toward destination area | 1–2 days to local facility |
| Arrived at USPS Facility | Reached a local processing center or post office | Hours before dispatch |
| Departed Post Office | Left local post office for delivery route | Same day delivery expected |
| In Transit, Arriving Late | Package delayed — will miss original estimated delivery | 1–3 additional days typical |
| Forwarded | Package rerouted to new address (mail forwarding active) | Additional 3–5 days |
In Transit, Arriving Late
This is one of the most common concern-triggering status codes. It means the package is still moving but will miss the original delivery estimate. Common causes: weather disruptions, high mail volume, transportation delays. No action needed unless the package exceeds the delay window for your service type (5 business days for Priority Mail, 15 for First-Class).
Forwarded
USPS has a mail forwarding order on file for the delivery address and rerouted the package to the forwarded address. If this is unexpected, contact USPS to verify or update the forwarding record. Forwarded packages typically add 3–5 business days to delivery.
Out for Delivery and Final Delivery Status Codes
These statuses indicate the package has reached the final mile and is either on a delivery vehicle or has been delivered.
Out for Delivery
The package is loaded on a carrier’s delivery vehicle and is scheduled to be delivered today. Most packages with this status arrive within 8 hours. Rural routes may run later in the day. No action needed — wait for delivery.
Delivered
USPS successfully delivered the package. The status includes a timestamp and often a delivery location designation:
- Delivered, Front Door/Porch: Left at front entrance
- Delivered, Mailbox: Placed in residential mailbox
- Delivered, Individual: Handed directly to recipient
- Delivered, Parcel Locker: Placed in a parcel locker (key left in mailbox)
- Delivered, Neighbor as Requested: Left with a neighbor per prior request
- Delivered, Receptionist/Front Desk: Left with building staff
If tracking shows “Delivered” but you cannot find the package, check with household members and neighbors before contacting USPS. Wait 24 hours — GPS-triggered delivery scans sometimes fire slightly early.
Delivered to Agent
Package given to an authorized agent at the delivery address (building manager, HOA office, etc.) rather than directly to the addressee. Check with your building or reception desk.
Delivery Attempt and Exception Status Codes
These statuses require attention. They indicate a delivery problem that may need your action to resolve.
Delivery Attempted — No Access to Delivery Location
The carrier could not reach the delivery location — locked gate, restricted building, or inaccessible address. USPS will attempt redelivery the next business day. To prevent recurrence: update delivery instructions via USPS Informed Delivery or contact your local post office.
Delivery Attempted — No Authorized Recipient Available
A signature was required but no eligible recipient was present. A PS Form 3849 (delivery notice) should be left. Options: schedule redelivery at USPS.com, authorize release without signature, or pick up at your local post office after the hold period (usually 15 days).
Notice Left (No Secure Location Available)
The carrier could not find a safe place to leave the package and no one was home. The package is held at your local post office. Pick up with photo ID within 15 days.
Held at Post Office, Customer Request
You or the sender requested that the package be held at the post office rather than delivered. Bring photo ID to collect. Packages are typically held for 15 days.
Available for Pickup
The package is ready for collection at the indicated USPS location. Bring your tracking number and a government-issued photo ID.
Return to Sender
USPS is sending the package back to the original sender. Common causes: undeliverable address, refused by recipient, unclaimed after hold period, or mail forwarding expired. Contact the sender to arrange reshipping with a corrected address.
Undeliverable as Addressed — Return to Sender
The address on the package is incomplete, incorrect, or does not exist in USPS records. The package returns to the sender. This is different from a forwarding scenario — USPS cannot match the address to any known delivery point. Sender must reship with a corrected, validated address.
Addressee Unknown
The recipient name is not recognized at the delivery address. Usually occurs when a recipient has moved and mail forwarding has expired. Package returns to sender.
Refused
The recipient refused to accept the package at the door. The carrier returns it to the sender. If the refusal was a mistake, contact USPS immediately — interception may be possible before the return processes.
Missent
The package was sent to the wrong facility or delivery route. USPS is correcting the routing. Typically resolves within 1–2 business days as the package is redirected to the correct destination. No action needed unless the status doesn’t change after 72 hours.
Damaged / Missing Contents
USPS identified damage or missing contents during processing. The postal service repackages damaged items where possible. File a claim at USPS.com if contents were lost or the package is unrepairable. Claims must be filed within 60 days for Priority Mail, 45 days for Priority Mail Express.
International and Special Handling Status Codes
Processed Through USPS Facility [Country/Location]
For international shipments, this confirms the package cleared a U.S. customs or international gateway facility. After this scan, tracking typically transfers to the destination country’s postal system.
International Dispatch
The package departed the U.S. and is in transit to the destination country. Tracking updates may become less frequent or stop temporarily until the receiving country’s postal service scans the item.
Customs Clearance
The package is being processed through import customs in the destination country. Delays at this stage are controlled by the receiving country’s customs authority, not USPS.
Arrived at Hub [International]
For inbound international packages, this confirms arrival at a U.S. gateway facility for customs processing.
USPS Tracking Status Code Quick Reference
| Status | Package Location | Action Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Shipment Info Sent | With sender (not yet with USPS) | No — wait for sender |
| Accepted at USPS Origin | Origin processing facility | No |
| In Transit | Moving between facilities | No |
| In Transit, Arriving Late | Moving, delayed | No — unless past service window |
| Out for Delivery | On delivery vehicle | No — expect delivery today |
| Delivered | At delivery address | Retrieve package |
| Delivery Attempted | Local post office | Yes — schedule redelivery |
| Available for Pickup | Post office | Yes — bring ID to collect |
| Missent | Wrong facility, being rerouted | No — wait 48–72 hours |
| Return to Sender | Returning to origin | Yes — contact sender |
| Undeliverable as Addressed | Returning to origin | Yes — verify/correct address |
FAQ
What does “In Transit, Arriving Late” mean for USPS?
It means your package is still moving through the postal network but will miss the original estimated delivery date. The package has not been lost — it is in the system with a delay. Wait for the updated delivery estimate, which USPS recalculates automatically.
What is the difference between “Accepted at USPS Origin Facility” and “Shipment Received, Package Acceptance Pending”?
“Accepted at USPS Origin Facility” is the full intake scan confirming USPS has your package in the processing system. “Package Acceptance Pending” is an intermediate state where the package was physically received at a retail location but not yet scanned into the network — typically resolves within 24 hours.
What does “Missent” mean and how long does it take to fix?
Missent means USPS routed the package to the wrong facility. The postal service identifies and corrects these errors automatically. Resolution typically takes 1–3 business days. No action is needed on your part unless the status remains unchanged beyond 72 hours, in which case contact USPS with your tracking number.
What does “Delivered to Agent” mean?
USPS gave the package to an authorized person at the delivery address — typically a building receptionist, concierge, property manager, or HOA representative. Check with your building staff or office before filing any inquiry.
What should I do when tracking shows “Return to Sender”?
Contact the original sender immediately. Once the return processes, the sender receives the package back and must reship it. If the return was triggered by an address error, provide the corrected address to the sender before they reship. If the return was triggered by an unclaimed hold, you may be able to intercept the package at the post office before it ships back.
How long does USPS hold a package before returning it to sender?
USPS typically holds undeliverable packages for 15 days before initiating return to sender. For packages requiring signature or with special handling instructions, the hold period may vary. After 15 days without pickup or redelivery arrangement, the package enters the return process.
Why does tracking stop updating after “Departed USPS Regional Facility”?
This is normal for packages in long-haul transit between regional facilities. The package is moving but not generating new scans until it arrives at the next facility. Ground Advantage packages crossing multiple regions may show 24–48 hours without updates during transport legs. If tracking hasn’t updated for 5+ days, use USPS Missing Mail search.
What does “Forwarded” mean on USPS tracking?
A mail forwarding order is active at the original delivery address, and USPS rerouted the package to the forwarding address on file. Forwarded packages typically add 3–5 business days. If the forwarding is unexpected or incorrect, contact USPS to update or cancel the forwarding request.
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Tracking status updates are tied to the tracking number format itself — different USPS service tiers issue different number formats (9114 for Certified, 9400 for First-Class Package, 22-character codes for Priority Mail Express). For format-by-format decoding plus where each track code usps appears on receipts, see our tracking-number reference.
Part of our USPS Tracking guide. Related: USPS Tracking, USPS Tracking Not Updating, USPS Tracking Not Updating After Drop Off.
