USPS Tracking Statuses List

Here’s a (mostly) complete list of all USPS tracking status meanings we’ve come across. Let us know if we missed any!

Available for Pickup Statuses

USPS uses a variety of statuses to let you know when your package is available for pickup, usually at your local post office.

Tip: Use automatic notifications to let customers (or yourself) know when shipments are available for pickup

Held At Post Office

The package is being held at the local post office. This may occur for various reasons, such as the recipient not being available to sign for the package or a problem with the delivery address. The recipient will need to visit the post office to collect the package or arrange for redelivery.

Available For Pickup

The shipment is ready for the recipient to pick up at the designated location, such as a post office or a parcel locker. The recipient should have received a notification or an email with instructions on where and how to collect the package.

Overweight, Pick Up

The package exceeds the maximum weight allowed for regular delivery. As a result, the recipient is required to pick up the package from the post office or other designated location.

Oversize, Pick Up

The shipment is too large to be delivered through regular delivery methods. The recipient must pick up the package from the post office or other designated location.

Attempted Delivery – Item Being Held

A delivery attempt was unsuccessful and the package is now being held at the post office or another designated location. The recipient can either arrange for redelivery or pick up the package themselves.

Available For Redelivery Or Pickup

The package is available for the recipient to either arrange a redelivery or pick it up from the designated location. This typically occurs when the recipient was not available to receive the package during the initial delivery attempt.

Reminder To Pick Up Your Item Before

This status is a reminder for the recipient to collect their package before a specified deadline. If the package is not picked up by the deadline, it may be returned to the sender or treated as unclaimed.

Collect For Pick Up

The shipment is ready for collection by the recipient. The recipient should have received instructions on where and how to collect their package.

Held At Delivery Depot/Delivery Office (International)

Read the detailed guide for the held at delivery depot/delivery office status.

This status means that the package is being held at the delivery depot or delivery office due to an issue with delivery, such as an incomplete address or the recipient not being available. The recipient may need to contact the delivery service to resolve the issue and arrange for redelivery or pick up the package from the depot or office.

Failed Delivery Attempt Statuses

USPS provides detailed reasons for failed deliveries.
Psst…you can notify recipients or yourself with failed delivery notifications.

Notice Left

This is due to one of two reasons:

No secure delivery location available

No authorized recipient available

A delivery attempt was made, but the recipient was unavailable to receive the package or there was no secure delivery location. A notice was left at the delivery address, providing information on how to arrange for redelivery or pick up the package at the local post office.

Delivery Attempted

The Delivery Attempted status signifies that the carrier tried to deliver the package, but was unsuccessful. This may be due to the recipient not being available, an issue with the delivery address, or other reasons. The recipient may need to contact the postal service to arrange for redelivery or pick up the package.

Undeliverable

For packages marked as Undeliverable, the postal service was unable to deliver the item due to various reasons, such as an incorrect or incomplete address, the recipient’s refusal to accept the package, or the package being damaged. Depending on the reason, the package may be returned to the sender or held at the post office for the recipient to claim.

No Access To Delivery Location

This status means the carrier could not reach the delivery address due to an obstacle or restriction, such as a locked gate or construction. The carrier will typically attempt delivery again at a later time, or the recipient may need to contact the postal service to arrange for redelivery or pick up.

Attempted Delivery Abroad (international)

This indicates that a delivery attempt was made for a package being sent internationally, but the attempt was unsuccessful. The recipient may need to contact the local postal service in their country to arrange for redelivery or pick up the package.

Here’s an example where the package was shipped back to the US after the failed attempt:

Addressee Not Available

See our detailed post involving the addressee not available status.

With the Addressee Not Available status, the package could not be delivered because the recipient was not available to receive it when a signature is required. The package may be held at the post office or another designated location for the recipient to collect, or the recipient can arrange for redelivery.

Vacant

The Vacant status means that the carrier attempted to deliver the package, but the delivery address was unoccupied or vacant. The package will typically be held at the post office or a designated location, and the recipient may need to contact the postal service to arrange for redelivery or pick up.

Will Attempt Delivery On Next (Business Day/Day)

The carrier plans to make another delivery attempt on the next business day. This status can occur when the initial delivery attempt was unsuccessful due to the recipient’s unavailability, a problem with the address, or other factors. Note: USPS ships Saturdays.

Missed Delivery – Scheduled for Another Delivery Attempt Today

USPS attempted to deliver the package, but the delivery was unsuccessful. The carrier will make another attempt to deliver the package on the same day.

Reminder to Schedule Redelivery of Your Item

The package was not successfully delivered on a previous attempt, and the recipient needs to schedule a redelivery to have the item delivered. This status serves as a reminder for the recipient to arrange for a new delivery date.

In Transit Statuses

Shipment Received, Package Acceptance Pending

A shipment with this status means the postal service has received information about the shipment but has not yet physically accepted the package. Once the package is physically accepted and scanned, the status will update.

If packages become stuck in this status for more than a week, there could be an issue with the associated USPS sorting center, as discovered by this Etsy shipper.

Acceptance (International)

Verbose status example:

Your item was accepted at 8:37 am on September 25, 2023 in UNITED STATES

The ‘Acceptance’ status can either mean the package is still on its way to the destination or that the package is being returned after failed international delivery attempt.

This example shows a failed delivery attempt where the package is being returned to the US sender:

Arrived At Post Office

The package has reached the local post office responsible for final delivery. The carrier will typically attempt to deliver the package soon, depending on the delivery schedule.

Arrived At Hub

When a package has the Arrived At Hub status, it has reached a central sorting facility or distribution hub. Packages at a hub will be sorted and distributed to the appropriate local post offices for final delivery.

Arrived At USPS

The package was received by USPS. This status is often seen when a package is transferred from a shipping partner or another carrier to USPS for final delivery. Common USPS shipping partners include UPS, FedEx, and DHL.

Arrived Shipping Partner Facility

With the Arrived Shipping Partner Facility status, the package has reached a facility operated by a USPS shipping partner. These partners work with USPS to handle and transport packages. The package will eventually be handed over to USPS for final delivery.

Customs Clearance (international)

This status means that the package is going through the customs process for international shipments. This includes inspection and determination of any duties or taxes that may be applicable. Once the package clears customs, it will continue on its way to the final destination.

Released from US Customs (international)

The package has successfully cleared US customs and has been released for further processing and delivery. It will now be transferred to the USPS for final delivery to the recipient in the other country.

Departed…

When a package status starts with ‘Departed’, it has left a facility, such as a distribution center or post office, and is continuing its journey to the next location in the delivery process.

In Transit

This status signifies that the package is on its way to the final destination. It is moving through the postal network but has not yet arrived at the local post office for delivery.

Out For Delivery

The package is in the hands of the carrier and is expected to be delivered to the recipient on that day.

Out for Redelivery

The package is out for another delivery attempt after an initial failed delivery attempt.

In this example, there was no secure delivery location available during the first attempt

First spotted in the wild 10/4/2023.

Processing at USPS Facility

After arriving at the destination post office, your shipment is processed. This means it’s being sorted and prepared for shipment to its final destination.

Here’s an example:

Processed Through Facility (international)

This is usually the ISC New York facility. This status indicates that the package is sorted and processed through the major clearinghouse facility for international USPS shipment.

Redelivery Scheduled

This means that USPS will attempt to deliver the package again at a specific date and time, usually after a failed initial delivery attempt.

Arrival At Post Office

The Arrival At Post Office status is similar to the Arrived At Post Office status, indicating that the package reached the local post office responsible for final delivery.

USPS In Possession Of Item

The package has been physically received and scanned (by the post office clerk or the mail carrier) and is being processed for delivery.

Dispatched For Delivery

The shipment has left the seller and is now received by the USPS network.

Dispatched From USPS International Service Center (APO/FPO)

The package has left the international service center and is continuing its journey to the destination country APO address.

Distribution to PO Box in Progress

It’s about to be delivered to the PO box, parcel locker, or to the individual picking up the package at the post office. Delivery usually happens within a few hours of this status. Here’s an example:

USPS Picked Up Item

USPS has collected the package from the sender or a drop-off location and has started processing it for delivery.

Origin Post Is Preparing Shipment (international)

The package is being prepared for shipment at the origin country’s postal service (USPS) to the destination country. It is currently going through processing, customs clearance, and other necessary procedures before being dispatched to the destination country. Shipments can get “stuck” in this status during times of heavy international mail as lower-cost USPS shipping services are deprioritized.

Tendered to Military Agent (APO/FPO)

The shipment was handed over to a military agent for delivery to an APO (Army Post Office) or FPO (Fleet Post Office) address, which serves US military personnel stationed abroad.

Not Yet Scanned (Pre-Shipment) Statuses

Label Created

When this status appears, it means the shipping label for the package has been generated by the sender, but the package has not yet been picked up or received by USPS.

Pre-Shipment Info Sent To USPS

This status indicates that the sender has provided USPS with electronic information about the package, such as the destination address and weight, but the postal service has not yet physically received the package for processing.

USPS Expects Item for Mailing (SSK)

The mailer took the package to a USPS Self Service Kiosk. The package should soon be scanned.

No Tracking Info (Yet)

Not Yet Available

This status indicates that tracking information for the package is not currently available. It may be due to the package not being picked up by USPS, the package not being scanned yet, or a delay in updating the tracking system.

Postal Service Could Not Locate The Tracking

When this status appears, it means that the USPS tracking system could not find any information associated with the provided tracking number. This could be due to an incorrect or invalid tracking number, or the package not being scanned into the USPS system yet.

Delivery Status Information Is Not Available

This status signifies that there is currently no available information on the delivery status of the package. It may be because the package has not yet been picked up, scanned, or entered into the USPS tracking system, or there might be a delay in updating the tracking information. Also check if you entered the correct tracking number.

Delayed Statuses

Delay

When this status appears, it means the package has encountered an unexpected delay during its journey through the USPS network. This could be due to weather conditions, transportation issues, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Rescheduled

The Rescheduled status indicates that the delivery date for the package has been changed. This could be due to a request from the recipient, a delivery issue, or other factors that may have affected the original delivery schedule.

In Transit, Arriving Late

When this status appears, it means that the package is still on its way to the final destination but is expected to arrive later than originally estimated. This could be due to various reasons, such as delays in transportation, adverse weather conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Shipment Exception Statuses

There are a variety of USPS statuses for shipping issues. Want to know when exceptions occur? Set up automatic exception notifications.

Seized By Law Enforcement

This status indicates that the package has been confiscated by law enforcement authorities due to suspicions of illegal contents or a violation of postal regulations.

Disposed By Post Office

When this status appears, it means that USPS has determined the package to be undeliverable and has disposed of it. This could be due to damaged or hazardous contents, an illegible or incorrect address, or other reasons that make delivery impossible.

Processing Exception

This status signifies that the package has encountered an issue during processing, which may require manual intervention or additional information to resolve. The issue could be related to the package’s contents, dimensions, or other factors affecting its processing.

Delivery Exception

The Delivery Exception status indicates that an issue has occurred during delivery, preventing the package from being delivered on the scheduled date. This could be due to weather conditions, an incorrect address, or other factors that may require rescheduling the delivery.

Held In Customs (international)

When this status appears, it means that the package is being held by customs authorities for inspection, typically for international shipments. The package may be subject to duties, taxes, or other regulations before it can be released for delivery.

Payment of Charges – Item Being Held, Addressee Being Notified (international)

See a more detailed overview about the addressee being notified status.

The package is being held at the post office or customs facility because additional fees, such as customs duties or taxes, must be paid by the addressee. The addressee is being notified about the charges and will need to pay them before the package can be released for delivery.

Held For Mailability Determination

This status signifies that USPS is holding the package to determine if it meets mailing requirements, such as size, weight, and content restrictions. The package may be returned to the sender, delivered, or disposed of, depending on the outcome of the determination.
NOTE: There are anecdotal reports that this status pops up when certain drugs are mailed, specifically drugs with strong scents.

Sent To Mail Recovery

When a package is marked as Sent To Mail Recovery, it means that USPS has sent the item to their Mail Recovery Center. This typically occurs when a package is undeliverable due to insufficient or incorrect addressing, damage, or other reasons, and the sender’s return address is also missing or illegible.

No Such Number

See the no such number USPS status guide.

This status indicates that the address provided for the package is incomplete or incorrect, as the street number does not exist. The package may be returned to the sender, held for pickup, or sent to the Mail Recovery Center.

Receive notifications for USPS shipments with no such number.

Insufficient Address

When this status appears, it means that the address provided is not complete or accurate enough for USPS to deliver the package. The package may be returned to the sender, held for pickup, or sent to the Mail Recovery Center.

Moved, Left No Address

This status signifies that the recipient has moved and did not provide a forwarding address. USPS may return the package to the sender or hold it for pickup.

Forward Expired

The Forward Expired status indicates that the recipient’s mail forwarding service has expired, and USPS can no longer forward the package to the new address. The package may be returned to the sender or sent to the Mail Recovery Center.

Addressee Unknown

See all possible causes of the addressee unknown status.

When this status appears, it means that the recipient is not known at the provided address. USPS may return the package to the sender, hold it for pickup, or send it to the Mail Recovery Center. If this keeps happening, and the address is correct, contact the local post office to resolve the issue.

Refused

The recipient has refused to accept the package, either due to its contents, a damaged package, or other reasons. USPS may returns the package to the sender.

Missing Mail Search

The missing mail search status indicates that a search request has been submitted to locate a package that has not been delivered or has been lost within the USPS network. USPS will investigate the issue and attempt to locate the package.

Incorrect Address – Addressee’s Address Being Verified

The package has an incorrect or incomplete address, and USPS is attempting to verify the correct one with the recipient. The package may be held until the correct address is confirmed or returned to the sender if the address cannot be verified.

Other USPS Statuses

Canceled

A package with the Canceled status has had its shipment request voided by the sender or USPS. This could be due to the sender’s request, an issue with the shipping label, or other reasons. The package will not be delivered.

Forwarded

The Forwarded status means that USPS has redirected the package to a new address, typically because the recipient has moved or requested mail forwarding. The package will be delivered to the new address provided by the recipient.

Awaiting Delivery Scan

This status signifies that the package has been delivered, but USPS has not yet scanned it to confirm the delivery. It is likely that the package has reached its destination, and the tracking information will be updated once the delivery scan is completed. But if the package becomes “stuck” with this status, the mail carrier likely either forgot to scan it when delivering or the package was lost in the mail truck.

Duplicate

This rare status is usually a temporary error in USPS’ tracking system and should clear within a day. With a USPS ‘Duplicate’ status, the tracking status returns to normal within a few hours.

One theory is that the glitch is due to USPS reusing tracking numbers.

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