USPS tracking: numbers, statuses and common problems

The United States Postal Service delivers mail and packages to every US address, including many packages first handled by other companies and most international mail arriving in the US.

Where to find the tracking number

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  In the shipping confirmation email from the shop or sender.
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  On the receipt, if you sent the package at a Post Office yourself.
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  On the label, under the barcode, marked as the USPS tracking number.

USPS also offers Informed Delivery, a free service for eligible residential addresses that lists tracked packages and mail on their way to you.

What USPS numbers look like

Domestic tracking numbers are usually 20 to 22 digits, and many start with 92, 93, 94 or 95, though length alone doesn't prove a number is from USPS. International USPS items use 13-character numbers that end in US, such as an EMS or a registered item. Postal items sent to the US from another country keep the sender's 13-character number, which USPS can usually track once they arrive; see tracking number formats.

Common statuses

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  Label Created, Not Yet in System (or USPS Awaiting Item): the sender made a label; USPS hasn't scanned the package yet. Items from abroad can show events from the foreign postal service before USPS scans them.
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  Accepted / USPS in possession of item: the first physical scan.
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  Arrived at / Departed USPS Regional Facility, In Transit to Next Facility: the package is moving between sorting facilities.
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  Out for Delivery: on the carrier's route today.
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  Delivered, with a place such as In/At Mailbox, Front Door/Porch or Parcel Locker.
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  Notice Left / Available for Pickup: nobody could receive it, or it was sent to a Post Office; the event says whether you can pick it up there or schedule a redelivery, and how long it is held.

Typical problems

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  Stuck on "Label Created": the sender hasn't handed the package over yet; ask the sender after a few business days.
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  "In Transit, Arriving Late": the package is delayed but still in the network; tracking updates at the next scan.
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  Delivered but not received: check the mailbox, porch, parcel lockers and neighbours, and wait a day; if it doesn't turn up, use the USPS online help request for a missing package. Our delivered but not received checklist covers every step.