Opens official USPS tracking in a new tab. Tracking numbers are typically 20-22 digits.
USPS Package Tracking Guide
Understand what USPS tracking statuses mean and learn what to do if your package is delayed, stuck, or shows as delivered but is missing. Get clear guidance on your next steps.
How to Track Your USPS Package
You can track any USPS package with a tracking number using these methods:
USPS.com
Go to usps.com/track and enter your tracking number (20-22 digits).
USPS Mobile App
Download the free USPS Mobile app to track packages and get push notifications.
Text Tracking
Text your tracking number to 28777 (2USPS) to get status updates via SMS.
Informed Delivery
Sign up for free email notifications and photos of incoming mail.
USPS Tracking Number Format
Most USPS tracking numbers are 20-22 digits starting with 94, 92, or 93. Priority Mail Express numbers start with EA-EZ. International numbers may start with various letters.
What Do USPS Tracking Statuses Mean?
USPS tracking statuses indicate where your package is in the delivery process. "Accepted" means USPS received it. "In Transit" means it's moving between facilities. "Out for Delivery" means it's on the truck for delivery today. "Delivered" confirms successful delivery to the address.
Label Created, not yet in system
What it means: Seller printed a label but hasn't shipped yet
Your action: Wait 24-48 hours for the first scan
Accepted at USPS Origin Facility
What it means: USPS has received your package
Your action: None needed - package is in the system
In Transit to Next Facility
What it means: Package is moving between sorting centers
Your action: Normal status - can last several days
Arrived at USPS Regional Facility
What it means: Package reached a major sorting hub
Your action: None needed - processing continues
Out for Delivery
What it means: Package is on the delivery truck
Your action: Expect delivery today
Delivered
What it means: Package was delivered
Your action: Check mailbox, porch, or secure location
Delivery Attempted - No Access
What it means: Carrier couldn't access delivery location
Your action: Redelivery will be attempted next business day
Alert: Delivery May Be Delayed
What it means: Issue encountered (weather, volume, etc.)
Your action: Wait for updates - usually resolves in 1-3 days
Common Tracking Scenarios Explained
Package Stuck "In Transit" for Days
This is normal, especially for cross-country shipments. Packages don't get scanned at every stop—only at major sorting facilities. A 3-5 day gap between scans is typical for Ground Advantage and Media Mail.
Wait 7 days before taking actionShows "Delivered" But No Package
Sometimes packages are scanned as delivered before actual delivery, or they're left in an unexpected location. Wait 24 hours, then check: front door, back door, mailbox, garage, neighbors, apartment office, or any secure location you've designated.
Wait 24 hours, then file Missing Mail"Label Created" But No Movement
This means the sender printed a label but hasn't dropped off the package yet, or USPS hasn't scanned it. If it's been more than 48 hours, contact the sender to verify shipment.
Contact sender after 48 hoursWhy Is My USPS Package Delayed?
USPS packages can be delayed due to weather events, high volume periods, facility backlogs, or address issues. Holiday season (November-December) sees the longest delays. Remote rural areas may have less frequent delivery schedules. International packages face additional customs processing delays.
Weather Events
Hurricanes, snowstorms, and extreme weather can halt deliveries for days
Peak Seasons
November-December holiday volume causes widespread delays
Facility Backlogs
Major sorting hubs occasionally experience processing delays
Address Issues
Incomplete or incorrect addresses require manual correction
Rural Routes
Remote areas may have less frequent delivery schedules
Customs (International)
International packages must clear customs, adding 1-2+ weeks
What To Do If Your USPS Package Is Missing?
If your USPS package is missing, wait 7 days past the expected delivery date, then file a Missing Mail Search Request at usps.com. For Priority Mail Express, you can file immediately if the guaranteed date is missed. Contact your local Post Office directly for faster assistance.
Wait the appropriate time
7 days past expected delivery for standard services, immediately for Priority Mail Express if guaranteed date missed
File a Missing Mail Search Request
Go to usps.com and submit a Missing Mail request with your tracking number and package details
Contact your local Post Office
Call your local Post Office (not the 1-800 number) to ask about your specific package
File an insurance claim if applicable
If the package was insured and is confirmed lost, file a claim for reimbursement at usps.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'In Transit to Next Facility' mean?
This status means your package is moving between USPS sorting facilities. It's normal for packages to show this status for several days, especially for cross-country shipments. No action is needed unless it persists for more than 7 days.
Why does my package say 'Delivered' but I don't have it?
This can happen due to early scans or delivery to a neighbor/alternate location. Wait 24 hours as packages are sometimes scanned before actual delivery. Check with neighbors, your mailroom, or any secure locations. If still missing, file a Missing Mail request.
How long should I wait before filing a missing mail claim?
For domestic packages: wait at least 7 days after the expected delivery date before filing. For Priority Mail Express: you can file immediately if the guaranteed date is missed. File a Missing Mail request at usps.com.
What does 'Alert: Delivery May Be Delayed' mean?
This indicates your package encountered an issue such as weather delays, address problems, or facility backlogs. The package is still in the system and should resume movement. No immediate action needed unless it persists more than a week.