USPS seems to use its own internal lingo to show tracking statuses.
But what exactly do all those terms mean? What do terms like ‘In Transit’ mean on USPS? We looked into it and this is what we found…
What Does USPS Message “In Transit To Next Facility” Mean?
The United States Postal Service uses tracking statuses to inform customers where their parcels are during transit. The message “In Transit” means that your item is currently between facilities.
Your itemwill be travelling between depots, the first of which has already scanned and dispatched your item, and the second of which will do so as soon as your item is received there.
This article takes a look at USPS packages in transit and tracking messages: what they are, what they mean, and how to make sure you receive them.
What Is USPS Tracking?
A tracking number is the part of a delivery system that alerts both sender and receiver of the location of parcels during transit. The tracking system makes it possible to predict package arrival and monitor delays.
USPS has a tracking webpage where you can see what genuine tracking numbers look like, and where to find your tracking numbers to submit into the tracking bar.
USPS also offer an Informed Delivery service, which works through a mobile app. The service enables customers to receive USPS tracking updates for incoming packages, provide delivery instructions, manage notifications, and to schedule redeliveries.
The service allocates specific delivery news in the form of messages. These messages are generated when the packages (tracking numbers) are scanned by staff at each depot.
What Do USPS Tracking Messages Mean?
USPS tracking status messages are all generated automatically, and each message indicates that your item has reached the next location of its journey.
Delivered: this means your item has been delivered and the delivery time and place has been recorded.
Notice Left: this means that USPS were not able to deliver your mail. You can schedule a redelivery or pick up your item (with ID) at your local Post Office.
Delivery Status Not Updated: this means that you package has arrived but has not yet been processed for pickup.
Receptacle Blocked: this means that the carrier was unable to deliver your package because access to your mailbox was blocked (because of a parked car, local utility work, weather conditions or emergency responders blocking the area). You can schedule a redelivery or pick up the item from the Post Office.
No Access: this means that the carrier was unable to deliver to your address. This can be because there was an animal at large, or the address was within a gated community. When this happens, USPS advise to send a service request by email. Make sure to include the package tracking numbers.
In Transit: this means your package(s) are “on the road” or on the way to their destination. It could also be that the package has arrived but is waiting to be processed.
The next tracking status will be added once the numbers have been scanned.
What If My Packages Have Not Arrived?
USPS have a “delivery standard” for each class of mail service. This means you have to check on how “late mail” is defined for each service.
The USPS Delayed Mail webpage lists the delivery standards for each mail class and instructs on when to submit an enquiry to USPS.
For example, if you used Priority Mail, you’re asked to wait at least 5 days from date of mailing before making an enquiry. However, if you used USPS Retail Ground, you’re asked to wait for 14 days.
The reasons for late mail and for delayed delivery messages are varied and unpredictable. Problems range from weather conditions, traffic conditions, road hazards, and availability of USPS staff and volume of mail.
How Do I Get USPS Tracking Notifications?
Tracking notification depends on the mail class you purchased to send your package, but both sender and receiver can access tracking through:
- the USPS website tracking tool
- texting 28777 (2USPS) with your tracking number
- downloading the USPS Mobile app for iPhone and Android.
- contacting USPS directly by phone
- entering tracking numbers on the USPS website and clicking “text and email updates.”
Summary
When you submit your package tracking numbers to the USPS tracking bar, you’ll receive delivery updates in the form of short messages.
These messages refer to the location status of your item, and the most common message “In Transit” simply means that your package is between scanning depots.