USPS Tracking

The United States Postal Service (USPS), an independent agency of the U.S. federal government, is fundamental to the nation's communication infrastructure.
Established by the Constitution, USPS operates the world's largest postal network, delivering to every address in the nation with a fleet that is the largest of any civilian agency. Headquartered in Washington, DC, USPS is renowned for its commitment to providing secure, reliable, and affordable mail services. Its history dates back to 1775 with Benjamin Franklin and was solidified by the Postal Clause of the U.S. Constitution. Today, USPS not only facilitates traditional mail but is also a key player in digital commerce, serving vital clients like Amazon and maintaining an essential role in national security.

You can find your USPS tracking number in several places, ensuring you can easily track your package. When you send or receive an item through USPS, your tracking number can typically be located on any of the following:

• The Post Office™ shipping receipt provided to you at the time of shipment.
• The sales receipt, especially if you purchased additional insurance directly from the Post Office™.
• Confirmation emails, either from USPS.com if you arranged shipping online, or from any online retailer you purchased from.
• The peel-off portion of your USPS Tracking® label attached to the shipped item.

Additionally, if you utilized USPS Click-N-Ship or a USPS self-serve kiosk, the online label record or e-receipt would also contain your tracking number. If you choose to insure your package, the insurance receipt will include it too. It's important to keep these documents or electronic confirmations where your tracking number is recorded, as it is essential for monitoring the delivery status of your items. If you lose your tracking number, recovery is not typically possible through USPS customer service, so keeping a copy is crucial.

USPS tracking numbers vary by service type but typically follow a standardized format. Here’s an overview of what USPS tracking numbers look like based on the specific mailing service:

• USPS Tracking®: Typically a 22-digit number, e.g., 9400 1000 0000 0000 0000 00.
• Priority Mail®: Also a 22-digit number, similar to standard USPS Tracking®, e.g., 9205 5000 0000 0000 0000 00.
• Certified Mail®: Again, a 22-digit number, e.g., 9407 3000 0000 0000 0000 00.
• Collect On Delivery Hold For Pickup: A 22-digit number, e.g., 9303 3000 0000 0000 0000 00.
• Global Express Guaranteed®: Consists of 11 digits, e.g., 82 000 000 00.
• Priority Mail Express International®: Begins with two letters, followed by nine numbers, and ends with "US", e.g., EC 000 000 000 US.
• Priority Mail Express®: Can be a 22-digit number or follow the international format with two letters, nine numbers, and ending with "US", e.g., 9270 1000 0000 0000 0000 00 or EA 000 000 000 US.
• Priority Mail International®: This format includes two letters, nine numbers, and ends with "US", e.g., CP 000 000 000 US.
• Registered Mail™: A 22-digit number, e.g., 9208 8000 0000 0000 0000 00.
• Signature Confirmation™: Also a 22-digit number, e.g., 9202 1000 0000 0000 0000 00.

These formats help identify the type of service used, and tracking these numbers allows users to check the status of their shipments, including any potential delays due to external conditions. If a tracking number is lost, the USPS generally cannot recover it unless you have an Informed Delivery account or other saved documentation.

To track your USPS package, you can utilize one of two primary methods:

1. Via the Official USPS Website:

   • Start by visiting the official USPS website.
   • Navigate to the tracking section.
   • Input your tracking number into the designated field.
   • Click on the "Track" button to view the current status and tracking history of your package.
   • For additional details or features, consider logging into your USPS.com account.

2. Using USPS Package Tracking on 17TRACK:

   • Firstly, locate your tracking number, which can be found on your receipt, the package’s outer packaging, or in a confirmation email.
   • Go to the 17TRACK website, enter your tracking number, and select 'track'.
   • You will then be able to see the tracking information for your package.

3. Using the USPS Mobile® App:

   • Download the USPS Mobile app from your device's app store.
   • Open the app and select "Track & Manage" or a similar option.
   • Enter your tracking number and tap "Track" or the search icon to see the parcel's status.
   • You can also enable notifications to receive updates on your package.
   • Note: App features may vary, so it's advisable to check the latest version of the app for the most accurate steps.

4. Through USPS Text Tracking™:

   • For basic tracking updates, text your package's tracking number to 28777 (2USPS). USPS will reply with the latest update.
   • For specific updates, text your tracking number along with a specific keyword to 28777 (2USPS). For a list of usable keywords and their functions, visit the USPS Text Tracking™ page.
   • Be mindful that regular text and data fees may apply based on your mobile plan.

These methods allow you to monitor your package’s journey, ensuring you stay informed about its status from dispatch to delivery.

To track a USPS package without a tracking number, there are a couple of methods you can try:

1. File a Missing Mail Search: If you've lost your tracking number and the package doesn't arrive as expected, you can initiate a Missing Mail search with USPS. For this, you'll need details like the sender's and recipient's addresses, the mailing date, and a description of the package. This method doesn't guarantee tracking but helps in locating lost mail.
2. Set Up a USPS Informed Delivery Account: This is the most effective way to manage and track your packages without a tracking number. Informed Delivery is a free service that lets you digitally preview your incoming mail and manage package deliveries. Here’s how to set it up:
   • Create a USPS account and go to the Informed Delivery section.
   • Verify if your address is eligible for Informed Delivery.
   • If eligible, log in to your USPS.com account, go to your profile page, and select “Informed Delivery.”
   • Click “Enroll,” agree to the terms and conditions, and complete the identity verification if needed.
   • Once enrolled, you can track packages, view grayscale images of your mail, leave delivery instructions, and set up notifications for package delivery statuses.

If you are expecting mail and lack a tracking number, consider asking the sender to provide the tracking details. This enables you to monitor the package's journey directly.

The delivery times for USPS packages vary depending on the shipping option you choose. Here’s a brief overview of the domestic and international shipping services offered by USPS:

Domestic Shipping Options:

• Priority Mail Express®: This is the fastest domestic service available for items that need urgent delivery, with options for next-day or 2-day delivery starting at $28.75.
• Priority Mail®: Offers delivery of essential items within 1-3 business days, with prices beginning at $9.35 depending on packaging and weight.
• USPS Ground Advantage™: Provides low-cost shipping for packages expected to be delivered within 2-5 business days, starting at $4.75.
• First-Class Mail®: Suitable for mailing flat envelopes and postcards with delivery times ranging from 1-5 business days. Prices start at $0.51 for postcards.
• Media Mail®: An economical option for shipping books and qualified media, taking 2-8 business days, with rates starting at $3.92.

Except for First-Class Mail®, all other services include USPS tracking. For First-Class Mail®, you can add services like Certified Mail to receive delivery confirmation.

International Shipping Options:

• Global Express Guaranteed® (GXG®): This premium service guarantees delivery within 1-3 business days to many destinations, including next-day delivery to parts of Canada, starting at $71.10.
• Priority Mail Express International®: Delivers crucial items to international destinations within 3-5 business days, starting at $54.75.
• Priority Mail International®: A cost-effective service for sending packages weighing over 4 lbs, with delivery within 6-10 business days, starting at $30.35.
• First Class Package International Service®: Best for packages or large envelopes under 4 lbs and valued below $400, with delivery times varying by destination.
• First Class Mail International®: Ideal for sending documents or printed materials weighing less than 15.994 oz, with variable delivery times based on destination.
• Airmail M-Bags®: Specifically for international students in the U.S. shipping books back home, with delivery times and costs varying by destination.

Tracking capabilities for international packages vary by destination. Some countries provide detailed tracking updates, while others may offer limited or no tracking information once the package leaves the U.S. It’s advisable to verify tracking options for your destination before shipping.

Understanding the various USPS tracking statuses is crucial for accurately monitoring the progress of your package. Here’s a summary of what each status indicates:

• Delivered: The package has been successfully delivered at the specified time, date, and location and is now in your mailbox or at your doorstep.
• In Transit / Arrived at USPS Facility / Departed USPS Facility: Your item is being processed or is in transit, moving towards your local Post Office™ for final delivery.
• Out for Delivery: The package is on its way to your location and is scheduled to arrive today.
• Arrived, Departed or Picked Up by Shipping Partner Facility, USPS Awaiting Item / On its Way to USPS: The item is currently with a partner carrier and has not yet been handed over to USPS. It is waiting to be transferred for USPS processing and subsequent delivery.
• Insufficient Address / No Such Number: The package is being returned to the sender due to inaccuracies or omissions in the delivery address that prevent successful delivery.
• No Access to Delivery Location: The carrier was unable to deliver the package because they could not access the delivery site.
• Notice Left (No Authorized Recipient Available): A delivery attempt was made that required a signature, but no one was available to sign. A notice was left for the recipient.
• Available for Pickup: The package could not be delivered and is now available for pickup at the nearest Post Office™. You or an authorized person can collect it during business hours.
• Shipping Label Created, USPS Awaiting Item / Pre-Shipment Info Sent to USPS Awaiting Item: The shipping label has been created, and a tracking number issued, but USPS is yet to receive the package. It will be processed once received.
• Arrived at Post Office: The package has reached the local Post Office and is prepared for delivery, expected today or the next available delivery day.
• USPS in Possession of Item: The package is officially in the possession of USPS and is being prepped for delivery to your local Post Office.
• Forwarded / Forwarded Processed: The package is being redirected either due to a request to change the address or because it was sent to the wrong Post Office initially.
• Redelivery Scheduled / Reminder to Schedule Redelivery of your Item: A redelivery has been scheduled, or you are being reminded to schedule one to prevent the package from being returned to the sender.
• Delivery Status Not Updated / Awaiting Delivery Scan: The package was supposed to be delivered but hasn’t been marked as "Delivered" and is overdue for a delivery scan.
• Notice Left (No Secure Location Available): The delivery attempt was not successful because a secure location to leave the package could not be found, resulting in the package being returned to the Post Office. Another delivery attempt is not automatically scheduled.
• Held at Post Office, At Customer Request: The package is being held at the Post Office at the request of the recipient, due to reasons like a USPS Hold Mail® request or specific delivery instructions.
• Shipment Received, Package Acceptance Pending: A batch of shipments has been received at a mail center, but the individual packages within the batch have not yet been processed or scanned.

Each status provides specific details about the stage of delivery or any issues that might have occurred, helping you to manage your expectations and actions regarding package reception.

If your package is eligible for the USPS Delivery Instructions™ service, you can provide specific instructions directly through the USPS website. On the USPS tracking results page, click the "Change Delivery Instructions" link to specify where to leave your package, redirect it to a different address, or have it sent to your local Post Office. If this link is not visible, it indicates that your package does not qualify for the Delivery Instructions service.

Note: The option to modify delivery instructions can only be accessed through the official USPS website. If you are tracking your package on a third-party site like 17TRACK, you will need to visit the USPS site to make any changes to the delivery options.

Reasons a Package May Not Qualify for Delivery Instructions:

Your package might be ineligible for several reasons, including:

• Already being out for delivery from the Post Office.
• Existing requests like Hold Mail or Forward Mail.
• Delivery to military (APO/FPO) or DPO addresses.
• Shipments from international senders.
• Packages requiring a delivery signature.
• Collect on Delivery (COD) requests.
• Active USPS Package Intercept® orders.
• Insurance value of $500 or more.

These conditions affect whether you can modify the delivery preferences for your package via the USPS website.

You can contact USPS customer service by calling 1-800-275-8777 (1-800-ASK-USPS). This phone number can be used for general inquiries, tracking packages, filing complaints, and other postal services-related questions.

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Hundreds of millions of users in over 230 countries worldwide are using 17TRACK to track 2,121 packages.

USPS orders delivered from thousands of marketplaces around the world are trackable on the 17TRACK platform. For example: TikTok, Shopify, Amazon, Wish, AilExpress, etc.