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The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a package tracking system that allows customers to track and monitor the status of their mail and packages in real time. This system provides end-to-end tracking, allowing customers to have transparent shipment visibility into the status and location of their packages with the USPS tracking number lookup. Whether sending or expecting a package, USPS tracking is an invaluable tool for both personal and business-related shipping needs.
Related: USPS vs. UPS USPS Order Tracking
Tracking USPS packages can be done through the following primary methods.
USPS tracking service allows you to keep a check on your packages throughout their entire journey. Follow the step-by-step guide below.
Go to the official USPS website.
Locate the tracking section.
Enter the tracking number.
Click the Track icon.
Then the next page will display the current status and tracking history of your parcel.
(Optional) For more detailed information or additional tracking features, you might consider signing in to your USPS.com account.
Alternatively, you can directly log on to the USPS tracking page to track your shipment.
USPS also brings its customers more convenience by letting them track their packages through the USPS Mobile®.
Here are the steps to track parcels via the USPS mobile app.
Download the USPS mobile app from your device's app store.
Open the app and select "Track & Manage" or similar.
Enter the tracking number.
Tap Track or the search icon to view the parcel's status.
(Optional) Enable notifications for updates.
Note: App features might vary; always check the latest app version for accurate steps.
USPS Text Tracking™ allows you to receive package status updates via text messages. Be aware that regular text and data fees might apply based on your mobile plan. Here's how you can access this feature.
From your phone:
Basic Tracking: Text your package's tracking number to 28777 (2USPS). In response, USPS will send you the most recent update for your package.
Specific Updates with Keywords: By texting your tracking number and a specific keyword to 28777 (2USPS), you can get particular details about your shipment. For a breakdown of how to use these keywords, refer to the USPS Text Tracking™ page.
TrackingMore is a tracking API aggregator integrated with 1327 carriers, including USPS, UPS and FedEx. Here are the steps to track your USPS parcels on TrackingMore.
Go to TrackingMore’s website and click the Carriers tab.
Choose the USPS icon from the provided carrier list and redirect to this page.
Enter your USPS tracking number and click Track.
View detailed tracking information and real-time updates.
A USPS tracking number is a combination of letters and numbers provided by the sender or the USPS Post Office when you drop off a package at their office. This tracking number can be used to monitor the movement of the package throughout its journey until its final destination.
The format of the tracking number depends on which shipping service is used. Below are the formats and examples of the tracking number for each USPS shipping service.
Shipping service |
Format |
Example |
USPS Tracking® |
22 numbers: 9400 1xxx |
9400 1000 0000 0000 0000 00 |
Priority Mail® |
22 numbers |
9205 5000 0000 0000 0000 00 |
Certified Mail® |
22 numbers |
9407 3000 0000 0000 0000 00 |
Collect On Delivery Hold For Pickup |
22 numbers |
9303 3000 0000 0000 0000 00 |
Global Express Guaranteed® |
11 numbers |
82 000 000 00 |
Priority Mail Express International® |
2 letters +9 numbers + 2 letters |
EC 000 000 000 US |
Priority Mail Express® |
- 22 numbers - 2 letters +9 numbers + 2 letters |
- 9270 1000 0000 0000 0000 00 - EA 000 000 000 US |
Priority Mail International® |
2 letters +9 numbers + 2 letters |
CP 000 000 000 US |
Registered Mail™ |
22 numbers |
9208 8000 0000 0000 0000 00 |
Signature Confirmation™ |
22 numbers |
9202 1000 0000 0000 0000 00 |
Tracking Status |
Description |
Shipping Label Created, USPS Awaiting Item / Pre-Shipment Info Sent to USPS Awaiting Item |
A shipping label with a USPS Tracking® number has been generated, but the package hasn't been handed over to USPS yet. Once they receive it, it will undergo processing and then be sent to the local Post Office™ for delivery. |
Shipment Received, Package Acceptance Pending |
A mail center has taken in a container or pallet with several packages, but the processing hasn't begun. When the container gets opened, every package inside will be scanned to show it's been accepted by the postal service. |
USPS in Possession of Item |
USPS has collected or taken possession of the package and started the preparation for its journey to your local Post Office. The package is en route. |
Arrived, Departed or Picked Up by Shipping Partner Facility, USPS Awaiting Item / On its Way to USPS |
USPS hasn't received the package yet. It was either collected by a delivery collaborator or entered/left their location. This partner will soon transfer the package to USPS for further processing and final delivery. |
In Transit / Arrived at USPS Facility / Departed USPS Facility |
The item is being processed and transported to your delivering Post Office™. |
Arrived at Post Office |
The package has reached the local Post Office and is getting ready for delivery. It's expected to be delivered either today or by the next working day of the postal service. |
Forwarded / Forwarded Processed |
The package is being rerouted to another address because of an address change request or it arrived at the incorrect Post Office for delivery. |
Out for Delivery |
The package is currently with your delivery service and is expected to arrive today. |
Delivery Status Not Updated / Awaiting Delivery Scan |
The package wasn't marked as "Delivered" within 14 hours after being listed as "Out for Delivery." |
No Access to Delivery Location |
Delivery was incomplete because the carrier could not access the location. |
Notice Left (No Authorized Recipient Available) |
The package needed a signature, but no one was present to provide it. The delivery person left a PS Form 3849 Redelivery Notice. A second delivery attempt won't be made automatically. |
Notice Left (No Secure Location Available) |
The delivery person couldn't find a safe location to place the package, so it was taken back to the Post Office. A second delivery attempt won't be automatically made for this package. |
Insufficient Address / No Such Number |
The package is on its way back to the sender due to an issue with the delivery address, which may be incomplete, incorrect, or missing some details, preventing successful delivery. |
Held at Post Office, At Customer Request |
The package is retained at the nearby Post Office due to reasons like a USPS Hold Mail® request, a Hold for Pickup directive, or USPS Delivery Instructions®. Redelivery isn't an option for this item. |
Redelivery Scheduled / Reminder to Schedule Redelivery of your Item |
A redelivery was arranged, or you've been reminded to set up a redelivery before the package gets sent back to its origin. |
Available for Pickup |
The package couldn't be delivered and is now ready for collection at your nearby Post Office™ during its operational hours. You or a person you authorize can pick it up. Redelivery for this item isn't an option. |
Delivery Status not updated |
The item has arrived for delivery but has yet to be processed. |
Delivered |
The package was delivered on a recorded time, delivery date, and location and should be in your mailbox. |
A USPS Delivery Exception occurs when something unexpected happens and a package can’t be delivered on time. This could be due to many reasons such as incorrect address, recipient not being available, weather conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances that disrupt the normal delivery process. When a delivery exception occurs, USPS will update the tracking status to reflect the reason for the delay.
Mail is late when it doesn’t arrive within the expected delivery time frame set by USPS based on the mail class and destination. USPS has specific delivery standards for each mail service, along with guidelines on when to contact customer support if these standards are not met.
Mail Class |
Delivery Standard |
Contact Customer Service after |
||
Priority Mail Express® |
1-2 calendar days (guaranteed) |
6 PM (local time) on the Guaranteed Delivery Date |
||
Priority Mail® |
1, 2, or 3 business days (not guaranteed) |
5 or more days from the date of mailing |
||
First-Class Mail® |
1-5 business days (not guaranteed) |
5 or more days from the date of mailing |
||
USPS Ground Advantage™ |
2-5 business days* (not guaranteed)
|
5 or more days from the date of mailing
|
||
Parcel Select® |
2-8 business days* (not guaranteed) |
14 or more days from the date of mailing |
||
Package Services:
|
2-8 business days* (not guaranteed) |
14 or more days from the date of mailing |
||
Periodicals |
3-9 business days* (not guaranteed) |
14 or more days from the date of mailing |
||
USPS Marketing Mail® |
3-10 business days (not guaranteed) |
14 or more days from the date of mailing |
Sourcing from faq.usps.com.
USPS tracking API is designed for businesses to streamline their tracking of USPS mail and packages by linking their platforms or systems to the USPS shipping tracking service, which provides either an overview or a detailed breakdown of shipping status information for USPS shipments.
TrackingMore’s shipment tracking API is one of the most advanced tracking APIs globally. Its ability to track 1327 couriers in one stop, along with TrackingMore’s proficiency in processing massive data, makes it a top choice for many leading international brands, like Shein, Kaufland, and DJI. TrackingMore API is also friendly to small and medium businesses, providing them with a cost-effective tracking solution based on a flexible pricing mechanism.
In addition to these advantages, TrackingMore API also boasts a range of other impressive features, including:
Real-time Tracking: TrackingMore API is able to provide the most updated tracking information so that businesses can always know the specific statuses and exact locations of their shipments.
Webhook Notifications: Equipped with Webhook, TrackingMore API is able to automatically send notifications that inform shipment status changes to businesses. In conjunction with the real-time tracking feature, TrackingMore API will enable businesses to quickly spot any delivery issues and take action accordingly.
Automatic Carrier Detection: TrackingMore API can not only integrate with numerous carriers but also detect them automatically and accurately, saving businesses the hassle of manually checking carriers and reducing the chance of errors.
Reliable API Performance: TrackingMore guarantees a robust 99.9% uptime for its API, ensuring uninterrupted access to shipment tracking information, complemented by round-the-clock support for any technical concerns.
Military-grade Data security: TrackingMore API meets the highest standards of security, such as ISO 27001, ensuring a high level of data protection.
Diverse Programming Languages: Developers can integrate TrackingMore's API using various programming languages, including PHP, Java, Node.js, Python, Ruby, and more. This means that businesses can use the language that best suits their needs and preferences.
Robust Scalability: With the ability to handle a large number of tracking requests, TrackingMore API can scale with the growing size and tracking demands of businesses. It will adapt to the changing needs and deliver consistent performance as a business develops.
TrackingMore API provides a 14-day free trial now. You can sign up to experience these features and improve your tracking experience today.
USPS offers a wide range of shipping services for both domestic and international deliveries.
For domestic shipping, customers can choose from the following options.
Feature |
Service |
Description |
Price |
Delivery Speed |
Fastest Delivery Speed |
Priority Mail Express® |
Sending an item urgently for next-day or 2-day delivery. |
From $28.75 |
Next-Day to 2-Day |
Priority Mail® |
Sending crucial items for 1-3 business day delivery. |
- Flat Rate Envelope: From $9.65 - USPS Mailing Box (Flat Rate): From $10.20 - Your Own Box By Weight/Zone: From $9.35 |
1-3 business days |
|
Simple, Affordable, Reliable |
USPS Ground Advantage™ |
Low rates for packages with expected delivery in 2-5 business days |
From $4.75 |
2–5 business days |
Postcards & Envelops |
First-Class Mail® |
Mailing a flat envelope, either standard (under 3.5 oz) or large (under 13 oz), that's easily bendable. |
- From $0.51 (postcards) - From $0.66 (letters) - From $1.35 (large envelopes) |
1-5 Business Days |
Only at the Post Office |
Media Mail® |
Sending just books (or qualified media) for the lowest cost. |
From $3.92 |
2-8 Business Days |
All the mentioned services, except for First-Class Mail®, come with USPS Mail Tracking service. For First-Class Mail®, you can get delivery confirmation by adding services like Certified Mail.
For international customers, USPS offers the following range of delivery options. It's noted that USPS international tracking varies depending on the package's destination. Some countries provide detailed tracking updates, while others might offer limited or no information once the package leaves the U.S. It's important to check tracking capabilities for each destination before shipping.
Feature |
Service |
Description |
Price |
Delivery Speed |
Fastest Delivery Speed |
Global Express Guaranteed® (GXC®) |
Sending an item urgently that must arrive in a few days. |
From $71.10 |
1-3 business days (1 business day to many destinations in Canada) |
Priority Mail Express International® |
Sending crucial items that must arrive in under a week. |
From $54.75 |
3–5 business days |
|
Affordable Options |
Priority Mail International® |
Sending packages that weigh over 4 lbs. |
From $30.35 |
6–10 business days |
First Class Package International Service® |
Sending a package or large envelope under 4 lbs, valued below $400. |
From $15.75 |
Varies by destination |
|
Best for Documents or Printed Materials Only |
First Class Mail International® |
Sending a document envelope weighing less than 15.994 oz. |
From $3.00 |
Varies by destination |
Airmail M-Bags® |
If you're an international student in the U.S. looking to ship many books back home. |
From $55.00 |
Varies by destination |
The United States Postal Service (USPS), also referred to as US Mail, Post Office, and Postal Service, is an independent entity of the U.S. federal government's executive branch. Despite its independent operation, it holds the distinction of being one of the few agencies explicitly authorized by the Constitution. With approximately 34,000 retail locations, USPS is unmatched in its reach, delivering to every address nationwide. Its vast network manages almost half of the world's mail, making it the largest postal system by volume.
Headquartered in Washington, DC, near the iconic National Mall, USPS has established relationships with global giants, including Amazon, its most significant client in 2019. Beyond its logistical achievements, USPS stands as a symbol of unity in the U.S., known for its dependable, affordable, and secure mail services, binding the nation together.
Type |
Contact |
Hours of Operation |
|
Customer Care Center |
Phone number: 1-800-ASK-USPS® (1-800-275-8777) |
Monday – Friday: 8 AM – 8:30 PM ET Saturday: 8 AM – 6 PM ET |
|
USPS Tracking Support |
Phone number: 1-800-222-1811 |
Monday – Friday: 8 AM – 8:30 PM ET Saturday: 8 AM – 6 PM ET |
|
Informed Delivery |
/ |
||
Stamps |
Phone number: 1-844-737-7826 |
Monday – Friday: 8 AM – 4:30 PM ET Closed Saturdays, Sundays, and Postal Holidays |
A typical USPS tracking number will be a combination of 22 digits or characters consisting of numerical digits and alphabetic letters. Depending on the shipping service you select, the USPS tracking number can be either 11 or 13 digits long.
You can locate your USPS tracking number at the following places.
- On the shipping receipt provided by your Post Office™
- On the sales receipt, if you purchased insurance at the Post Office™
- From the confirmation email, if you have used USPS.com for your shipping
- On the confirmation email sent to you by your online retailer
- From the bottom portion of your USPS Tracking® label
Your USPS tracking number will be provided as soon as your sender books a shipment with USPS to be delivered.
Moreover, if you book a shipment personally with USPS, either through the pick-up service or by visiting the company’s post office, the receipt will have your item’s tracking number.
Some items, like postcards, as well as First-Class Mail International letters and flats, don’t come with a tracking number. But you can purchase an extra service to qualify for package tracking. If your shipment should have a tracking number but you didn’t receive one, here’s what you can do:
As a sender, you can check the receipt, email, shipment label, or another service used to buy online postage to see if a tracking number was provided.
As a recipient, you can ask the sender for the tracking number or check on USPS Informed Delivery.
You have very limited options available in case you lose your tracking number. The best way to track your shipment without a tracking number is by setting up a Delivery Account with USPS. This free service will let you preview your mail digitally, manage your shipment deliveries, and track them.
All you need to do is:
Set up an account with USPS and sign up for free in their Informed Delivery section.
Enter your address here to determine if it is eligible. If eligible, log in to your usps.com account and select ‘Informed Delivery’.
Select the option of ‘Enroll’, then scroll down to the Informed Delivery box.
Answer the identity verification questions.
Following these steps will allow you to track your packages through USPS’s online dashboard.
Once your package is scanned, it can take 24 hours for the tracking system to update information on your shipment. There could be delays due to other factors, such as bad weather conditions. As soon as scans become available, tracking information will be duly updated.
Even though certain mail services will deliver packages on the weekend, the tracking information may not constantly be updated on a Sunday unless Priority Mail Express is used.
USPS typically retains your package tracking history for up to 120 days. The tracking history may be retained for up to 2 years for different services.
Recheck the delivery protocol of the shipping service you selected. Then compare this with your product information and check the status of delayed mail and packages to determine why your mail could be delayed.
If you suspect your mail is lost, follow these steps:
Check the current status: Check the current status of your mail on USPS Tracking®.
Submit an online help request: If the status doesn’t provide the needed information, proceed to fill out an online help request form using a computer.
Contact your local Post Office™: Once the form is submitted, your local Post Office™ facility will assist in locating your missing items.
Submit a missing mail search request: If your mail or package still hasn’t arrived after 7 business days from when you submitted your online help request form, submit a missing mail search request on the USPS website. Upon submission, you’ll receive a confirmation.
For detailed steps on how to submit the help request form and the missing mail search request, refer to the USPS website.
Yes, the USPS contact number for package tracking is 1-800-222-1811, operational from 8 AM to 8:30 PM ET, Monday to Friday, and 8 AM to 6 PM ET on Saturdays.
For domestic shipping services, the delivery time is as follows.
Mail Service |
Delivery Time |
Priority Mail Express |
1-2 days (guaranteed) |
Priority Mail |
1-3 working days |
First-Class Mail |
1-5 business days |
First-Class Package Service |
2-5 business days |
USPS Retail Ground |
2-5 business days |
Parcel Select Ground |
2-5 business days |
Parcel Select Lightweight |
2-8 business days |
Package services |
2-8 business days |
Periodicals and Marketing Mail |
3-10 business days |
For international shipping services, the expected delivery time is as follows.
Mail Service |
Delivery Time |
Global Express Guaranteed |
1 business day to Canada, 1-3 business days to others |
Priority Mail Express International |
3-5 business days |
Priority Mail International |
6-10 business days |
First-Class Package International Service |
Varies by destination |
First-Class Mail International |
Varies by destination |
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TrackingMore integrated with 1327+ carriers, supporting global parcel tracking in one place.
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