Tracking USPS Packages: How to Check Your USPS Tracking Status

If you’re wondering how to check your USPS tracking status, you have a few different options. This guide is all about navigating the different places where you can get an update on your package, and what to do if you think it’s lost or missing.

Table of Contents

• Check Your Tracking Status on USPS.com
• Some of the Most Common USPS Tracking Statuses
• Is Your Package Lost or Missing?
• What if I Missed My USPS Delivery?

Check Your Tracking Status on USPS.com

The best way to keep track of your package during transit is to enter your tracking number on USPS’ website. The USPS website will always provide the most detailed and up-to-date information. In addition, the USPS website also provides a complete history for each package. You’ll be able to see what day and time USPS scanned in the package, when it reached one of their sorting centers, and when it was delivered.

You Can Also Use Google

Here’s a pro tip: you can also get a basic tracking update on Google! When you enter “USPS tracking,” you’ll see a search bar where you can type in the tracking number of your package. You won’t get as much detailed information here as you will on the USPS website, but it’s still a good way to keep tabs on your package. Here’s how that looks:

Some of the Most Common USPS Tracking Statuses

Here’s a list of a few of the most common USPS tracking statuses, along with short descriptions of each one:

• Acceptance: The parcel was scanned in either by a Post Office employee or by a letter carrier during a pickup
• Processed Through Sort Facility: The parcel has gone through and left a USPS processing facility
• In Transit: The parcel is en route to its final destination, either marked by “In Transit, Arriving on Time” or “In Transit, Arriving Late”
• Out-for-Delivery: The parcel has been given to a letter carrier for final delivery
• Delivered: The parcel has been delivered at the recipient’s address or P.O. Box

Keep in mind that the statuses listed above are some of the “main” statuses you’ll see on the USPS website. There are over one hundred “sub-statuses” that USPS, most commonly for “Alerts” that USPS assigns to packages that are undeliverable for whatever reason. Some of those alerts are “Return to Sender,” “Refused,” “Vacant,” “Moved, Left No Address,” and more.

For a more comprehensive breakdown of all the USPS tracking statuses that you may see for your package, check out our guide on some of the most common USPS tracking statuses.

Is Your Package Lost or Missing?

If your USPS package has gone missing, there are a few steps you can take. First, check if the service you paid for comes with built-in USPS insurance. For example, all USPS Priority Mail services come with insurance ($50 at the Post Office, and $100 with online shipping software). If your parcel comes with insurance, you can file an insurance claim directly with USPS. If USPS approves the claim, they will mail you a check.

Another step you can take is to file a missing mail search request with USPS. Note that you’ll need to create a free USPS.com account first. In addition, you can also contact USPS directly at 1-800-ASK-USPS. However, if you do go that route, keep in mind that you may be on the phone for quite some time.

What if I Missed My USPS Delivery?

If your package is nowhere to be found, sometimes you may be the responsible party for missing the delivery. This is common for packages that require a signature upon delivery (when no one is home to sign for the package, USPS takes it back to the local Post Office and holds it for the recipient to come to claim it). If this applies to you, check out our guide on the steps you can take if you missed your USPS delivery.