USPS Tracking Numbers: How to Track Your USPS Package in 2024

When you send or receive packages through USPS, they are assigned a distinct tracking number.

But what exactly does a USPS tracking number resemble? Here's a breakdown of its structure and significance:

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

• What Is Package Tracking?
• The Composition of a USPS Tracking Number
• What Services Does USPS Provide for Shipping?
• Possible Formats of a USPS Tracking Number
• How Many Digits Does It Contain?
• Interpreting the Initial Four Digits
• USPS Tracking Status: What Does Each One Mean?
• FAQs on USPS Tracking and Tracking Numbers
• Key Points

What Is Package Tracking?

Package tracking is the system that allows you to monitor the progress and location of your deliveries in real-time. This service enables you to see precisely when your package is dispatched, its current location, and its estimated arrival time.

How It Works

1. Tracking Number: Every package receives a unique identifier known as a tracking number. This number is crucial for monitoring the parcel's journey.
2. Carrier Systems: Major shipping companies like FedEx, UPS, and DHL utilize sophisticated tracking technologies. These include scanning barcodes at each checkpoint, which updates the package status in real-time.
3. Notifications: Customers receive updates via email or text, detailing the package's whereabouts and any changes to its delivery schedule.

Why It's Important

• Transparency: Know exactly where your package is at any moment.
• Security: Assurance that your item is moving through the correct channels.
• Convenience: Plan your day around the expected delivery time more efficiently.

The tracking number is typically provided by the seller through a confirmation email or printed on the shipping receipt. Whether you're eagerly awaiting a new gadget or vital documents, package tracking keeps you informed every step of the way.

The Composition of a USPS Tracking Number

USPS tracking numbers vary in format based on their corresponding mail classes. It's essential to understand how to interpret these diverse formats.

Here's an overview of what USPS tracking numbers entail:

• USPS Tracking: 9400 1000 0000 0000 0000 00
• Priority Mail: 9205 5000 0000 0000 0000 00
• Certified Mail: 9589 0000 0000 0000 0000 00
• Collect on Delivery: 9303 3000 0000 0000 0000 00
• Global Express Guaranteed: 82 000 000 00
• Priority Mail Express: 9270 1000 0000 0000 0000 00
• Priority Mail International: CP 000 000 000 US
• Registered Mail: 9208 8000 0000 0000 0000 00
• Signature Confirmation: 9202 1000 0000 0000 0000 00

What are the Steps to Track a Package Using USPS?

For tracking a package, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Visit the United States Postal Service website.
Step 2: Enter your tracking number, which is about 10 to 20 characters in length, into the search bar.
Step 3: Click on search to keep track of your delivery.

You’ll receive your package tracking number once you register your product for delivery. Note that USPS provides tracking numbers for domestic deliveries and certain types of mail only. For small envelopes, First Class Mail, or Marketing Mail, USPS typically does not provide tracking numbers unless you pay a small additional fee.

Benefits of a USPS Account

Having a personal USPS account offers additional perks:

• Monitor shipments without entering the tracking number each time.
• Receive notifications on your mobile and email about the delivery status.

Remember, USPS is known for delivering products within two to three days nationwide and has been recognized for its value in small parcel deliveries. This reliability extends to managing and tracking multiple packages efficiently through their in-built tracking systems.

What Services Does USPS Provide for Shipping?

When it comes to the shipping options, USPS provides a wide range of them to meet various mailing needs. Below is an overview of their key services:

Everyday Mailing Solutions:

• First-Class Mail: Ideal for letters, postcards, and lightweight parcels. This service is cost-effective for sending everyday items quickly.
• USPS Retail Ground: Suitable for heavier items that do not need to arrive quickly. This is a budget-friendly option for non-urgent parcels.

Priority Options:

• Priority Mail: Ensures faster delivery times, typically within 1-3 business days. It includes tracking and offers free package pick-up.
• Priority Mail Express: The fastest service provided by USPS, guaranteeing delivery overnight or within two days, with money-back guarantees on late deliveries.

Special Handling:

• Media Mail: An economical way to send educational materials such as books, DVDs, and CDs.
• Certified Mail: Provides proof of mailing along with delivery confirmation for important documents or items requiring extra security.

These services are designed to handle various shipping requirements, from everyday mailing to urgent deliveries, ensuring that there is always an option to fit your specific needs.

Possible Formats of a USPS Tracking Number

All Numeric Upon observation of the listed numbers above, it becomes apparent that some consist of 20 to 22 digits, indicating domestic mail within the United States.

Alternative formats, such as those comprising only ten digits, are also utilized.

Alpha-Numeric If a USPS tracking number includes letters at the beginning, like EC or CP (as seen in the example provided under Priority Mail International), it signifies international mail.

Various other alpha-numeric formats for USPS tracking numbers exist as well. These may consist of 13 characters, typically commencing with two letters, followed by nine numbers, and concluding with US (e.g., EA 999 999 999 US).

How Many Digits Does It Contain?

The prevalent USPS tracking number formats generally consist of 20 to 22 digits.

Conversely, alpha-numeric tracking number formats are also prevalent, particularly in parcels originating from abroad.

Less common USPS tracking number formats may comprise solely ten digits or a 13-character alpha-numeric sequence, beginning with two letters, followed by nine digits, and concluding with US.

Interpreting the Initial Four Digits

The initial four digits within a USPS tracking number disclose the type of mail service utilized by the package. These digits are commonly referred to as the service code.

For instance, tracking numbers commencing with 9400 signify the traditional USPS tracking code, while those starting with 9270 indicate Priority Mail Express shipments.

USPS Tracking Status: What Does Each One Mean?

Once you enter your tracking status number, you'll see the status of your USPS delivery, or your tracking status.

Understanding USPS tracking statuses can be crucial in knowing the whereabouts of your package and its expected delivery timeline.

Here is a comprehensive guide to different USPS tracking statuses and what each means for you:

• Delivered: This status indicates that the package has been successfully delivered at the recorded time and location specified for delivery.
  
  
• In Transit / Arrived at USPS Facility / Departed USPS Facility: The package is currently being processed or is on its way through various USPS centers toward the delivery destination.
  
  
• Out for Delivery: The package is with a carrier and is scheduled to be delivered on the day this status is active.
  
  
• Arrived, Departed, or Picked Up by Shipping Partner Facility, USPS Awaiting Item / On its Way to USPS: This indicates that the package is still with a third-party shipping partner and has not yet been handed over to USPS. The package will soon be transferred to USPS for processing and delivery.
  
  
• Insufficient Address / No Such Number: This status is applied when the package is un-deliverable due to incorrect or incomplete address information, causing its return to the sender.
  
  
• No Access to Delivery Location: The delivery could not be completed because the carrier was unable to access the delivery location.
  
  
• Notice Left (No Authorized Recipient Available): If a signature is required and no one is available to provide it, the carrier will leave a notice and the package will not be redelivered without further action by the recipient.
  
  
• Available for Pickup: The package is available for pickup at a designated post office. Typically, this status appears if delivery was not possible.
  
  
• Shipping Label Created, USPS Awaiting Item / Pre-Shipment Info Sent to USPS Awaiting Item: A shipping label has been generated, but USPS has yet to receive the package for processing and subsequent delivery.
  
  
• Arrived at Post Office: The package has made it to the local Post Office and is being prepared for delivery, which is typically completed by the next business day.
  
  
• USPS in Possession of Item: Indicates that USPS has officially taken possession of the package and begins its processing for final delivery.
  
  
• Forwarded / Forwarded Processed: The package is being redirected to a new address, either due to an address change request or because it was initially sent to the wrong location.
  
  
• Redelivery Scheduled / Reminder to Schedule Redelivery of your Item: Redelivery of the package has been scheduled after a failed delivery attempt, or a reminder has been issued to arrange for redelivery.
  
  
• Delivery Status Not Updated / Awaiting Delivery Scan: There has been a delay in the package getting marked as delivered, especially if over 14 hours have passed since its status was set to "Out for Delivery".
  
  
• Notice Left (No Secure Location Available): The carrier was unable to find a secure location to leave the package, causing the package to be returned to the post office. Redelivery is not automatic and must be requested.
  
  
• Held at Post Office, At Customer Request: The package is being held at the post office at the request of the recipient, often due to a Hold Mail request or other delivery instructions.
  
  
• Delivery Status not updated: This status may appear when the package is at the delivery stage but hasn’t been processed or updated as delivered yet.
  
  
• Shipment Received, Package Acceptance Pending: Indicates that a container or pallet of packages has been received by a mail center but individual processing of the contained packages has not yet started.
  
  These statuses provide detailed insights regarding the journey of your package through the USPS system, helping you to better anticipate its arrival.

FAQs on USPS Tracking and Tracking Numbers

USPS provides support to a number of issues that you may have regarding tracking and delivery.

Key Points

USPS tracking numbers typically consist of 20 to 22 digits, commencing with the number 9. However, for packages shipped internationally, alphanumeric codes are utilized instead.

Deciphering your USPS tracking number is facilitated by the initial four digits, which provide comprehensive information regarding the type of service employed for your package.