The United States Postal Service (USPS) is an independent agency of the US federal government and one of the largest postal services in the world, delivering to over 163 million delivery addresses daily. Founded in 1775 with Benjamin Franklin as the first Postmaster General, USPS operates more than 31,000 post offices and employs approximately 630,000 workers. Whether you're tracking a Priority Mail package, a First-Class letter, or an international shipment, USPS provides tracking at USPS.com. For support, visit USPS.com/help or call 1-800-275-8777.
Track USPS Package
Track USPS packages and mail in real time. Get delivery status for Priority Mail, First-Class, Parcel Select, and all USPS domestic and international shipments.
USPS Tracking
Key facts about USPS
USPS tracking
USPS tracking numbers range from 20 to 34 digits depending on the service and barcode type.
Priority Mail and Priority
Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express tracking updates occur at most USPS facilities.
USPS Informed Delivery lets
USPS Informed Delivery lets you preview mail and packages before they arrive.
First-Class Package tracking updates
First-Class Package tracking updates may be less frequent than Priority Mail.
USPS Tracking Statuses Explained
Use the last visible scan to decide whether to wait, track more closely, or escalate.
| Status | What it means | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Shipping Label Created, USPS Awaiting Item | The sender has generated a shipping label and submitted electronic shipment data to USPS, but USPS has not yet physically received or scanned the package. | Monitor the next scan event. |
| Shipment Received, Package Acceptance Pending | A container holding the package has been received at a USPS facility but individual package processing has not yet begun. | Monitor the next scan event. |
| USPS in Possession of Item | USPS has physically collected the package and begun processing it for transit. | Monitor the next scan event. |
| In Transit to Next Facility | The package is moving between USPS processing facilities and has been scanned at an intermediate point. | Monitor the next scan event. |
| Arrived at USPS Facility | The package has been scanned upon arrival at a USPS sorting or processing center. | Monitor the next scan event. |
| Departed USPS Facility | The package has left a USPS sorting or processing center and is en route to the next facility or delivery unit. | Monitor the next scan event. |
USPS Tracking Number Formats
Identify your tracking number type before entering it into the search box above.
USPS Tracking / Priority Mail
940011189922338762391022-digit numeric
Starts with 9400 (USPS Tracking) or 9205 (Priority Mail). IMpb barcode format.
Priority Mail Express
927019016491731295432822-digit numeric
Starts with 9270 or 9205.
character alphanumeric
2 letters + 9 digits + 2 letters (US)
Follows S10 UPU standard. Ends in US.
Global Express Guaranteed (GXG)
82 000 000 0010-digit or 11-digit numeric
Numeric only, begins with 82.
Certified Mail / Signature Confirmation
940711189922338762391022-digit numeric
Starts with 9407 (Certified Mail) or 9202 (Signature Confirmation).
How to Track a USPS Package
Follow these steps to get real-time status on any USPS shipment.
Find the USPS tracking number on your shipping label, confirmation email, or receipt
Open https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction
Go to https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction.
Enter up to 35 tracking numbers (one per line)
Click 'Track' to view current status and scan history
Optionally set up email or text notifications on the USPS tracking results page
Use USPS Informed Delivery (informeddelivery.usps.com) for a daily digest of incoming mail
Common USPS Tracking Problems
Expand each issue for the cause, what to do, and when to call USPS directly.
Tracking not updating for 24+ hours after label creation
Cause
The sender created a label but has not yet physically handed the package to USPS. Tracking only activates on first scan.
What to do
Allow 24-48 hours after the expected drop-off date. If the sender has confirmed dispatch, ask them for proof of drop-off.
Escalate when
Contact USPS at 1-800-275-8777 if no scan appears within 5 business days of the label creation date.
Tracking shows Delivered but package not received
Cause
The package may have been left at a neighbour's address, in a communal area, or mis-scanned as delivered before actual delivery.
What to do
Check with neighbours, building management, and all entry points. Wait 24 hours as carriers sometimes pre-scan. Check USPS Informed Delivery for delivery photos.
Escalate when
If not found after 24 hours, file a Missing Mail search at missingmail.usps.com. For high-value items, file a claim at usps.com/help/claims.htm.
Package stuck In Transit with no updates for several days
Cause
Delays can be caused by weather events, facility backlogs, peak season volume, or a missed scan at a facility.
What to do
Check usps.com/service-alerts for known disruptions. Allow extra time during holidays and peak periods.
Escalate when
If no update for more than 7 business days, submit a Missing Mail search at missingmail.usps.com.
Delivery Attempted but no notice was left
Cause
Carrier may have knocked but received no response, or the notice fell from the door.
What to do
Check the USPS tracking page for the next scheduled delivery attempt. Schedule a free redelivery online at usps.com.
Escalate when
Call your local post office directly if redelivery scheduling fails, or visit with a photo ID to collect the package.
USPS Shipping Services Compared
Compare USPS service tiers and their typical delivery windows side by side.
Service options
Priority Mail Express
Overnight to 2-day guaranteed delivery
Urgent deliveries 1 day
Priority Mail
1-3 business days
Urgent deliveries 1 day
First-Class Mail/Package
1-5 business days for letters and small packages
Everyday shipping Transit times vary by route
USPS Ground Advantage
2-5 business days for ground packages (replaced Parcel Select)
Budget domestic parcels 2-5 days
Media Mail
Economy rate for books, media (2-8 business days)
Everyday shipping 2-8 days
USPS Delivery Times by Service
Priority Mail Express
1 business day
Overnight by 6:00 PM (or money back guarantee)
Priority Mail
1-3 business days
1-3 business days
First-Class Package Service
1-5 business days
1-5 business days
USPS Ground Advantage
2-5 business days
2-5 business days
Media Mail
2-8 business days
2-8 business days
Priority Mail International
6-10 business days
6-10 business days
USPS Tracking FAQs
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about USPS tracking and delivery.
01 How do I track a USPS package?
Go to tools.usps.com and enter your tracking number. You can also text your tracking number to 28777 (2USPS) for updates.
02 What is USPS Informed Delivery?
Informed Delivery is a free service that emails you daily grayscale images of letter-sized mail and notifications about incoming packages before they arrive.
03 How long does Priority Mail take?
Priority Mail typically delivers in 1-3 business days within the US. It is not a guaranteed service, though USPS aims to meet the estimate.
04 What does 'Pre-Shipment' mean on USPS tracking?
Pre-shipment means USPS received the label information but has not yet scanned the package. This often happens when shippers print labels in advance. Wait 48 hours for the first scan.
05 How do I schedule a USPS redelivery?
Go to usps.com/redelivery and enter the tracking number from the delivery notice. You can schedule for the next delivery day or pick up at your post office.
06 Can USPS deliver to a PO Box?
Yes, USPS delivers all mail classes to PO Boxes. Private carriers like FedEx and UPS cannot deliver to PO Boxes, but USPS accepts them for all services.
More USPS Tracking Guides
USPS Holidays 2026: Closures, Delivery Changes, and Last Ship Dates USPS Delivered to Wrong Address: Recovery Steps and Claim Deadlines How to Ship Perfume via USPS: Rules, Packing Tips, and Costs USPS Stolen Package: Claim Steps, Deadlines, and What to Do How to Reuse Packaging for USPS Shipping: Rules and Tips Redirect a USPS Package: Package Intercept Steps, Fees, and Limits
Get Help from USPS
If the latest scan still does not make sense, contact USPS directly with your tracking number ready.
Support hours: 8:30 PM ET
About USPS
The United States Postal Service traces its origins to the Constitutional Congress of 1775 and was formally established as the Post Office Department in 1792. It became an independent agency in 1971 under the Postal Reorganization Act. USPS processes approximately 421 million pieces of mail per day and operates the largest civilian vehicle fleet in the world. It serves as the universal service provider for mail to all US addresses regardless of location, which private carriers are not required to do.
- Official site
- https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction_input
- Track packages
- https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction
- Support portal
- Open support →
- Network type
- National Post
- Country
- US
- Region
- north america
- Coverage
- USPS delivers to every US address -- all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and overseas military addresses (APO/FPO/DPO). International service reaches 180+ countries through Priority Mail International and partnerships with other postal organizations.
- Support hours
- 8:30 PM ET
- Last verified
- Apr 18, 2026
Referenced sources