# USPS FAQs: Tracking, Delivery, and Customer Service (2026) > Quick answers to the most common USPS questions — tracking status meanings, delivery windows, missing packages, service selection, and customer support contacts. - **Author**: Charles Helms - **Published**: 2021-08-08 - **Updated**: 2026-05-03 - **Category**: faqs - **URL**: https://trackingadvice.com/usps-faqs/ --- ## Tracking and Delivery Status **What does "In Transit" mean on USPS tracking?** The package is moving through the USPS network between origin and destination. No action needed -- it will update when it reaches the next facility or is out for delivery. **What does "Out for Delivery" mean?** Your package has been loaded onto a carrier's vehicle and is on today's route. It could arrive any time between now and 8 PM. The scan happens in the morning when the carrier loads up -- not when they're nearby. **What does "Delivered" mean if I didn't receive it?** Check with neighbors and alternate drop spots first: behind planters, side door, building desk, all of it. If it still has not turned up after 24 hours, use the [USPS delivered to wrong address guide](https://trackingadvice.com/usps-delivered-to-wrong-address/) before you jump straight to a theft claim. **What does "Awaiting Delivery Scan" mean?** The package arrived at the destination post office but hasn't been scanned for delivery yet. This usually clears within 24 hours. If it persists past 2 business days, call your local post office. **What does "Arrived at USPS Facility" mean?** The package reached a sorting or distribution center. It will move to the next facility or to the delivery post office shortly. This is a normal in-transit update. **Where is my USPS tracking number?** On the bottom of the shipping label, below the barcode. It's also on your USPS.com order receipt, in any shipping confirmation email from the sender, and on the peel-off receipt if you shipped from a post office counter. **How do I track a USPS package?** Enter your tracking number at [USPS.com](https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction) or text your tracking number to 28777 (2USPS). USPS Informed Delivery (free) sends delivery notifications automatically. --- ## Delivery Hours and Schedule **What are USPS delivery hours?** Monday through Saturday, 8 AM to 8 PM. The official target is 5 PM, but carriers run the whole route regardless. During the Thanksgiving-to-Christmas period, deliveries can run until 9 PM. The full [USPS delivery hours guide](https://trackingadvice.com/usps-delivery-hours/) breaks down both route windows and service standards. **What time does USPS stop delivering?** There's no hard cutoff for most services. Standard days: carriers typically finish between 6-8 PM. Peak season: up to 9 PM. Only Priority Mail Express has a guaranteed delivery time. That said, you do not need two separate USPS timing articles unless you care about the route cutoff details. **Does USPS deliver on Sundays?** Only for Amazon packages (via the USPS-Amazon partnership) and Priority Mail Express. No other services deliver on Sundays. **Does USPS deliver on Saturday?** Yes, full standard delivery. Saturday routes follow the same hours as weekdays. **Does USPS deliver on federal holidays?** Most services do not deliver on federal holidays. Priority Mail Express delivers on most holidays except Christmas and New Year's Day. **What are post office lobby and retail hours?** Retail counter hours run separately from carrier delivery -- most branches are roughly 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays with shorter Saturday hours, while self-service kiosks and PO Box lobbies often open earlier and close later. The [US post office hours guide](https://trackingadvice.com/us-post-office-hours/) covers lobby access, kiosk availability, and how to confirm your specific branch. --- ## Services and Costs **What is the cheapest USPS shipping service?** For lightweight packages (under 16 oz): First-Class Package Service. For heavier packages: USPS Ground Advantage. Both are weight-and-zone based. For heavy items going long distances, Priority Mail Flat Rate can be cheaper. Use the [USPS Postage Calculator](https://postcalc.usps.com/) to compare. **What's the fastest USPS service?** Priority Mail Express -- next-day delivery by 6 PM, guaranteed with money-back. Priority Mail Next Day (launched 2025) offers next-day delivery without the time guarantee at a lower price. **Are USPS flat rate boxes free?** Yes. Flat rate boxes and envelopes are available at no charge at any post office or by ordering from USPS.com. You pay only for postage when you ship. **What is USPS Informed Delivery?** A free service that sends you email notifications with scanned images of incoming mail and delivery photos for packages. Sign up at [informeddelivery.usps.com](https://informeddelivery.usps.com) -- takes about 5 minutes. **Can USPS print my label?** You can print labels at home using [USPS Click-N-Ship](https://trackingadvice.com/usps-click-and-ship/) at commercial rates. You can also have labels printed at the post office counter or at many Staples locations. **How do I print a label at home?** Create a free USPS.com account, go to Shipping -> Ship a Package, enter the details, pay, and print on any inkjet or laser printer. --- ## Package Pickup and Drop-Off **Can USPS pick up my package?** Yes. Free carrier pickup is available for any prepaid package -- schedule at [USPS Schedule a Pickup](https://tools.usps.com/schedule-pickup-steps.htm) by midnight for next-business-day pickup. No extra charge. **Where can I drop off a USPS package?** Post offices, blue collection boxes under 13 oz, Walgreens, CVS, and Staples. Many of those retail counters belong to the [USPS Approved Postal Provider program](https://trackingadvice.com/usps-approved-postal-provider-program/), which is what lets them sell postage and accept packages. The full [USPS drop-off locations guide](https://trackingadvice.com/drop-off-usps-packages/) is the better read if your package is overweight, prepaid, or restricted. **Can I drop off a USPS package at UPS?** Rarely -- some individual UPS Store franchises accept USPS returns as a courtesy, but this is not standard. For reliable drop-off, use a post office, blue box, or Walgreens. --- ## Missing and Delayed Packages **How do I report a missing USPS package?** File a Missing Mail search at [usps.com/help/missing-mail.htm](https://www.usps.com/help/missing-mail.htm). Do this before calling customer service -- it routes a formal inquiry to your delivery unit. Wait at least 7 days past the expected delivery date for Priority Mail, 14 days for other services, before filing. **Who do I call about a missing package?** USPS customer service: **1-800-275-8777**. But filing online at usps.com/help/missing-mail.htm is generally more effective. For urgent Priority Mail Express issues, also ask the post office supervisor to check GPS delivery coordinates. **What should I do if my package was stolen?** If tracking shows "Delivered" but you believe the package was taken from your doorstep, treat that as a theft workflow rather than a misdelivery workflow. **Why is my USPS package delayed?** Common causes: holiday volume, weather, staffing shortages, and route changes. During peak season (November-December), delays of 1-3 days are common. If the package hasn't updated in 5+ business days and isn't approaching expected delivery, file a missing mail search. --- ## Shipping Rules and Restrictions **What can I not ship through USPS?** Prohibited items include marijuana, handguns for most non-licensed individuals, gasoline, explosives, and alcohol in most cases. Restricted items like lithium batteries, aerosols, hemp/CBD products, and long guns can ship only under specific rules. The [USPS shipping restrictions guide](https://trackingadvice.com/usps-shipping-restrictions/) has the actual breakdown. **Can USPS open my package?** USPS Postal Inspectors can obtain a federal warrant to open packages suspected of containing prohibited items. Regular packages are not opened during transit. If a package appears damaged, postal workers may open it to prevent further damage. **Can USPS ship internationally?** Yes -- to over 180 countries. Services include Global Express Guaranteed (1-3 days), Priority Mail Express International (3-5 days), Priority Mail International (6-10 days), and First-Class Package International (varies widely). Some countries have specific import restrictions. **Are USPS and UPS the same company?** No. USPS is a federal government agency that operates as an independent establishment. UPS is a publicly traded private company. They compete, but they are not related.