USPS Tracking

USPS Tracking

The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a USPS package tracking system that allows customers to monitor the status of their mail and packages in real time. This system provides end-to-end monitoring, allowing customers to have real-time 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 International Tracking   USPS Mail Tracking

About USPS

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.

USPS Domestic Tracking

USPS has a wide range of shipping options available for its customers, both local and international.

For domestic shipping, customers can choose from the following options.

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.

USPS International Tracking

For international customers, USPS offers the following range of delivery options.

USPS tracking internationally 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.

*USPS Tracking:  Limitations may apply to certain destinations.

How to Track USPS Packages

Tracking USPS packages can be done through the following primary methods.

1. Through the Official USPS Website

USPS tracking service lets its customers keep a check on their packages throughout their entire journey. This service is available for both domestic and international deliveries. Checking your shipment status is easy with USPS.

• 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 package tracking page to track your shipment.

2. Through the USPS Mobile®

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.

3. Through USPS Text Tracking™

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.

4. Through {tm}

{tm} is a shipment tracking platform integrated with {carrier_number} carriers, including USPS, UPS and FedEx. Here are the steps to track your USPS parcels on {tm}.

• Go to {tm}’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.

USPS Tracking Number

Tracking numbers provide you with a convenient way of keeping a check on your shipments during their transit. 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.

Related: USPS Tracking Number

USPS Tracking Number Formats and Examples

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.

FAQs on USPS Tracking Number

• How long is a USPS tracking number?

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.

• Where to find my USPS tracking number?

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

• How soon after shipping will I get the USPS tracking number?

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.

• What should I do if I don’t receive a USPS 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.

• How to track a USPS package without a tracking number?

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:

1. Set up an account with USPS and sign up for free in their Informed Delivery section.

2. Enter your address here to determine if it is eligible. If eligible, log in to your usps.com account and select ‘Informed Delivery’.

3. Select the option of ‘Enroll’, then scroll down to the Informed Delivery box.

4. Answer the identity verification questions.

Following these steps will allow you to track your packages through USPS’s online dashboard.

What Do USPS Tracking Statuses Mean?

Before you track your USPS package, ensure you understand the various USPS tracking statuses.

Related: USPS Delivery Exception

USPS Tracking API

USPS tracking API is designed for businesses to streamline their tracking of USPS mail and packages by linking their platforms or systems to USPS shipping tracking service, which provides either an overview or detailed breakdown of delivery and status information for USPS shipments. 

Why should I use {tm} API instead?

{tm}’s shipment tracking API is one of the most advanced tracking APIs globally. Its ability to integrate {carrier_number} shipping couriers simultaneously, along with {tm}’s proficiency in processing massive data, makes it a top choice for many leading international brands, like Shein, Kaufland, and DJI. {tm} 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, {tm} API also boasts a range of other impressive features, including:

• Real-time Tracking: {tm} 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, {tm} API is able to automatically send notifications that inform shipment status changes to businesses. In conjunction with the real-time tracking feature, {tm} API will enable businesses to quickly spot any delivery issues and take action accordingly.

• Automatic Carrier Detection: {tm} 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: {tm} 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: {tm} API meets the highest standards of security, such as ISO 27001, ensuring a high level of data protection. 

• Diverse Programming Languages: Developers can integrate {tm}'s API using various programming languages, including PHP, Java, Node.js, Python, and Ruby. 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, {tm} 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.

{tm} API also provides a 7-day free trial. You can sign up to experience these features now and improve your tracking experience today.

FAQs on USPS Delivery and Tracking

USPS provides guidance and support to a number of clients’ issues regarding tracking and delivery.

• Can I contact usps about a package?

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.

• When will my letter carrier arrive?

USPS cannot inform the exact arrival time of a letter carrier at a specific location. However, all deliveries should ideally be made by 5:00 p.m. local time from Monday to Saturday. Please be aware that delivery delays can occur due to unusual circumstances like severe weather. Also, note that only Priority Mail Express® items and Amazon parcels are eligible for Sunday delivery.

• Why is my tracking status not updating?

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.

• Does USPS live tracking work on the weekend?

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.

• How long does USPS keep the tracking history of packages?

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.

• What can I do if my mail isn’t delivered?

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.

• How to find my mail if it is lost?

If you suspect your mail is lost, follow these steps:

1. Check the current status: Check the current status of your mail on USPS Tracking®.

2. 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.

3. Contact your local Post Office™: Once the form is submitted, your local Post Office™ facility will assist in locating your missing items.

4. 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.

• How long does it take for USPS to deliver?

For domestic shipping services, the delivery time is as follows.

For international shipping services, the expected delivery time is as follows.

How to Contact USPS Customer Service

USPS provides different channels for customer services based on service types. You can identify your needs before accessing USPS customer services and refer to the table below for inquiries.