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Get Shopify App >The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers a specialized service known as USPS Tracking, aimed at enhancing the mailing experience for its users. This system provides end-to-end monitoring, allowing customers to have real-time visibility into the status and location of their packages.
For domestic shipments, including those to Diplomatic Post Offices, Fleet Post Offices, Army Post Offices, and various U.S. territory zip codes, USPS Tracking is predominantly available. Customers receive a unique tracking number which, when entered on the USPS Tracking website, provides up-to-date information and other essential details about their shipment.
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 over 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 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.
| Feature | Service | Description | Price | Delivery Speed |
| Fastest Delivery Speed | Priority Mail Express® | Sending an item urgently for next-day or 2-day delivery. | From $28.75 | Next-Day to 2-Day |
| Priority Mail® | Sending crucial items for 1-3 business day delivery. |
- Flat Rate Envelope: From $9.65 - USPS Mailing Box (Flat Rate): From $10.20 - Your Own Box By Weight/Zone: From $9.35 |
1-3 business days | |
| Simple, Affordable, Reliable | USPS Ground Advantage™ | Low rates for packages with expected delivery in 2-5 business days | From $4.75 | 2–5 business days |
| Postcards & Envelops | First-Class Mail® | Mailing a flat envelope, either standard (under 3.5 oz) or large (under 13 oz), that's easily bendable. |
- From $0.51 (postcards) - From $0.66 (letters) - From $1.35 (large envelopes) |
1-5 Business Days |
| Only at the Post Office | Media Mail® | Sending just books (or qualified media) for the lowest cost. | From $3.92 | 2-8 Business Days |
All the mentioned services, except for First-Class Mail®, come with tracking. For First-Class Mail®, you can get delivery confirmation by adding services like Certified Mail.
For international customers, USPS offers the following range of delivery options.
| Feature | Service | Description | Price | Delivery Speed |
| Fastest Delivery Speed | Global Express Guaranteed® (GXC®) | Sending an item urgently that must arrive in a few days. | From $71.10 | 1-3 business days (1 business day to many destinations in Canada) |
| Priority Mail Express International® | Sending crucial items that must arrive in under a week. |
From $54.75 |
3–5 business days | |
| Affordable Options | Priority Mail International® | Sending packages that weigh over 4 lbs. | From $30.35 | 6–10 business days |
| First Class Package International Service® |
Sending a package or large envelope under 4 lbs, valued below $400. |
From $15.75
|
Varies by destination | |
| Best for Documents or Printed Materials Only | First Class Mail International® | Sending a document envelope weighing less than 15.994 oz. | From $3.00 | Varies by destination |
| Airmail M-Bags® | If you're an international student in the U.S. looking to ship many books back home. | From $55.00 | Varies by destination |
USPS international tracking 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.
| Service | Tracking service |
| Global Express Guaranteed® (GXC®) | Included to all destinations |
| Priority Mail Express International® | USPS Tracking* |
| Priority Mail International® | USPS Tracking* |
| First Class Package International Service® | E-USPS DELCON INTL® service to select destinations only |
| First Class Mail International® | Not available |
| Airmail M-Bags® | USPS Tracking* |
*USPS Tracking: Limitations may apply for certain destinations.
Tracking USPS shipments can be done through the following primary methods.
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.
Alternatively, you can directly log on to the USPS tracking page to track your shipment.
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.
Note: App features might vary; always check the latest app version for accurate steps.
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:
TrackingMore solves all your problems with shipment tracking. Being a global tracking tool, TrackingMore can conduct your USPS international tracking seamlessly.
Here are the steps to track your USPS parcels on TrackingMore.
With its auto-update feature, TrackingMore will immediately provide you with the tracking status of not only the USPS parcels but also the parcels from other carriers. TrackingMore is a shipment-tracking platform integrated with over 1,100 carriers, including USPS, UPS and FedEx. For business, eCommerce sellers can integrate TrackingMore's powerful tracking API into their system to offer smooth tracking service for their customers to enhance their post-journey, which leads to optimized customer satisfaction.
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.
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.
| Shipping service | Format | Example |
| USPS Tracking® | 22 numbers: 9400 1xxx | 9400 1000 0000 0000 0000 00 |
| Priority Mail® | 22 numbers | 9205 5000 0000 0000 0000 00 |
| Certified Mail® | 22 numbers | 9407 3000 0000 0000 0000 00 |
| Collect On Delivery Hold For Pickup | 22 numbers | 9303 3000 0000 0000 0000 00 |
| Global Express Guaranteed® | 11 numbers | 82 000 000 00 |
| Priority Mail Express International® | 2 letters +9 numbers + 2 letters | EC 000 000 000 US |
| Priority Mail Express® |
- 22 numbers - 2 letters +9 numbers + 2 letters |
- 9270 1000 0000 0000 0000 00 - EA 000 000 000 US |
| Priority Mail International® | 2 letters +9 numbers + 2 letters | CP 000 000 000 US |
| Registered Mail™ | 22 numbers | 9208 8000 0000 0000 0000 00 |
| Signature Confirmation™ | 22 numbers | 9202 1000 0000 0000 0000 00 |
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.
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
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.
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:
Following these steps will allow you to track your packages through USPS’s online dashboard.
Before you track your UPS package, ensure you understand the various USPS tracking statuses.
|
Tracking Status |
Description |
|
Delivered |
The package was delivered on a recorded time, delivery date, and location and should be in your mailbox. |
|
In Transit / Arrived at USPS Facility / Departed USPS Facility |
The item is being processed and transported to your delivering Post Office™. |
|
Out for Delivery |
The package is currently with your delivery service and is expected to arrive today. |
|
Arrived, Departed or Picked Up by Shipping Partner Facility, USPS Awaiting Item / On its Way to USPS |
USPS hasn't received the package yet. It was either collected by a delivery collaborator or entered/left their location. This partner will soon transfer the package to USPS for further processing and final delivery. |
|
Insufficient Address / No Such Number |
The package is on its way back to the sender due to an issue with the delivery address, which may be incomplete, incorrect, or missing some details, preventing successful delivery. |
|
No Access to Delivery Location |
Delivery was incomplete because the carrier could not access the location. |
|
Notice Left (No Authorized Recipient Available) |
The package needed a signature, but no one was present to provide it. The delivery person left a PS Form 3849 Redelivery Notice. A second delivery attempt won't be made automatically. |
|
Available for Pickup |
The package couldn't be delivered and is now ready for collection at your nearby Post Office™ during its operational hours. You or a person you authorize can pick it up. Redelivery for this item isn't an option. |
|
Shipping Label Created, USPS Awaiting Item / Pre-Shipment Info Sent to USPS Awaiting Item |
A shipping label with a USPS Tracking® number has been generated, but the package hasn't been handed over to USPS yet. Once they receive it, it will undergo processing and then be sent to the local Post Office™ for delivery. |
|
Arrived at Post Office |
The package has reached the local Post Office and is getting ready for delivery. It's expected to be delivered either today or by the next working day of the postal service. |
|
USPS in Possession of Item |
USPS has collected or taken possession of the package and started the preparation for its journey to your local Post Office. The package is en route. |
|
Forwarded / Forwarded Processed |
The package is being rerouted to another address because of an address change request or it arrived at the incorrect Post Office for delivery. |
|
Redelivery Scheduled / Reminder to Schedule Redelivery of your Item |
A redelivery was arranged, or you've been reminded to set up a redelivery before the package gets sent back to its origin. |
|
Delivery Status Not Updated / Awaiting Delivery Scan |
The package wasn't marked as "Delivered" within 14 hours after being listed as "Out for Delivery." |
|
Notice Left (No Secure Location Available) |
The delivery person couldn't find a safe location to place the package, so it was taken back to the Post Office. A second delivery attempt won't be automatically made for this package. |
|
Held at Post Office, At Customer Request |
The package is retained at the nearby Post Office due to reasons like a USPS Hold Mail® request, a Hold for Pickup directive, or USPS Delivery Instructions®. Redelivery isn't an option for this item. |
|
Delivery Status not updated |
The item has arrived for delivery but has yet to be processed. |
|
Shipment Received, Package Acceptance Pending |
A mail center has taken in a container or pallet with several packages, but the processing hasn't begun. When the container gets opened, every package inside will be scanned to show it's been accepted by the postal service. |
A tracking API is designed to improve customer satisfaction by ensuring customers remain updated regarding one shipment and all USPS shipments under their name. USPS Tracking API provides detailed tracking delivery and status information for USPS shipments.
TrackingMore’s parcel tracking API is one of the most advanced tracking APIs globally. Its ability to integrate 1100+ shipping couriers simultaneously has become a top choice for many leading international brands, like Shein, Kaufland, and DJI. With TrackingMore, you can track up to 50 shipments at once, whereas USPS supports tracking for only 35 shipments at a time.
Here are the advantages of TrackingMore API.
Try TrackingMore's API for free now!
USPS provides guidance and support to a number of clients’ issues regarding tracking and delivery.
As soon as scans become available, tracking information will be duly updated.
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.
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.
It was possibly delivered to another location. Before lodging a complaint to our customer service, it is best to check your front and back doors, inside the mailbox, in your apartment’s common area, or in a neighbor’s office.
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.
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.
For domestic shipping services, the delivery time is as follows.
|
Mail Service |
Delivery Time |
|
Priority Mail Express |
1-2 days (guaranteed) |
|
Priority Mail |
1-3 working days |
|
First-Class Mail |
1-5 business days |
|
First-Class Package Service |
2-5 business days |
|
USPS Retail Ground |
2-5 business days |
|
Parcel Select Ground |
2-5 business days |
|
Parcel Select Lightweight |
2-8 business days |
|
Package services |
2-8 business days |
|
Periodicals and Marketing Mail |
3-10 business days |
For international shipping services, the expected delivery time is as follows.
|
Mail Service |
Delivery Time |
|
Global Express Guaranteed |
1 business day to Canada, 1-3 business days to others |
|
Priority Mail Express International |
3-5 business days |
|
Priority Mail International |
6-10 business days |
|
First-Class Package International Service |
Varies by destination |
|
First-Class Mail International |
Varies by destination |
| Contact method | Information | Hours of Operation |
| Call | 1-800-ASK-USPS® (1-800-275-8777) | Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. ET Saturdays: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET |
| USPS® Customer Service |
If you cannot contact USPS for support, TrackingMore is always there to resolve your tracking issues on time.
Track your packages across different carriers
TrackingMore integrated with 1136+ carriers, supporting global parcel tracking in one place.
DHL Tracking
UPS Tracking
Fedex Tracking
TNT Tracking
China EMS Tracking
China Post Tracking
Singapore Post Tracking
Hong Kong Post Tracking
Swiss Post Tracking
USPS Tracking
UK Royal Mail Tracking
Parcelforce Tracking
PostNL International Tracking
Netherlands Post Tracking
Australia Post Tracking
Australia EMS Tracking
Canada Post Tracking
New Zealand Post Tracking
Bpost Tracking
Brazil Correios Tracking
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