“Arrived at Hub” USPS

Anish

March 22, 2024

USPS (the United States Postal Service) handles and transports 44% of the globe’s mail. 

The institution carries out this remarkable feat via an extensive network of service hubs and facilities to streamline mail processing and delivery.

Suppose you received an “Arrived at Hub” notification. In that case, you might wonder what that status report means.

Why is the package not in transit? How long will it stay in the hub? What should you do if the package appears stuck in that facility?

FindPostOffice.org is your free, go-to source for information regarding post offices in the U.S., such as the meaning of USPS Tracking notifications. 

This article helps you understand USPS hubs, including what “Arrived at Hub” means. 

Learn more about service hubs and facilities to know what to expect when waiting for USPS mail and packages.

USPS Full Meaning: What Is “Arrived at Hub” at USPS?

USPS offers customers end-to-end item tracking via USPS Tracking for eligible mail services. 

The carrier will give customers tracking notifications regarding their USPS package in transit until it arrives at its final destination.

The official USPS site doesn’t include “Arrived at Hub” in its tracking status list. But you might receive a tracking notification indicating “Arrived at [insert USPS location]:

  • “Arrived at USPS Facility”
  • “Arrived Shipping Partner Facility”
  • “Arrived at Post Office”

The following sections explain the possible meaning of “Arrived at Hub.” 

What Does It Mean if Your Item Arrived at the Hub?

“Hub” refers to where designated employees sort and transport mail to the local post office responsible for delivering them. 

If you receive an “Arrive at Hub” notification, it may mean USPS is processing your mail at a sorting and delivery center before it gets sent to a post office near you.

What Does Arrived at Destination Hub Mean?

Suppose a parcel is marked “Arrived at Destination Hub.” The status report likely means the recipient’s item has arrived at the destination country. 

Here are three scenarios that may happen after the customer receives an “Arrived at Destination Hub” notification:

  1. Customs, an agency that collects taxes on imported and exported goods, will process the delivered package.
  2. Next, the destination hub will transport the parcel to a regional facility covering the recipient’s area.
  3. Then, the facility will send the package to the local post office near the destination address.

If a carrier handles the shipment, the shipment will travel to a local hub for final delivery.

The delivery process may take several days, depending on the intended destination and the volume of mail at the hub.

USPS Hub Meaning: What Is a USPS Hub?

USPS hubs are central stations for processing and delivering mail to appropriate downstream delivery units, like local post offices. 

As such, they are similar to the following USPS facilities:

  • Area Distribution Centers (ADCs)
  • Network Distribution Centers (NDCs)
  • Sectional Center Facilities (SCFs)

By sorting and collecting mail at these locations, USPS can ensure the delivery of each piece of mail to its final destination with minimal delays. 

These hubs are crucial junctions in the extensive postal network, helping to streamline processes and minimize errors. 

As such, USPS hubs form the backbone of the USPS system, working tirelessly to ensure the smooth flow of mail and packages. 

They are crucial in managing mail, ensuring each box or letter reaches its destination efficiently.

Description

The USPS hub network primarily aims to process ready-for-delivery (labeled) items and move them to downstream delivery units, like post offices. This system allows customers to access USPS services conveniently.

Hubs also help reduce transportation costs for mailers and USPS.

Here are three crucial considerations regarding USPS hubs:

  • Presort preparation
    • Again, a hub is where mailers drop off mail. Suppose the mail is eligible for drop off to a DDU (Destination Delivery Unit). 

In that case, it can be dropped at a USPS hub. The shipper may receive a discount, provided the following terms are met:

  • Parcels: Five-digit pallets and five-digit scheme pallets can be dropped at a USPS hub if they’re organized based on the L606 rules.

Note: L606 is a guideline for sorting irregular parcels, Standard Mail, and First-Class Mail Presorted parcels based on their five-digit ZIP codes.

  • Flats: Bundles on merged five-digit scheme carrier route palettes prepped based on the L001 are eligible for USPS hub drops. 

Note: L001 is a rulebook for sorting standard mail, periodicals, and flat or irregular parcels based on their five-digit ZIP codes.

Bundles on 5-digit scheme pallets assembled based on the L007 are ineligible for USPS hub drops.

Note: L007 is a guideline for sorting mail eligible for automation rate, a discounted rate for mail sorted for machines. This guideline also covers presorted bound printed matter.

  • Hub discount: Mail processed based on the regulations for hubs receives the DSCF (destination sectional center facility) rate for dropping at a USPS hub.
  • Dropping at Hubs: USPS facilities’ critical entry time (CET) is 4:00 P.M. in regular time, meaning the facilities must process everything by 4:00 P.M. 

Here is additional info regarding USPS hub drop-offs:

  • Fast appointments are mandatory for dropping at hubs. Appointment times vary by facility
  • Operating hours vary by facility
  • Service Standards must align with the SCF (sectional center facility) drop requirements for each mail class
  • Hub Implementation: A phased-in strategy will be used to deploy USPS hubs.

Hubs do not accept letters, FSS (Flats Sequencing System)-prepared mail, or any mailing requiring bundle sort operations.

Who Are Service Hubs and Facilities for?

USPS hubs only accept direct cross-dock containers of five-digit ZIP, five-digit carrier route pallets from non-FSS zones, sacks, bundles, or containers of standard mail, bound printed matter, periodicals, and parcels.

 Understanding the eligibility criteria for these hubs is crucial for businesses and bulk mailers. 

Doing so ensures that their deliveries adhere to USPS standards, optimizing the delivery process. 

“What Happens to My Package After It Arrives at a USPS Hub?”

As mentioned, USPS hubs are generally located near the delivery address. 

Suppose the USPS hub is near the recipient’s address. In that case, the parcel will be transported to your local post office, ready for delivery by a postal carrier.

Items may also sometimes be delivered to another sorting facility if a nearby sorting facility is unavailable.

How Long Does a Package or Mail Stay at the USPS Hub?

The answer may depend on the particular USPS hub or distribution center’s workload. The priority level of a package also affects how long the package stays at the facility.

USPS hubs aim to process mail and packages immediately after they receive them. These facilities dispatch the items after the sorting process.

Still, some customers may face problems regarding packages staying at distribution hubs long before delivery.

Say the USPS tracking system shows “Arrived at Hub” for an extended period, and your parcel is time-sensitive. 

In that case, it is best to contact USPS via the following methods:

  • Email: USPS Customer Service
  • Call: 1-800-275-8777 (1-800-ASK-USPS)
  • Local post office: Use FindPostOffice.org’s search tool for info regarding post offices’ addresses, operating hours, and services.

Talking with an authorized USPS representative will help you know what happened and why it is sitting so long at the carrier’s hub despite an “Arrived at Hub” notification.

You can also ask them whether they missed scanning your package’s barcode during the sorting procedure. 

You may receive an “Out for Delivery” notification once they scan the package. This tracking status means your parcel is ready for delivery at your local post office and will probably be delivered by a carrier on the same day.

Not all parcels will be delivered by the same mail carrier who delivers your regular mail and may arrive at a different time or the following day.

Non-priority packages may take longer to deliver. You can buy USPS mailing products, like Priority Mail Express, with speedy shipping if you can afford it.

Suppose you’re patient enough to wait. In that case, give USPS at least a week for the delivery personnel to arrive at your location before you file for a claim.

Status change from “Arrived at Hub” to “Out for Delivery” also hinges on the backlog at the USPS hub, especially when customers are more likely to mail gifts in parcels and the retail facility is understaffed.

You may expect delays during the holidays since it’s a time when shipping service providers have excessive workloads and a limited workforce. 

When a Package Arrives at the Hub, How Long Does It Take to Be Delivered?

Again, various factors, including workload, mail class, or staff shortages, may affect the speed of delivery from USPS hubs.

So, you might not know the exact time and date when your item will arrive at your post office box (P.O. Box) or mailbox.

Suppose your package arrives at your town or state’s USPS hub (or destination hub). In that case, you will likely receive the item the same business day or the next day.

Still, if your shipment comes from a distant place, it might take days or weeks to arrive at your destination.

Where Does the Parcel Go After Arriving at the Hub?

Again, a USPS hub is usually the final delivery location of a parcel before arriving at its intended destination.

Suppose you received an “Arrived at Hub” tracking status. In that case, your parcel has gone to a delivery driver and is usually out for delivery.  

However, you may have to wait for a few hours. Drivers can have dozens of parcels in their vehicles, and how soon yours arrives depends on the number of packages, the traffic situation, and the driver’s route.

The tracking information will show “Delivered” when the item arrives at its final destination.

Other delivery- or delivery attempt-related tracking statuses you might receive include the following:

  • No Access to Delivery Location
  • Notice Left (No Authorized Recipient Available)
  • Notice Left (No Secure Location Available)
  • Insufficient Address
  • Reminder to Schedule Redelivery of your Item
  • Redelivery Scheduled
  • No Such Number

On the other hand, you might also receive these “Out for Delivery”-related notices:

What to Do if the Status Is Stuck Arrived at Hub

You can request a tracking update from USPS through any of the contact details above.

Sometimes, customers may find the shipment status stuck at the notification “Arrived at Hub” for several days.

This scenario may happen due to various reasons, but here are two possible causes for the tracking delay:

  • The parcel slipped behind the massive volume of mail that arrived at the USPS hub and hasn’t been handled yet due to the backlog at the processing center. 

You can sort this issue by contacting USPS and asking it to expedite the process. 

  • There was an error during scanning, so the system could not update the tracking status to the next stage and still shows “Arrived at Hub.” 

The hub or distribution center may have already processed your package. Still, some technical errors might have prevented the information from updating.

This notification could mean the package will get delivered to you even when the tracking status is stuck at “Arrived at Hub.” 

Whichever the case, your package will likely be delivered to you.

Still, it is best not to ignore the recurring “Arrived at Hub” message on your tracking status and take action immediately.

Arrived at Hub Not Out for Delivery

“Arrived at Hub Not Out for Delivery” can be a confusing tracking status for many recipients eager to pick up their parcels. 

This notification may indicate that while the parcel has arrived at the USPS distribution center or hub, it still needs to be prepared or scheduled for final delivery to the delivery address. 

Here are possible reasons for the delayed package delivery:

  • The package might have arrived after the cutoff time for that day’s deliveries.
  • The parcel may be awaiting further sorting.
  • The package is lined up for delivery in the coming days.

It can be frustrating to know that your parcel is close to the recipient’s address but is not yet out for delivery. 

Still, this status could mean that the shipment is in the final stages of the shipping process and should be coming to the addressee shortly.

From “Arrived at Hub” to Final Delivery

After the “Arrived at Hub” stage, the hub may transfer your package to a delivery driver, meaning it is out for delivery. This status indicates it is on a truck to your address, and you’ll usually get it that day. 

Can I Pick Up a Package at USPS Hub?

Some say customers can pick up their packages before the hub delivers them to the local post office.

USPS understands that many customers countrywide are willing to meet USPS halfway to get their hands on their packages as soon as possible. For instance, clients awaiting their purchases from eCommerce sites like Amazon. 

Some customers may be ready to drive to their local USPS facility or post office early in the morning to pick up a package before it gets placed onto a truck and sent out for delivery.

Going to the post office and getting a package before it goes out for delivery may be possible.

Overall, the “hub” structure within the USPS process is pivotal in ensuring the efficient delivery of packages and mail.

As users increasingly expect timely and accurate shipping, understanding the status of an item marked as “Arrived at Hub” offers insight into the item’s route and the behind-the-scenes operations that support USPS.

This status indicates that the mailpiece is closer to its final destination, properly sorted, and ready for delivery. 

References

  1. Top Facts
    https://facts.usps.com/top-facts/
  2. Where is my package? Tracking Status Help
    https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Where-is-my-package
  3. Service Hubs and Facilities
    https://postalpro.usps.com/operations/service-hubs-and-facilities
  4. L606 5-Digit Scheme: Standard Mail, First-Class Mail, and Package Services Parcels
    https://postalpro.usps.com/node/2619
  5. L001 5-Digit Scheme: Periodicals, Standard Mail, and Package Services Flats and Irregular Parcels
    https://postalpro.usps.com/node/2583
  6. Contact Us
    https://www.usps.com/help/contact-us.htm