UPS Origin Scan

Thanks to digital innovations, delivery procedures are more transparent.

You can feel this change, especially when shipping items via major shippers like UPS (United Parcel Service).

For example, the UPS tracking number lets users monitor their parcel’s journey until it arrives at its destination.

You can use this code to access the UPS tracking system to view detailed updates regarding your shipment.

However, customers often find UPS tracking descriptions confusing. One such status report is “UPS origin scan.”

So, what does “UPS origin scan” mean? What are other UPS tracking event descriptions you might encounter? How do you respond to these notifications?

FindPostOffice.org is a free, comprehensive online resource for post offices in the U.S.

This article discusses various tracking event descriptions, including “UPS origin scan.”

Learn more about tracking status reports to understand UPS’ delivery services better.

Tracking Event Descriptions

Understanding different tracking event descriptions provides clarity for senders and recipients awaiting their parcels.

Below are some terms you might encounter regarding UPS shipments’ tracking descriptions.

1. UPS network: This system refers to the complex network of vehicles, personnel, and facilities that manage and transport your mail or packages. 
2. Notifications: As your package moves through the UPS system, you’ll receive updates or notices regarding its status. 

These notifications may include any of the following details:

• How long it will take for your package to arrive
• Possible delivery delays 
• Delivery attempts

3. Time of delivery: This crucial information gives you an idea about when to expect your parcel. 

While UPS might not specify the exact minute, its system may provide a range so you can schedule your day accordingly.

4. UPS shipment ID: This information provides the shipment ID (identification) for the lead package of the shipment.
5. Next day: This phrase means your package will be delivered by the next business day. 

Origin Scans

“UPS origin scan” is a tracking event description indicating that your parcel has been scanned at the UPS facility where you handed it over (originating UPS facility).

 As such, this event marks the beginning of your parcel’s delivery journey until it arrives at its final destination.

During an origin scan, the tracking system collects and registers the package’s details in the UPS database. 

This step helps ensure the delivery service provider has a record of the parcel’s starting point and delivery address.

What Does It Mean When UPS Says Origin Scan?

You will receive a tracking number when you ship with UPS. You can use this code to monitor your parcel’s delivery progress online.

“Origin scan” may be the first notification you will see when you access UPS’ tracking system. 

As mentioned, this scan confirms that UPS has your package and has recorded its tracking information in its system. 

After this scan, the package goes through other scans and procedures as it moves through the UPS network until delivered to the recipient’s address.

Departure Scan

This tracking notification means that your mail or package has already departed a UPS facility and is heading to the next one.

“Departure Scan Package Departed International Carrier Facility,” “Package Departed UPS Mail Innovations Facility Enroute to USPS for Induction,” “Package Processed by UPS Mail Innovations Origin Facility,” or “Package Transferred to Destination UPS”

These notifications are variants of each other. Generally, they indicate that your shipment is moving to another UPS location.

Here’s what each notification means:

• “Departure Scan Package Departed International Carrier Facility”: Your package appears in transit through the local post office.
• “Package Departed UPS Mail Innovations Facility Enroute to USPS for Induction”: This status means your package or shipment has been categorized by ZIP code and is now being transferred to the designated post office. 

UPS Mail Innovations is a service offered by UPS in partnership with USPS (U.S. Postal Service).

UPS Mail Innovations inducts your package into the USPS within 24-48 hours after processing. USPS will then deliver the parcel within one to five days.

• “Package Processed by UPS Mail Innovations Origin Facility”: This notification means a UPS Mail Innovations facility has already processed your parcel and is now ready for delivery.

UPS Mail Innovations manages the pickup, processing, and interim mail delivery with USPS. Then, the domestic and international postal services will handle the final delivery of your package. 

• “Package Transferred to Destination UPS”: Your package has reached a UPS Mail Innovations sorting facility.

Clearance in Progress

This UPS update means your package has arrived in the destination country and is going through standard customs procedures and regulatory checks before release. 

In other words, “Clearance in Progress” means customs received your package for inspection before final delivery.

“Your Package Is Awaiting Release From the Clearing Agency” or “Your Package Is Being Processed at the Clearance Agency”

Here are the possible meanings of these status reports:

• “Your Package Is Awaiting Release From the Clearance Agency”: This notification means your parcel is in the final stages of customs clearance.

During customs clearance, customs authorities examine goods to determine whether to release them. 

Brokers work with the representatives from the clearance agency to ensure your items comply with requirements, duties, and taxes.

• “Your Package Is Being Processed at the Clearance Agency”: Based on the information above, this notification means customs authorities are currently inspecting your package.

Clearance Completed

A “Clearance Completed” notification means that a mail or package has already gone through customs and is ready for delivery to the post office or local sorting hub.

Generally, customs clearance takes a few hours to several days, sometimes weeks. 

Consult with local customs authorities or shipping service providers for a more precise timeframe based on your situation.

“Package Cleared by the Foreign Customs Office,” “Your Package Is Awaiting Release From the Clearing Agency for Formal Entry at the Import Location,” “Your Package Was Released by the Clearing Agency,” or “Your Package Was Released by the Customs Agency”

Here are the meanings of these notifications:

• “Package Cleared by the Foreign Customs Office”: This status means the package has been released from the airport customs office and transferred to the carrier responsible for the next delivery stage.
• “Your Package Was Released by the Customs Agency”: This report means your package has been examined and cleared by customs and is now ready for delivery.
• “Your Package Is Awaiting Release From the Clearing Agency for Formal Entry at the Import Location”: This update from UPS means that the package is still going through customs clearance and has yet to be released. 
• “Your Package Was Released by the Clearing Agency”: Suppose the clearing agency and customs agency are interchangeable terms. In that case, “Your Package Was Released by the Clearing Agency” means the same as “Your Package Was Released by the Customs Agency.”

Arrival Scan

“Arrival scan” means assigned personnel have scanned the parcel at a UPS facility or the trailer has arrived in the UPS location’s yard. 

There may be several days between scans if the shipment travels cross-country (between countries). 

Delivered

This status update means the item has arrived at its final destination, with a delivery time stamp recorded.

Suppose the shipment does not require the recipient’s signature. In that case, the driver will leave the item in a safe place to keep it from plain sight or damaging weather conditions.

These areas may include a home’s side door, front porch, back porch, or garage.

Destination Scan

“Destination scan” means your shipment is already at the local UPS facility, ready for final delivery. This scan is the final phase of the package’s journey to the recipient.

“The Package Arrived at Pick-Up Point,” “Received by the Local Post Office,” or “Dropped Off at a UPS Access Point Location”

Here are the meanings of these tracking descriptions:

• “Received by the Local Post Office”: Your shipment may start with a carrier other than UPS.

A company’s local station or hub processes and moves your package across infrastructures on its way to its destination. 

Your package arrives at the regional hub and goes to a post office, usually in your neighborhood. The post office or mail delivery employees will then give it to you during their usual rounds on your route.

• “The Package Arrived at Pick-Up Point” or “Dropped Off at a UPS Access Point Location”: If you’re unavailable when UPS attempts to deliver your mail, UPS may transport it to a UPS Access Point near your home. 

This UPS facility will keep your package for up to seven calendar days, after which your package will be returned to its shipper as undeliverable.

“Drop Off,” “Pickup Scan,” “Origin Scan,” or “Package Received for Processing by Ups Mail Innovations”

These tracking reports mean the following:

• “Pickup Scan”: A “Pickup Scan” message from UPS means the package has been collected from the sender and scanned into the delivery network. 

The UPS driver who collected the shipment from the sender conducts the pickup scan.

• “Drop Off”: UPS operates the following locations for customers who want their packages dropped off at a place other than their personal addresses:
  • UPS Access Point: This is a drop-off or pickup point at businesses in your area.
  • UPS Customer Centers: These locations are on-site UPS operating facilities.
  • UPS Drop Boxes: You can access these drop-off locations 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• “Package Received for Processing by UPS Mail Innovations”: As mentioned, UPS Mail Innovations inducts your mail piece into USPS within 24-48 hours of processing. This status means your item is awaiting transfer to USPS.

The U.S. Postal Service will deliver the mail piece within one to five days.

“Package Out for Post Office Delivery,” “Out for Delivery Today,” “Out for Delivery,” or “Loaded on Delivery Vehicle”

These tracking messages mean the parcel has been sorted, loaded into a delivery vehicle, and is scheduled for delivery the same day.

Here are the specific meanings of these tracking events:

• “Out for Delivery” or “Out for Delivery Today”: The local UPS facility dispatched the shipment to a UPS driver for final delivery. 

UPS drivers usually deliver parcels to homes from 9:00 AM until 7:00 PM. Additionally, they deliver to commercial addresses by the end of the business day.

• “Loaded on Delivery Vehicle”: This status indicates your package has been transferred to the UPS delivery truck and is en route to the parcel’s recipient. 
• “Package Out for Post Office Delivery”: This report means that your item has been scanned for delivery and picked up by your local post office.

“Package Delivered by Local Post Office” or “Package Delivered by Post Office”

These tracking notifications mean the shipment has reached its destination. UPS records the date and time of delivery.

Dropped Off at the UPS Store

The UPS Store facilities can also be drop-off locations for UPS shipments. Visit one of The UPS Store’s retail facilities to discuss dropping off packages with UPS shipping representatives.

Exception

This status indicates that your item remains in the UPS network. However, an unexpected issue caused the change in the scheduled delivery date.

The Shipment Progress tab of the Tracking Detail page will specify the reason for this exception.

The tracking status will display the revised delivery date when it changes.

Exception: Action Required

Based on the information above, this notification means you or the sender should provide further information, such as the delivery address. 

UPS may request you or the sender to do so before transporting your package.

Export Scan

This scan note is an electronic document indicating that your item has been cleared for export from the origin country.

As such, it signifies the next step in shipping, in which the package is dispatched overseas.

Import Scan

This tracking update means the shipment has cleared import processes within the destination country. 

So, “Import Scan” means the item is in the final delivery stages, possibly ready for delivery to its designated recipient.

“The Package Arrived at the Foreign Customs Office” 

 This notification means your package has arrived at an international border for inspection by customs. Once cleared, the shipment resumes its course to the addressee.

In Transit

This notification means the package is moving through the UPS distribution network via ground or air services. 

Simply put, “In Transit” means the parcel is between UPS destinations (entry and delivery points).  

“On Vehicle for Delivery” or “Out for Delivery”

These two tracking event descriptions are similar to “In Transit.” 

As mentioned, “Out for Delivery” means a local UPS facility has received the parcel and assigned it to a driver for its final delivery.

UPS typically delivers to homes between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Meanwhile, UPS typically delivers mail and packages to commercial locations by close of business.

Order Processed: In Transit to UPS

This status report means the sender has processed the item. Customers will receive notifications on expected delivery dates once the package enters the UPS network.

Order Processed: Ready for UPS

This delivery report means that the sender of the package has initiated the digital transmission of tracking information with UPS systems. 

This scenario happens after the upload of crucial shipping information, including the shipper’s address, type of UPS delivery service, and destination.

“The Receiver Was Not Available for Delivery. We’ll Make a Second Attempt for the Next Business Day.”

Sometimes, the package is taken to the UPS Access Point for pickup after the first attempted failed delivery.

Returned to Sender

You may see “Returned to Sender” displayed by UPS when you input the tracking number into the UPS tracking portal.

Here are five possible reasons UPS may return a package:

• The addresses listed are incomplete or inaccurate.
• The package details do not match the ones on the label.
• The intended recipient rejects the item.
• The package is ready for pickup at the recipient’s local post office or UPS Access Point. However, the recipient is not picking it up.
• The UPS worker has issues accessing the address — for example, a locked gate or closed business.
• The recipient does not reside at the address written on the label.

Returning to Sender

This notification might be the same as “Returned to Sender.”

Here are additional reasons for UPS to return a package to a sender:

• The sender or the receiver requests to return the package.
• The ship-to address is a P.O. Box (Post Office Box).
• The package includes a Return Service label.

Returning to Sender: On Vehicle for Delivery

This tracking event means the package is being returned and scheduled for return to the sender. The sender must be aware and contact the recipient or carrier for clarification.

Shipment Information Received by UPS Mail Innovations

This status means the parcel has been registered in the UPS Mail Innovations system. Once approved, it undergoes a streamlined process for efficient delivery.

Shipment Information Voided

You can void your order within 90 days of creating a shipping label on UPS.com. Note that shipments are only voidable if billed or made via a UPS shipping account number. 

Sign in to UPS.com and click “View Your Shipping History.” Choose the vertical ellipsis icon to access the “Actions” menu.

Transferred to Local Post Office for Delivery

This notification means the sender requested the shipment be forwarded to the local post office for delivery completion. In this case, you must allow an extra day or two for final delivery.

Tip: Be Sure the UPS Driver Scans Every Package

Ensure the UPS driver scans your packages before they deliver them to avoid these issues.

Unfortunately, the UPS driver may sometimes load your mail or package onto their truck without scanning them to expedite the process. 

However, this approach poses several risks, all yours to bear as the shipper. For example, without a scan, you don’t have proof of pickup. 

Suppose the package disappears after pickup but before a UPS representative scans it. In that case, finding out who is responsible for the missing package or establishing a timeline of events will be more challenging. 

Tracking updates may also take longer than usual due to a lack of an initial scan. 

Protect Your Customers

Customers can protect their interests by ensuring an origin scan is done on their parcels.

Suppose you run a business and plan to ship your products via UPS. You can instruct your store manager or shipping clerk to verify that the UPS driver scans each package before loading it onto the delivery truck.

“I Dropped Off My Package, but It Still Hasn’t Been Scanned Yet”

Sometimes, UPS won’t scan your parcel until the next day. Your package may be in the queue at a UPS facility. 

Another possible reason your package hasn’t been scanned yet is that the designated UPS workers couldn’t do so. This scenario may be due to a significant volume of mail during the day you handed your parcel at the counter.

What You Can Do

Suppose several days have passed since you dropped your parcel off at UPS. In that case, checking your package’s tracking information online via UPS.com’s tracking search bar or at a nearby UPS store is best.

The Same Process Applies to UPS Packages

The procedure for requesting a missing mail search at UPS is similar to that of USPS and FedEx.

For example, you might have to take the following steps when reporting a missing UPS package:

• Provide details regarding the package: You can give UPS the package’s tracking number, weight, or contact information for the recipient.
• Support your claim with relevant documentation: You might also have to attach receipts and purchase orders to help track merchandise. 

FAQs

1. Can you find out where a package came from?

You can determine a package’s origin via the UPS tracking system at UPS. 

You can input your tracking number on the tracking search bar on UPS’ homepage (UPS.com). The site will display where the item originated.

2. Can you tell me exactly where my UPS package is?

Suppose you have yet to receive your package and don’t know where it is. 

In that case, you can type your UPS tracking number in UPS’s package search tool to check your parcel’s current status and expected delivery date.

3. Why is UPS delivery taking so long?

Conditions beyond UPS’ control, such as natural disasters and severe weather, may disrupt or delay the carrier’s services.

Suppose there’s an active service disruption. In that case, a message appears at the bottom of ups.com/us/en/service-alerts.page

 You will also see a gold alert ribbon at the top of all UPS.com pages. 

4. Why hasn’t my UPS package moved in a week?

As mentioned, there are several reasons for delays or disruptions in UPS services.

Say it’s already been a week since your UPS parcel showed movement. 

Your parcel may still be in transit but is taking longer than usual due to external factors, like a storm or disruptive political situation in the receiving country. 

Internal factors, like logistics issues or system errors, may also cause this delay.

5. Can a package be delivered without being scanned?

Carriers usually scan packages to track their delivery progress. However, sometimes assigned personnel forget to scan parcels while loading them onto another vehicle.

This scenario suggests packages may be delivered to their destinations even if not scanned.

6. Is it normal for UPS to not update tracking?

UPS is a major shipping company offering end-to-end tracking information for their services. As such, it’s unlikely for the carrier not to update tracking information.

7. Why is UPS not updating tracking?

Sometimes, it will be a while before you see another update regarding your shipment’s delivery progress.

Below are four possible reasons why UPS tracking isn’t showing updates: 

• The delivery truck is malfunctioning or has punctured tires, causing delivery and scanning delays.
• The designated worker forgets to scan the package.
• Weather conditions like heavy rainfall can also slow delivery operations, causing scanning delays.
• The scanner cannot read the barcode plastered on the item’s container.

8. How long does it take for UPS to update tracking?

You may have to wait up to 24 hours for UPS to log your shipment’s tracking number into its system.

9. Why is my USPS or UPS package not moving?

Again, various reasons may have caused this unfortunate event.

For example, a UPS or USPS representative has mislabelled, misplaced, or overlooked your parcel. Or your USPS or UPS  package may be in transit. 

Unfortunately, the delivery information may not be updating the item’s location due to tracking system errors.

10. What happens if USPS tracking doesn’t update for days?

USPS may consider a parcel lost if its tracking information hasn’t been updated in seven days.

Fortunately, you can file a Missing Mail search request to verify your shipment’s status.

11. Why are USPS packages taking so long? Why is the USPS so slow in delivering packages?

Like UPS, USPS may also experience significant fluctuations in the daily mail volume. This scenario may delay delivery.

Unusual events, like staffing issues, heavy traffic, natural disasters, and reroutes, may hinder delivery attempts. For this reason, USPS services do not usually offer guaranteed delivery dates.

Still, USPS’ policy is to deliver all mail or packages by 5:00 PM. local time, Monday through Saturday.

12. Can I call USPS or UPS to see where my package is?

Yes. You can contact UPS’ customer service via the following channels:

• Phone number: 1-888-742-5877
• Website: Customer Help and Support Center

Meanwhile, you can contact USPS through the following methods:

• Email: USPS Customer Service 
• Phone: 1-800-275-8777 (1-800-ASK-USPS) 

13. Is USPS tracking accurate?

As a top carrier in the U.S., USPS is usually reliable at providing tracking updates. 

Tracking updates might not be real-time, but they are usually quick and accurate.

14. Can a USPS package come at 8 PM?

As mentioned, USPS aims to deliver all shipments by 5:00 PM. local time. Still, due to unexpected circumstances, USPS may deliver packages at night, including at 8:00 PM.

15. Is the expected delivery date always right?

Expected delivery dates may be reliable, especially from established providers like UPS, USPS, and Amazon. 

However, these estimates aren’t always accurate since unforeseen circumstances can result in delayed or early deliveries. 

16. What does “origin scan” mean?

As mentioned, “origin scan” is the initial verification of your package’s entry into the UPS network. 

This event description lets shippers get an accurate status update regarding their packages as soon as the items are scanned at the origin facility.

17. Does Priority Mail ever come early?

The answer to this question depends on your definition of early. 

Priority Mail service delivers in one to three business days. In contrast, First-Class Mail, a standard USPS service, ships in one to five business days. 

This scenario suggests that Priority Mail comes earlier than other standard mailing services.

References

1. Glossary
https://www.ups.com/worldshiphelp/WSA/ENU/AppHelp/mergedProjects/IMPEXP/Glossary/Glossary.htm
2. UPS Mail Innovations®
https://www.ups.com/us/en/supplychain/logistics-solutions/mail-innovations.page
3. Customs Clearance Guide
https://www.ups.com/us/en/supplychain/logistics-solutions/customs-brokerage/customs-clearance-guide.page
4. What Does My UPS Tracking Status Mean?
https://www.ups.com/us/en/support/tracking-support/where-is-my-package/understanding-tracking-status.page
5. Shipping Within the United States
https://www.theupsstore.com/pack-ship/domestic-shipping
6. How To Void a UPS.com Shipment
https://www.ups.com/us/en/support/shipping-support/view-void-shipments.page
7. UPS Service Alerts
https://www.ups.com/us/en/service-alerts.page
8. Delayed mail and packages?
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Delayed-Mail-and-Packages
9. Contact US
https://about.ups.com/us/en/contact-us.html
10. Contact Us
https://about.ups.com/us/en/contact-us.html
11. Priority Mail
https://www.usps.com/ship/priority-mail.htm
12. First-Class Mail
https://www.usps.com/ship/first-class-mail.htm