USPS Receipt Number Tracking

With a total mail volume of 127.3 billion in 2022 and serving more than 165 million addresses in the United States, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has delivered more mail than other postal companies worldwide.

With these statistics, you can imagine the daily challenges the Postal Service faces to ensure your package arrives safely at your recipient. One of the ways to help you monitor your shipment’s progress is by tracking.

How does USPS Tracking work? What items can you track with this service? Does the USPS Tracking number have different formats?

This article tackles these questions and discusses how you can track mail and packages using the different USPS services. This article also discusses the various status notifications you will receive when checking the tracking information.

When sending packages through USPS, use FindPostOffice.org to locate a post office near you. You can also narrow your search by specifying the city, state, or ZIP code in the search box.

What Is USPS Tracking?

USPS Tracking allows you to check your mail or package’s live delivery status when you ship your item through United States Postal Services. 

You can track your shipment by visiting the official USPS website and entering your package’s tracking number into the search box.

Where Is the Tracking Number on a U.S. Mail Service Receipt?

You can find the tracking number in the following places:

• Your USPS Tracking label’s bottom peel-off section
• The sales receipt if you purchase insurance from the post office
• Your shipping receipt from the post office
• The shipping confirmation email sent by the online retailer
• The confirmation email from USPS.com

“How Do I Track a U.S. Mail Service Return Receipt?”

You can track your return receipt by mail when you access the USPS website’s tracking page or using the tracking search box on the USPS website’s homepage.

U.S. Mail Service Tracking

Every time you send a parcel through USPS, the postal worker assigns a tracking number, also called an article or label number, to your item.

Although USPS tracking numbers generally have a 22-digit format, the number of digits can vary depending on your mailing service.

U.S. Mail Service Delivery Tracking

Not all USPS services have a tracking feature. Some services, like First-Class Mail, use an alternative way to confirm delivery, such as Certified Mail.

You can purchase Certified Mail as an added service that provides a mailing receipt confirming your item was sent.

U.S. Mail Service Priority Domestic Tracking

USPS Priority Mail can be an excellent option for sending domestic packages immediately. This service is an economical and quick way to mail items below 70 pounds (lbs) within the U.S.

Suppose your package or large envelope is too heavy for First-Class Mail. Priority Mail can be your next best choice, considering price and transit time.

U.S. Mail Service Priority Mail Domestic Tracking

USPS stores domestic tracking information for USPS Priority Mail for 120 days, letting you review your shipping history for that service for that period.

USPS Tracking offers end-to-end tracking for most large products addressed to domestic locations.

U.S. Mail Service First-Class Tracking

Although USPS First-Class Mail has no tracking feature, you can add delivery confirmation to this service if you include an alternative feature such as Certified Mail.

U.S. Ground Mail Tracking

The tracking feature is included when you ship your parcel using USPS Ground Advantage.

USPS Ground Advantage is a cost-efficient and reliable option for sending packages up to 70lbs within the United States.

U.S. Mail Service Parcel Select Ground Tracking

Parcel Select Ground is a USPS service that provides free USPS Tracking and lets you ship as many packages as you need.

This USPS service offers low-cost ground delivery for heavy or oversized packages, allowing you to ship packages weighing up to 70lbs in two to eight days.

U.S. Mail Service International Tracking

Some USPS international services have tracking features, although the frequency of updates may vary based on the location. 

Tracking-enabled shipping services include the following:

• Global Express Guaranteed (GXG)
• Priority Mail International
• Priority Mail Express International
• Airmail M-Bags

U.S. Mail Service Priority Mail International Tracking

Priority Mail International includes USPS Tracking, but some limitations may apply to specific destinations. Furthermore, tracking is unavailable for Priority Mail International flat-rate envelopes and small flat-rate boxes.

This international shipping service delivers to about 180 countries with a fast shipping period of 6 to 10 business days.

U.S. Mail Service Priority Mail Express International Tracking

Like Priority Mail International, this service also has USPS Tracking, ships to 180 countries, and provides free pickup at your home or office. The difference is that Priority Mail Express International offers guaranteed money-back delivery in three to five business days.

U.S. Mail Service First Class Mail International Tracking

USPS Priority Mail International offers a reliable and economical option to ship your mail to more than 180 countries, including Australia, Canada, and Mexico. This service has tracking and lets you schedule a free package pickup.

How Does USPS or the U.S. Mail Service Tracking Work?

When you ship a parcel, the U.S. Postal Service or one of its partners will scan your item’s barcode several times throughout the mailing process. 

Tracking begins when USPS gets notified and accepts your package for shipment. Tracking ends when the courier delivers your item or the recipient picks it up.

You can access your parcel’s tracking information during delivery by entering your item’s tracking number into the USPS Tracking page’s search box.

USPS Tracking Retail Label

You can find the USPS Tracking number on your package’s barcode containing a series of numbers under this code. This number series is your tracking number.

Label 400, USPS Tracking Label, Front

In January 2023, the Portal Service replaced the USPS Tracking Label 400 with Label 888 for use by commercial customers only. Post offices have been instructed not to offer the Label 400 shipping label anymore.

How to Track U.S. Mail Service Package

You can track your USPS package by visiting USPS.com and checking the USPS Tracking page. Next, enter your item’s tracking number in the search box and click “Track.”

What Items Can Be Tracked by USPS?

If you want to send and track a package or envelope within or outside the U.S., consider using any of the following services:

• Priority Mail
• Priority Mail Express
• USPS Ground Advantage
• Media Mail
• Global Express Guaranteed (GXG)
• Priority Mail International
• Priority Mail Express International
• Airmail M-Bags

What Package Tracking Is and Why It Is Important

Sending your essential letters or packages through a mail delivery service can be challenging and involves trust. When you pay to get your item delivered, you may also want to know whether it arrived safely.

Tracking is one way to help ease your worries whenever you send your parcel and allows you to follow its trail. So, consider a shipping service that offers end-to-end tracking to give you an idea of your shipment’s status from start to finish.

How to Parcel Track With USPS Text Tracking

USPS Text Tracking allows USPS to notify you through text regarding your package’s status. You can request Text Tracking through the following ways:

• Text your tracking number to 28777 (2USPS). The reply you receive should contain your item’s latest tracking information.
• Text your tracking number and a keyword to 28777. Keywords tell USPS the specific information you want. This information includes whether or not there was a delivery attempt.

“What Does My Tracking Number Look Like?”

USPS implements different formats for tracking numbers, depending on the service. These numbers provide a convenient way to monitor your shipments’ progress during transit.

The following sections describe these number formats.

What Are the USPS Tracking Numbers and Formats?

USPS Tracking usually appears as a 22-digit number and has the following format:

9400 1000 0000 0000 0000 00

USPS Service Label Formats

Aside from the USPS Tracking format shown above, other formats can also be used depending on the USPS mailing service you use. Some services have the same tracking number format as USPS Tracking, while others have a different configuration.

USPS Tracking Number Rules

A USPS tracking number can appear as a combination of letters and numbers specific to your package and is usually assigned at a USPS post office. You can use this number to check your shipment’s movement from origin to destination.

Track U.S. Mail Service by Number

To monitor your parcel’s delivery status by number, enter your confirmation or tracking number in the search field on the USPS website’s homepage or USPS Tracking page and press “Track.”

“Where Do I Discover My Tracking or Reference Number?”

Your shipment’s tracking number is necessary to help you track your item conveniently and in real-time. 

Your USPS Tracking Number Can Be Found in the Following Places

Whenever you send an item through USPS, it places the tracking number in the following areas:

• The shipping receipt from the post office
• The sales receipt when you buy insurance at the post office
• The confirmation email when you ship from USPS.com
• The confirmation email you receive from an online retailer
• The USPS Tracking label’s bottom peel-off portion

USPS Tracking

The tracking numbers USPS uses can appear in various formats, depending on the shipping service you use to mail your item. 

Priority Mail

The USPS Priority Mail tracking number has a 22-digit number and appears in the following format:

9205 5000 0000 0000 0000 00

Certified Mail

When you send Certified Mail, USPS will assign a number containing 22 digits. The following is an example:

9407 3000 0000 0000 0000 00

Collect on Delivery

Sending mail with collect on delivery (COD) gives you a 22-digit tracking number that appears in this sample format:

9303 3000 0000 0000 0000 00

Global Express Guaranteed

GXG service’s tracking number has a 10-digit format. Here’s an example:

82 000 000 00

Priority Mail Express International

This service uses a 13-digit alphanumeric tracking number combining numbers and letters. Below is a sample format of Priority Mail Express International tracking number:

EC 000 000 000 US

Priority Mail Express

USPS Priority Mail Express has two tracking number formats appearing as a 13-digit alphanumeric string or a 22-digit number. Below are examples:

9270 1000 0000 0000 0000 00

EA 000 000 000 US

Priority Mail International

This service’s tracking number uses a 13-digit alphanumeric string. Here’s an example of that format:

CP 000 000 000 US

Registered Mail

This USPS service has a 22-digit tracking number formatted as this example shows:

9208 8000 0000 0000 0000 00

Signature Confirmation

If you purchase the Signature Confirmation service, USPS will give you a 22-digit tracking number like this example:

9202 1000 0000 0000 0000 00

U.S. Mail Service Parcel Select Ground

The Postal Service does not have a specific tracking number format for Parcel Select Ground. However, USPS offers free tracking for this service for online customers using the services of an authorized USPS vendor or business partner.

“How Do I Access Tracking Information?”

Suppose you want to know your parcel’s tracking information to determine the delivery status. You can track your package through the following options:

• Access USPS.com’s tracking page: Enter your tracking number in the USPS website’s tracking service search box.
• Use third-party web tools: Input the tracking number on third-party websites authorized by USPS to provide safe and quick item tracking.
• Use USPS Text Tracking: Text your tracking number to 28777. Standard messaging rates can apply.
• Access USPS smartphone apps: Download the USPS Mobile app for iPhone or Android.
• Call USPS: Contact USPS’ toll-free phone number at 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777).

U.S. Mail Service Intelligent Mail Barcode or U.S. Mail Service IMB Tracking and Tracing

The IMb appears as a 65-bar barcode on your USPS mail. You can use the IMb to request various services using only one barcode.

USPS uses the Intelligent Mail barcode (IMb) to track and sort letters, flats, and cards. 

Different USPS Statuses Meaning

While scrolling through your shipment’s tracking information, you will likely see different messages regarding your item’s delivery status. The following sections explain what these messages mean.

What Does “In Transit” Mean in the U.S. Mail Service?

Your item is “in transit” when the courier has picked up and scanned your parcel and sent it to your recipient.

Your shipment can get delayed if it is in transit for an extended time. This delay can happen because of adverse road conditions, unfavorable weather, or poor deliverability at the recipient’s location.

What Does “Out for Delivery” Mean in the U.S. Mail Service?

This message means your parcel has left the courier’s facility and is going to your recipient’s address. This status should update to “delivered” after the postal worker successfully delivers your package to your recipient.

What Does “Delivered” Mean in the U.S. Mail Service?

The “delivered” message means the courier has delivered your package and the recipient has accepted it. The tracking information should also indicate the delivery date and time.

What Does “Return to Sender” Mean?

If you are the recipient, “return to sender” means the courier is returning your package to the shipper. You may incur taxes or duties for the return if you are the mailer.

“Inbound Out of Customs” Meaning

This status means U.S. Customs has cleared and released your package, which should be heading toward your recipient.

If the message says “outbound” instead, your package has likely passed customs inspection and is on its way to the destination country.

Other Tracking Statuses

Other status messages you may encounter when checking your package’s tracking information are as follows:

• Missed “in transit” pickup scan: The package routed internationally is stuck “in transit” for an extended time and then instantly updates to “delivered.”
• Damaged in transit: The item got damaged while in transit. You can consider filing a claim to receive compensation.
• Uncontrollable customs delay: Your international package is stuck at customs for some reason, such as your recipient having to pay outstanding duties or taxes.

How Long Does It Take for Tracking Information to Show Up in the U.S. Mail Service?

Once the courier scans your parcel, the tracking information can often take up to 24 hours to update. Since the changes are not always instantaneous, you may need to wait for some time before the status update appears.

U.S. Mail Service Tracking Not Updating

Despite USPS Tracking working properly, some instances occur when the tracking information is not updated. Some of these reasons are discussed in the following sections.

What Are the Reasons Behind Tracking Not Updating?

Sometimes, your parcel’s tracking information does not update. In this case, the reasons can be any of the following:

• Bad weather conditions
• Unscanned package barcode
• Package not scanned at intermediate stops due to unavoidable situations
• Delay on the part of the carrier
• Unscannable or broken barcode

“I’ve Received My Packages, but Still, U.S. Mail Service Tracking Is Not Updating”

If you are the recipient, receiving your package without its tracking information updating is possible, especially during a holiday package delivery rush. USPS can skip scanning to handle the demand increase in these situations.

In other words, USPS may forego scanning if doing so can help move the packages quicker.

How U.S. Mail Service Premium Tracking Works

USPS Tracking Plus is the Postal Service’s premium tracking service that can extend your access to your shipment’s tracking history on the USPS.com website for an additional 6 months to 10 years for a small fee.

You can also email a request for a Tracking Plus statement anytime during that extended period.

How to Track a USPS Package Without Using a Tracking Number

You need a tracking number to track your package. Suppose you lose this number and the courier cannot help you recover it. You may find it difficult to see the tracking information.

One of the best ways to track your package without using a tracking number is by setting up your USPS Informed Delivery account. This service lets you digitally preview mail, track packages, and manage package deliveries for free.

How to Use USPS Tracking Other Than USPS.com Tracking

To track your USPS package aside from using USPS Tracking online, use the following alternatives:

• By text: Send a text to 28777 using your tracking number as the message’s content.
• By smartphone: Download the USPS Mobile app for Android or iPhone.
• By phone: Contact USPS’ customer service phone number at 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777).

“Where Is My U.S. Mail Service Package?”

Enter your parcel’s tracking number in the USPS website’s search bar to find your USPS item’s location or delivery status. You can also track the parcel using the alternative options mentioned above.

U.S. Mail Service Expected Delivery Window

While checking your package’s status, you may encounter a message about the expected delivery window, a two-hour time slot when you can expect your item to arrive.

USPS does not guarantee delivery within that window. However, your recipient may still receive the parcel by the day’s end.

“When Will My Letter Carrier or Mail Arrive?”

Check the delivery standard of the mailing service you used to send your letter to determine when your mail arrives at its recipient. For example, Priority Mail Express should arrive the next day or within two days.

How Long Does Priority Mail Take?

Priority Mail is a USPS service that delivers in one to three business days. This service also has USPS Tracking, free package pickup at your office or home, and up to $100 in insurance for most parcels.

How Long Does First-Class Mail Take?

USPS First-Class Mail is an affordable, easy way to send postcards and envelopes through USPS to your recipient in one to five business days. You can send First-Class Mail using Forever stamps.

As of 2023, a Forever stamp for a one-ounce (oz) postage costs $0.66 and has no expiry, even if the postage increases.

How Long Does It Take for International First-Class Mail?

The time it takes for your FCMI shipment to arrive at your recipient depends on the destination.

Despite this unpredictable delivery commitment, FCMI remains a cost-efficient option for sending mail internationally, with prices beginning from $3.

U.S. Mail Service Priority International Delivery Times

USPS Priority Mail International boasts a fast delivery time of 6 to 10 business days for most major markets. However, the actual number of days will depend on the origin, destination, and delays due to customs processing.

How Do You Get Your Package With U.S. Mail Service Delivered?

USPS shipping typically starts with you bringing your package to a blue collection box or local post office. A postal worker then takes your item and ships it to a mail sorting facility via truck.

In this facility, machines automatically sort your packages by shape, size, and destination.

For domestic shipments, the courier transports your item by truck and then delivers the item to you via a local postal worker.

If you send an international package, it must go through customs first and then be sent by plane to the destination country.

“How Can I Leave Delivery Instructions?”

To leave delivery instructions to the courier regarding your shipment, go to USPS.com and follow these steps:

• Click “Delivery Instructions” beside your shipment’s tracking number.
• Log in to your USPS account or sign up if you have not done so.
• Follow the prompts to verify your address eligibility and specify the delivery instructions.

My Package Shipped by U.S. Mail Service Shows No Tracking Information

Mail pieces shipped through USPS can have little or no tracking information. Some USPS services, such as First-Class Mail, have no tracking feature but have delivery confirmation instead.

Through delivery confirmation, such as USPS Proof of Delivery, you can receive an email letter with the following details:

• Recipient’s name
• Tracking number
• Your shipment’s delivery information
• Recipient’s signature image
• Printed name and address
• Extra services
• Product of mail
• Package weight
• Delivery location description, such as the front door or porch

“What Can I Do if My Mailpiece Hasn’t Been Delivered?”

Check your parcel’s mail class delivery standard and the appropriate time to contact USPS. For instance, First-Class Mail that does not arrive in one to five days should prompt you to contact USPS five days after mailing.

“What Can I Do if My Package Hasn’t Been Delivered?”

As mentioned earlier, check your item’s mailing service delivery standard. For example, if your Priority Mail Express parcel does not arrive the next day or within two days, call USPS by 6:00 PM of the guaranteed delivery date.

U.S. Mail Service Priority Mail International Standard and Express Service

USPS Priority Mail International lets you send items over 4lbs to your recipient in 6 to 10 business days. Meanwhile, Priority Mail Express International offers guaranteed money-back delivery in three to five days.

Both services have the tracking feature, have insurance up to $100 for nonnegotiable documents or $200 for merchandise, and are priced by weight up to 70lbs.

U.S. Mail Service Global Express Guaranteed

GXG is USPS’ fastest international service that lets you ship items up to 70lbs to about 180 countries in one to three days. Despite GXG being a USPS service, Federal Express (FedEx) also handles this service to provide international delivery.

As of 2023, this service’s price starts at $71.10 and comes with a money-back guarantee.

U.S. Mail Service Business Solutions

If you have a business, USPS Business Solutions can assist you with your daily small and medium business needs, which include the following services:

• Marketing campaigns
• Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) (targeted advertising for small businesses in the community)
• Shipping best practices
• Supply ordering
• Package pickups and drop-offs
• Pricing calculator
• Shipping solutions like Click-N-Ship (an application for creating postage labels online)

U.S. Mail Service Parcel Select Delivery Time

USPS can deliver your Parcel Select Ground shipment in two to eight days. Although this service offers low rates for shipping large packages, the cost to send your item depends on weight, distance, and item dimensions.

U.S. Mail Service Package Lost or Stolen: What to Do

If your USPS shipment goes missing, check if the service you paid for has insurance. You can file a claim with USPS if your item has coverage. If the Postal Service approves your claim, the company will send you a check.

Another method is to file a missing mail search request using your USPS account. You can also call USPS for assistance at 1-800-ASK-USPS.

What Is U.S. Mail Service First-Class Package International?

First-Class Package International Service (FCPIS) is a well-known option to send items worth up to $400 and weighing up to 4lbs (64oz) worldwide. This service starts at $15.75 and allows you to get delivery confirmation when sending to select countries.

What Is U.S. Mail Service Informed Delivery?

USPS Informed Delivery gives you the option to preview and receive notifications about your parcels scheduled to arrive soon.

The preview comprises grayscale images of your incoming letter-sized mail. USPS Informed Delivery also lets you conveniently manage and track packages.

U.S. Mail Service Delayed Mail and Packages

Before considering a USPS shipment delayed, check the different mailing services’ delivery standards. 

You can use the following standards as a reference to determine whether a package is late:

Service	Delivery standard	When to contact customer service
Priority Mail Express	One to two calendar days	6:00 PM, local time, on the guaranteed delivery date
Priority Mail	One, two, or three business days	Five or more days after the mailing date
USPS Ground Advantage	Two to five business days	Five or more days after the mailing date
First-Class Mail	One to five business days	Five or more days after the mailing date
Marketing Mail	3 to 10 business days	14 or more days after the mailing date
Parcel Select	Two to eight business days	14 or more days after the mailing date

U.S. Mail Service Package Not Moving for a Week, a Month, or Stopped

Sometimes, your package’s tracking information will show an “in transit” status but not update for an extended time, making it seem that the delivery has stopped. Some reasons for this occurrence are as follows:

• The item is still in the plane, vehicle, or train.
• The barcode for scanning is damaged during transportation.
• The package has been offloaded and has yet to be processed.
• The transport vehicle broke down.
• The item is stuck in a facility pileup.

How to Send a Package Through USPS

To send a package via USPS, follow these steps:

• Choose the box that safely fits your item to avoid having to pay extra fees. The correct size is one that fits through the USPS machines.
• Tape the box close and ensure all sides are flat.
• Print your item’s shipping label or write the addresses using a permanent marker.
• Visit a post office to choose the service you want.
• Have your postage calculated to send your package.

How to File a USPS Lost Package Claim

If your USPS parcel gets lost, check if the shipping service you paid for has insurance. If your item has coverage, you can file a claim. USPS will send you a check if the Postal Service approves this claim.

Another option is to file a missing mail search request through your USPS account. You can also call USPS at 1-800-ASK-USPS for assistance.

U.S. Mail Service Delivery Hours

USPS strives to deliver all parcels to their destinations by 5:00 PM, local time, from Monday to Saturday. However, mail volume can fluctuate daily, so USPS cannot guarantee delivery times.

Furthermore, unusual circumstances like severe weather, traffic, and carrier route changes can cause additional delays.

U.S. Mail Service Sunday and Saturday Delivery Hours

Some USPS services can deliver on holidays or weekends. However, the delivery hours can depend on the post office location. 

The following sections briefly discuss the services that provide delivery on Sunday and Saturday.

Does U.S. Mail Service Deliver on Saturdays?

USPS offers Saturday delivery, depending on your chosen shipping service. For example, Priority Mail Express and Priority Mail can deliver on Saturday. However, other services like First-Class Mail, Media Mail, and Retail Ground do not specify deliveries on that day.

Does U.S. Mail Service Deliver on Sundays?

USPS provides Sunday and holiday deliveries using Priority Mail Express in many major markets for an extra fee. Contact your local post office to check whether it handles Sunday deliveries in your area.

What Do Customs Do?

When international parcels enter the United States, they pass through customs through one of five international service centers (ISCs) in Chicago, Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

ISCs distribute international mail from authorized service areas to specific foreign countries or gateway exchange offices.

Does the Customs Clearance Process Work?

As international parcels arrive at the airport, ground handlers unload the mail and packages inside receptacles and bring those items to the ISC. Afterward, USPS employees verify these mail receptacles’ status and make reports.

You can use these reports to instantly check information about your parcel, including when it was scanned, sent, and assigned to a specific flight from the origin country.

About U.S. Mail Service

USPS is the United States’ only delivery service that can reach every address in the nation, comprising 160 million residences, P.O. boxes, and businesses. Rather than operating using tax dollars, USPS relies primarily on selling services, postage, and products to fund the courier’s operations.

U.S. Mail Tracking Official Website

For all your USPS shipping and tracking needs, visit the U.S. Postal Service’s website at USPS.com. You can conveniently access the tracking search box from the homepage to quickly track your parcel.

USPS Working Hours and Locations

USPS manages over 31,000 post offices across the U.S., and working hours can vary based on location.

For example, in California, the Los Angeles Post Office operates from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday, while the Firestone Post Office operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM during weekdays. Both locations are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

USPS Shipment Tracking Management

One option to help you manage shipment tracking is registering for a USPS account, whether for business or personal, and getting Informed Delivery.

Informed Delivery lets you manage incoming packages and preview mail images on one dashboard without entering tracking numbers. The service also allows you to sign up for text or email notifications, schedule alerts, request redelivery, and specify delivery instructions.

Multi-Language Support

Aside from English, the USPS website’s default language, the Postal Service also offers Simplified Chinese and Spanish on the site to provide multi-language support.

To change your preferred language when viewing the website, go to USPS.com and select your language at the top of the page.

How to Talk to a Real Person in USPS Customer Service

Are you encountering issues with your USPS shipment or delivery tracking? One way to resolve this problem is by conversing with a USPS representative. 

The following sections provide ways you can talk to an actual customer service agent.

USPS Customer Care Service Contacts

Aside from the toll-free USPS customer care phone number at 1-800-ASK-USPS, the following numbers can provide assistance for your other needs:

• Domestic and international tracking: 1-800-222-1811
• Technical support: 1-800-344-7779
• Free shipping supplies: 1-800-610-8734
• Stamps and postal store orders: 1-844-737-7826

USPS Tracking FAQs

1. Can I track a USPS package by address?

No. While you can track a USPS package using the tracking number, you can’t track it by destination address. 

However, you can use Informed Delivery to track the packages you send and those sent to your delivery address.

2. Can I track a package by name?

No. You cannot track a USPS package by name. However, as an alternative, you can use the USPS Tracking Number on your parcel or set up Informed Delivery on your USPS account.

3. Does USPS have a live chat?

USPS does not provide live chat on its official website. However, you can contact customer service through the following:

• Call USPS at 1-800-ASK-USPS.
• Email USPS using the online customer service form.

4. How do I successfully file an insurance claim with USPS?

To successfully file an insurance claim, check first the filing period of the mailing service you used to send your parcel. For example, you can file a Priority Mail claim between 15 and 60 days after mailing.

Next, gather all necessary documents, including evidence documents, to help support your claim. Finally, file your claim online at USPS.com or by mail.

5. What type of mail requires a signature?

If you are the mailer, you can require signature confirmation when mailing through any of the following services:

• USPS Ground Advantage
• Priority Mail service items
• Package services
• Parcel Select

6. How many times will USPS attempt delivery?

Suppose you are waiting to receive a package but do not receive it on the first delivery attempt. USPS will attempt redelivery once.

If you miss the second delivery, you can schedule a redelivery by calling customer service or through the Postal Service’s website.

7. Can I pick up my mail before it gets delivered?

Yes. You can pick up your item before it gets delivered by asking USPS to hold it at the post office. You can update the delivery instructions to request pickup, provided that:

• USPS is handling your item before delivery.
• Your parcel has a tracking number.
• Your package is not yet out for delivery.

8. What’s the difference between Certified Mail and Registered mail?

USPS Certified Mail has proof of receipt, a tracking number, and a mailing receipt. You can use this service to send legal documents and other mail pieces needing proof of delivery.

Meanwhile, Registered Mail offers Certified Mail services and added protection for high-value or irreplaceable items for a fee.

9. Can I track a USPS package with a receipt number?

Yes. You can see your parcel’s USPS tracking number on the post office shipping receipt. Use this number to track your shipment.

10. Why does my USPS receipt not have a tracking number?

It is possible that you did not receive a tracking number because your item does not come with one. Such items include:

• First-Class Mail flats and letters
• Postcards
• Periodicals
• Some USPS Marketing Mail packages

References

1. Size and Scope
   https://facts.usps.com/size-and-scope/
2. First-Class Mail
   https://www.usps.com/ship/first-class-mail.htm
3. Certified Mail® – The Basics
   https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Certified-Mail-The-Basics
4. Service update
   https://link.usps.com/2023/01/17/service-update-3/
5. Mail & Shipping Services
   https://www.usps.com/ship/mail-shipping-services.htm
6. USPS Text Tracking™ FAQs
   https://www.usps.com/text-tracking/welcome.htm
7. USPS Tracking® – The Basics
   https://faq.usps.com/s/article/USPS-Tracking-The-Basics
8. Priority Mail International
   https://www.usps.com/international/priority-mail-international.htm
9. Priority Mail Express International
   https://www.usps.com/international/priority-mail-express-international.htm
10. USPS Tracking®
    https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction_input
11. USPS Tracking Plus® – The Basics
    https://faq.usps.com/s/article/USPS-Tracking-Plus-The-Basics
12. How to find your tracking number
    https://faq.usps.com/s/article/How-to-find-your-tracking-number
13. Contact Us
    https://www.usps.com/help/contact-us.htm