USPS Tracking Management
Anish
March 16, 2024
Since Benjamin Franklin’s time as the first Postmaster General and up to the present day, the United States Postal Service, commonly known as USPS, has provided various reliable and affordable mail delivery services to cater to the American people’s diverse mailing needs.
Unfortunately, despite its best efforts and that of other carriers, such as FedEx (Federal Express and UPS (United Parcel Service), packages still get lost or, worse, stolen. A 2022 report showed that over 42 million U.S. parcels were misplaced or thieved between May 2021 and April 2022.
While this figure is concerning, the situation is not a lost cause. With U.S. Postal Service Tracking, you can receive essential updates on your mail or package’s whereabouts and status, so you can monitor and manage its entire journey.
This article discusses everything you must know about USPS tracking management, including the various USPS delivery options and ways to effectively and securely manage outgoing and incoming packages.
Are you seeking additional information on the Postal Service’s monitoring and mail management offerings? Visit your local post office.
Find your area’s nearest and most convenient USPS facilities with FindPostOffice.org.
About USPS (United States Postal Service)
Before we dive into the intricacies of the U.S. Postal Service’s package tracking and management systems, let’s briefly break down what the Postal Service is.
What Is the United States Postal Service (USPS)?
The United States Postal Service, also known as the U.S. Mail or the Post Office, is a branch of the federal government established in 1775, with Benjamin Franklin serving as the first Postmaster General. Its primary function is to provide mail and package delivery to every American.
Today, USPS accomplishes its mission through its extensive network of over 31,000 post office locations and various reliable and economical domestic and international shipping services.
USPS Contact Information
Contacting the U.S. Postal Service’s customer care is crucial for addressing any issues, inquiries, or complaints about your mail or package deliveries. Fortunately, USPS provides various contact methods, including the following:
| Customer Service Hotline | 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) |
| EmailUs.USPS.com | |
| Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) for customers with disabilities | 7-1-1 |
USPS Working Hours and Locations
USPS’ customer care center operates from 8 AM to 8:30 PM Eastern time (ET), Mondays through Fridays. At the same time, you can reach USPS between 8 AM and 6 PM ET on Saturdays.
Each of the Postal Service’s more than 31,000 post office locations nationwide has unique working hours. To determine your area’s USPS facilities’ hours of operation, visit FindPostOffice.org.
Multi-language Support
In an increasingly diverse society, USPS recognizes the importance of providing support in multiple languages to ensure customers from various linguistic backgrounds can easily access postal services.
As of October 2023, the USPS website offers support for English, Spanish, and Simplified Chinese (Mandarin). With more languages coming in the future, USPS’ offerings are becoming more accessible to a broader audience.
About USPS Tracking
At its core, USPS Tracking is a U.S. Postal Service feature that allows you to monitor your shipment’s whereabouts and status from departure to arrival at its intended destination.
This tracking service comes at no additional cost with most USPS domestic and international mail products. Still, you can purchase extra services to receive tracking information for mail classes that don’t automatically include USPS Tracking.
U.S. Mail Tracking Official Website
To begin monitoring your mail and packages and receive near real-time information on their status, visit the official USPS website or download the USPS mobile app and enter the items’ tracking numbers.
How Does USPS Tracking Work?
USPS Tracking relies on a sophisticated system that utilizes barcodes and scanners to provide accurate information about the location and status of your packages. This technology also ensures you receive essential information, such as estimated delivery dates and times.
How to Track My USPS Packages
Monitoring your USPS packages as they progress throughout the Postal Service’s mailing network is straightforward: Enter your parcels’ tracking numbers on the USPS website or mobile app.
Alternatively, send a text message with your tracking number to 28777 (2USPS) or call 1-800-222-1811 between 8 AM and 8:30 PM ET on Mondays through Fridays and 8 AM to 6 PM ET on Saturdays.
How Can I Track My USPS International Package?
Tracking international mailpieces sent through USPS is the same as monitoring domestic packages. However, shipping regulations can vary wildly depending on the delivery location.
Additionally, while you can purchase tracking information for international shipments, end-to-end monitoring capabilities are limited to specific services, including USPS Priority Mail International, Priority Mail Express International, and Global Express Guaranteed.
How Long Does the USPS Package Take to Deliver?
The delivery time for USPS packages varies depending on the service you used to ship your mail items.
Here’s a quick overview of the estimated delivery times for domestic and international packages:
| Domestic | |
| Priority Mail | One to three business days |
| Priority Mail Express | Next day to two business days |
| USPS Ground Advantage | Two to five business days |
| First-Class Mail | One to five business days |
| Media Mail | Two to eight business days |
| International | |
| Priority Mail International | Six to ten business days |
| Priority Mail Express International | Three to five business days |
| Global Express Guaranteed | One to three business days |
| First-Class Package International | Varies by destination |
When Can You Expect Delivery?
As mentioned, you’ll receive an estimated delivery time when you check your package’s tracking information. This window is generally two hours, allowing you to make arrangements accordingly. That said, delivery within this timeframe isn’t guaranteed.
How Long Does USPS Keep Tracking Records?
USPS retains tracking records that can be useful for reference or verification, especially for claims and refunds. However, how long the Postal Service keeps these records varies depending on the specific service.
Here’s how long USPS stores tracking information:
| USPS Tracking | 120 days |
| Signature Confirmation | One year |
| Priority Mail Express | Two years |
| Certified Mail | Two years |
| Registered Mail | Two years |
| Numbered Internation Mail | Two years |
| Adult Signature Required/Restricted Delivery Mail | Two years |
How Do I Get USPS to Update Tracking?
While USPS strives to provide up-to-date information on your mailpieces’ whereabouts and status, sometimes, lags in the tracking information can occur.
In such cases, you should wait up to 48 hours. If your package’s tracking info is still stuck afterward, you must contact USPS through its customer service hotline or your local post office. Quickly find your area’s nearest USPS facilities with FindPostOffice.org.
What Does My Tracking Number Look Like? What Format Do USPS Tracking Numbers Follow?
USPS tracking numbers follow specific formats that provide information about the type of service and other details related to your package, represented by up to 22 alphanumeric characters.
USPS Tracking Number Format Examples
To illustrate the variety of tracking number formats used by USPS, here are some examples:
| Service | Sample USPS Tracking Number |
| USPS Tracking | 9400 1000 0000 0000 0000 00 |
| Priority Mail | 9205 5000 0000 0000 0000 00 |
| Certified Mail | 9407 3000 0000 0000 0000 00 |
| Collect On Delivery Hold For Pickup | 9303 3000 0000 0000 0000 00 |
| Global Express Guaranteed | 82 000 000 00 |
| Priority Mail Express International | EC 000 000 000 US |
| Priority Mail Express | 9270 1000 0000 0000 0000 00EA 000 000 000 US |
| Priority Mail International | CP 000 000 000 US |
Where Do I Find My Tracking Number?
The U.S. Postal Service has several convenient ways to provide a shipment’s tracking number, including the following:
- The sales or mailing receipt: When you ship a package via a post office, the tracking number and the package’s shipping label will be available on the shipping receipt.
- Confirmation email: If you pay the postage costs online through the Click-N-Ship service, you’ll receive a confirmation email containing your mailpiece’s USPS tracking number.
- USPS.com account: You can also see tracking numbers for packages associated with your delivery address by checking your USPS.com account.
You can retrieve the tracking number from the original mailer if you’re the intended recipient. If you need help finding your USPS tracking number, contact the Postal Service or visit a local post office.
You can find your area’s most convenient USPS facilities using FindPostOffice.org’s USPS facility finder tool.
How Many Times Will USPS Attempt Delivery?
USPS typically makes two delivery attempts. If the package’s recipient is unavailable for the first attempt, USPS will leave a notice for redelivery or pickup at the local post office.
This notice is the second and last chance for the intended receiver to recover the mailpiece. Otherwise, the Postal Service will return the parcel to the original mailer.
What Are USPS Tracking Notifications?
USPS offers tracking notifications to keep you informed about your package’s status. These notifications provide near real-time updates on the progress of your shipment, ensuring that you stay within the loop.
USPS Tracking Notifications/Status
Tracking notifications include various status updates about your package’s journey. Here are the messages you may receive when monitoring a parcel and what they could mean:
| USPS Awaiting Item/Shipping Label Created | The package’s shipping label has been created and will soon head to a USPS facility for processing. |
| Arrived at Post Office | The parcel is currently located and being prepared at a nearby post office for delivery. |
| Arrived at USPS Regional Facility | The shipment has reached a regional facility or distribution center. |
| Departed USPS Regional Facility | The package has left a regional facility or distribution center. |
| Arrived at USPS Facility | The mail item has arrived at one of the USPS facilities. |
| Processed Through Facility | The parcel has been processed and documented at a facility and is now prepared for international shipment. |
| In Transit to Next Facility | The package is currently in transit to another facility. |
| Arrived Shipping Partner Facility, USPS Awaiting Item | A third-party courier has retrieved the mailpiece and will soon hand it over to USPS for the final delivery. |
| Departed Shipping Partner Facility, USPS Awaiting Item | The shipment has exited the third-party courier facility and is en route to USPS for its final delivery. |
| Out for Delivery | The parcel is currently heading to the delivery address. |
| Out for Delivery, Expected Delivery by | The package is currently in transit for delivery and is expected to be delivered at the specified time. |
| Delivered, In/At Mailbox | The USPS driver has placed the mailpiece in the delivery address mailbox, and it has been successfully delivered. |
How Do I Get Automatic Notifications for My USPS Packages?
Setting up automatic tracking notifications simplifies staying informed about your packages. Input your parcel’s tracking number on the USPS website to receive automatic tracking updates.
If your mailpiece is eligible for automatic notifications, click the “Text and Email Updates” button and follow the instructions.
You can also text your tracking number plus the keyword “AF” to 28777 (2USPS) to get future activity on the shipment.
What Does ”Alert” Mean on My Tracking Status?
Occasionally, you may encounter the term “Alert” in your tracking status. This notification signifies that your package has hit a snag and will experience delivery delays. These delays can be due to bad weather or natural disasters.
How Do I Enter My USPS Tracking Number Into an All-Encompassing Tracking System?
Some third-party sites and apps allow you to monitor mail and packages from multiple carriers simultaneously in one convenient location. To track a USPS shipment, enter its tracking number into the system.
How to Get a Free Tracking Number With USPS
USPS offers tracking services, including providing tracking numbers, at no additional cost as part of its standard shipping options. Unfortunately, First-Class Mail letters and postcards are exceptions, and you’ll need to purchase extra services to get tracking information for them.
Why Is My USPS Tracking Number Not Updating?
Sometimes, your tracking number may not provide updates or appear stuck. There may be various reasons it isn’t updating, including delays in the scanning process or technical glitches.
If you’re concerned about your package, contact the U.S. Postal Service via its customer service hotline. Alternatively, you can head to your local post office, which you can find using FindPostOffice.org’s USPS facility finder tool.
Does USPS Deliver on Sunday?
USPS offers Sunday delivery services for specific mail classes and packages, including Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, First-Class Package Service, and shipments from the eCommerce giant Amazon.
Note that Sunday deliveries may include additional surcharges and may only be available in major markets.
How to Track First-Class Mail Letters With USPS Tracking
As mentioned, mail items, such as letters, postcards, and envelopes, shipped through the First-Class Mail service don’t automatically include USPS Tracking. However, you can purchase tracking information as an add-on service.
USPS Tracking Plus
With USPS’ standard monitoring service, tracking information remains for up to two years.
For a small fee, you can extend your access to your tracking history for up to 10 years with USPS Tracking Plus.
Benefits of USPS Tracking Plus
The U.S. Postal Service’s premium monitoring tool offers several benefits, including the following:
- Live map tracking: Although you can determine your parcel’s location with the standard USPS Tracking service, USPS Tracking Plus lets you ride along your shipments in real time on a map.
- Delivery evidence: When disputes from damaged or missing mail claims occur, having access to your tracking history is essential, as you can use it as delivery evidence.
USPS Tracking Plus can also be advantageous as legal and financial sources may accept tracking information as critical evidence of mailing.
How to Track Missing or Delayed Packages
Occasionally, packages go missing or experience delays. If you need clarification about your shipment’s status and location, your first step must be to check USPS Tracking.
Note that USPS may take up to 48 hours to update an item’s tracking information. So, patience is essential. If you’re the intended recipient of a parcel, you can also contact the original sender.
If all else fails, talk to a Postal Service representative by calling the USPS customer care center or visiting your local post office to initiate a search request. Quickly find your area’s most convenient USPS facility with FindPostOffice.org.
How to Track a Package Without the USPS Tracking Number
Unfortunately, while the U.S. Postal Service may be able to provide some assistance, it cannot recover lost tracking numbers.
Your best course of action will be to search for the tracking number on the mailing receipt or confirmation email. Alternatively, you can request it from the shipper if you’re the recipient.
Track Your Package
Like many other carriers, the U.S. Postal Service lets you monitor your parcels and receive critical updates on their status and whereabouts. However, USPS also offers different avenues to track and manage your mailpieces.
Get Informed Delivery
In a nutshell, Informed Delivery is a free offering by USPS that provides you with a digital preview of your incoming mail and package deliveries. It offers convenience and insight into what you can expect in your mailbox.
How Does Informed Delivery Work?
Informed Delivery works by capturing images of the mail and packages processed through USPS sorting facilities. These images are then made available through an online dashboard, which you can access on your email, USPS website, or mobile app.
How Much Does Informed Delivery Cost?
Unlike USPS Tracking Plus, Informed Delivery is offered by USPS as a free service. In other words, you don’t need to pay for a sneak preview of the pieces of mail heading to your doorstep.
Who Is Eligible for Informed Delivery?
Although you can get Informed Delivery at no additional cost, it may not be as readily available as USPS Tracking Plus.
USPS determines the eligibility for Informed Delivery based on your ZIP code. Fortunately, most residential, business, and P.O. box addresses are eligible for this service.
How Do I Sign Up for Informed Delivery?
Signing up for Informed Delivery is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Visit the USPS website and head to the Informed Delivery page. Then, click the “Sign up for Free” button.
- Determine your eligibility for the service by providing your address details.
- Verify your identity using a one-time numeric passcode, which will be sent to your provided contact number.
That’s it!
What if I Can’t Verify My Identity Online?
In cases where Informed Delivery online identity verification is challenging, USPS offers an alternative method for confirming your identity. This option involves visiting a USPS facility offering in-person identity-proofing services.
Fortunately, 18,000 locations across the country do. To find one in your area, visit FindPostOffice.org and use the USPS facility finder tool.
Maximize Your Informed Delivery Experience
The USPS Informed Delivery service doesn’t only provide package previews. It also lets you set tracking notifications and shipment reminders and sign signature-required packages even if you cannot receive them in person.
Do More With Your Packages
Aside from the abovementioned additional benefits, Informed Delivery allows you to leave unique instructions for the delivery driver, reschedule a shipment, and manually add other USPS Tracking numbers to your monitoring list.
See Photos of Your Mail Before It Arrives, Free
One of the most remarkable features of Informed Delivery is the ability to view images of your incoming mailpieces before they arrive.
These digital previews will usually be in grayscale. Still, participating mailers can replace these black-and-white images with colored ones.
USPS Electronic Signature Online
As cited, Informed Delivery allows you to register and sign for certain deliveries electronically. This feature can streamline the receipt of packages and reduce the need for physical signatures.
How to Track a USPS Order Using Informed Delivery
Informed Delivery offers previews of your mail and includes tracking information for your packages. It even automatically monitors parcels you paid for and shipped through the USPS Click-N-Ship service, which allows you to print labels online.
Head to your Informed Delivery dashboard and click the “Packages” tab to begin tracking. Doing so will display mailpieces on your tracking list. Click on the arrow icon next to the parcel you want to monitor.
USPS Package Intercept
If you need to stop a shipment on its tracks or redirect it to another delivery location, choose USPS Package Intercept. This service is available for most domestic mailpieces with a tracking or extra services barcode for a fee.
How It Works
USPS Package Intercept is a service that allows you to reroute packages to a post office location for holding or have them sent back to the original mailer. Note that this feature only applies to parcels that aren’t out for delivery or have been delivered.
Paying for Package Intercept
Unfortunately, USPS Package Intercept may involve additional fees. These additional costs include the $17.00 interception surcharge plus the postage cost of Priority Mail.
Determining Eligibility: What Is Eligible and What Is Not Eligible
Not all packages are eligible for interception. As mentioned, mailpieces available for interception are those with USPS Tracking or extra services barcodes and heading to a domestic address.
Mail items, such as USPS Marketing Mail and packages in transit to a Commercial Mailing Receiving Agency or P.O. box, are ineligible for USPS Package Intercept. Parcels exceeding 130” in total length and girth length also do not qualify.
USPS Delivery Instructions
Another way the U.S. Postal Service lets you manage your mail items is with its Delivery Instructions service. It’s a feature that allows you to specify how USPS will deliver incoming packages.
These instructions include leaving a package parcel at a different location, such as at your front deck, a local post office, or a neighbor’s house.
How Can I Leave Delivery Instructions?
To leave Delivery Instructions, you must first check if your shipment is eligible for the service. You can accomplish this task by entering the parcel’s tracking number on the USPS Tracking page.
If your mailpiece qualifies for the service, you can leave unique directions for the Postal Service to follow, which will be available in the “Available Actions” section.
Does USPS’ Delivery Instructions Service Cost Extra?
Asking USPS to hold a mailpiece or redirect it to a different location within your delivery address’ ZIP code won’t incur additional costs.
However, leaving instructions to send an item to another ZIP code or upgrading the package’s mail class will incur extra fees.
Will I Receive Email Notifications on My USPS Delivery Instructions Request?
When you leave delivery instructions, USPS will email notifications about your request’s progress and package delivery.
Other Simple Ways to Manage Your Mail
Aside from the mail management options mentioned above, the U.S. Postal Service offers several other convenient methods to ensure your mail reaches its intended destination promptly and securely.
Forward Mail
If you need your mail forwarded to a different address, USPS offers standard and premium mail forwarding options that allow you to receive mail at your preferred location. These features are highly beneficial if you temporarily or permanently relocate to a different address.
Reserve A P.O. Box
USPS provides P.O. boxes where you can securely store mailpieces away from your home address and retrieve them more conveniently. One of the most significant advantages of reserving a P.O. box is the 24-hour access some post offices provide.
USPS Hold Mail
When you need to stop mail delivery temporarily, USPS offers a Hold Mail service. This option ensures that your mail is kept safe at your local post office until you’re ready to receive it.
Hold for Pickup
If you or your intended recipient prefers to pick up packages at a local post office, USPS provides a Hold for Pickup option. This free feature can be handy for valuable or sensitive deliveries.
Schedule Redelivery Service
Did you miss a package delivery? USPS offers a redelivery service that allows you to schedule a convenient time for your package to be delivered again. Note that this USPS option may be unavailable for some locations.
To determine if your area is eligible for the Postal Service’s redelivery service, visit your local post office. You can find post office locations with FindPostOffice.org’s USPS facility locator.
Which USPS Services Offer Tracking?
As mentioned, USPS provides tracking services for various mail and package classes. Understanding which options offer tracking can help you choose the service for your shipments.
Priority Mail
Priority Mail is one of USPS’ fast and reliable services that include tracking as a standard feature. It’s an excellent choice for sending packages weighing up to 70lbs, with delivery in one to three business days at flat rate pricing.
Certified Mail
Certified Mail is a USPS service that offers tracking, proof of mailing, and delivery confirmation. It’s often used for important documents and sensitive correspondence, as it requires a signature from the recipient.
Collect on Delivery
Collect on Delivery (COD) is a service that allows the recipient to pay for the package upon delivery. USPS offers tracking for COD shipments, ensuring visibility throughout the process.
Global Express Guaranteed
For international shipments, Global Express Guaranteed provides one- to three-day delivery or your money back. It also comes with tracking to all destinations, making it ideal for confidently sending packages abroad.
Priority Mail Express International
Priority Mail Express International is an international shipping service that offers reliable tracking and delivery in three to five business days. This USPS service includes up to $100 coverage for non-negotiable document reconstruction and $200 for merchandise.
Priority Mail Express
Like its international counterpart, Priority Mail Express includes USPS Tracking. It also allows you to ship mail items up to 70lbs and guarantees delivery in next to two business days by 6 PM local time.
Priority Mail International
Priority Mail International offers affordable international shipping to over 180 countries with tracking included. It’s a cost-effective option for sending packages worldwide, allowing you to choose between flat-rate or by-weight pricing.
Registered Mail
If you want the U.S. Postal Service’s most secure mailing option, pick Registered Mail. Unfortunately, this service doesn’t provide end-to-end tracking. Instead, you’ll receive delivery status updates when you use its tracking number.
Signature Confirmation
As its name implies, Signature Confirmation is a service that requires the recipient’s signature upon delivery. Like Registered Mail, it doesn’t include USPS Tracking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I see exactly where my USPS package is?
When tracking your USPS package, you’ll receive information on its location and delivery status. However, you can see its near real-time whereabouts via the USPS Tracking Plus map tracking feature.
How soon will I get images of my mail and package notifications after registering?
Once registered for Informed Delivery, you can expect to receive images of your mail and package notifications. However, the activation time can take between three to seven business days.
I’m not receiving mail images or package notifications after signing up with Informed Delivery. Why is this so?
If you’ve signed up for Informed Delivery but aren’t receiving mail images or package notifications, you may want to ensure that your account settings are correctly configured. You can also check your email’s spam folder and verify that you provided the correct mobile phone number.
If you’re confident that everything is in place and you’re still not receiving Informed Delivery updates, call the USPS customer care hotline or head to your local post office. Locate your area’s most convenient USPS facilities with FindPostOffice.org.
What if I’m moving and need to change my address?
If you’re moving, submitting a change of address (COA) request with USPS is crucial. Doing so ensures your mail and packages are rerouted to your new location. USPS offers an online address change service to simplify this process.
How can I talk to a real person in USPS customer service?
If you need to speak with a live representative from USPS customer service, you can contact the USPS customer care hotline.
If you prefer to express your concerns or inquiries in person, head to a post office location. Use FindPostOffice.org’s USPS locator tool to filter the over 31,000 post offices to ones in your area.
Does USPS have a live chat?
Unfortunately, there is conflicting information about whether USPS provides a live chat option. Contact the USPS customer care hotline for accurate and up-to-date information.
How do I successfully file an insurance claim with USPS?
An insurance claim with USPS can be filed through its website or by mail. Providing all necessary documentation and details increases your odds of a successful claim.
Most importantly, you must file your insurance claim within your package’s filing period, typically around 60 days after its expected arrival date.
What type of mail requires a signature?
USPS mail services that require a signature upon delivery are generally considered “accountable mail.” These mailpieces include the following:
| Adult Signature Required | Certified Mail |
| Adult Signature Restricted Delivery | Foreign Origin Mail with extra services |
| Insured Mail (insured for over $500) | Signature Confirmation |
| Collect On Delivery (COD) | Restricted Delivery |
| Registered Mail | Domestic Priority Mail Express |
| Postage Due / Return Postage Due | Return Receipt |
Can I get my mail before USPS delivers it?
If you prefer to pick up your mail or packages at the local post office before they are delivered to your address, you can utilize USPS’ Hold for Pickup service. This service allows you to collect your items at a convenient time.
What’s the difference between Certified and Registered Mail?
Certified Mail provides delivery confirmation and proof of mailing.
On the other hand, Registered Mail offers a chain of custody, providing updates as your package progresses throughout the USPS mailing network.
USPS international service options: Has the USPS changed international services on its packages?
The Postal Service has changed the names of some of its international mail and package delivery options. These revisions include Airmail to First-Class Mail International, Air Package Post to Priority Mail International, and Global Express to Express Mail International.
Do USPS packages use subcontractors for their international packages?
In some cases, USPS may collaborate with international partners and carriers to facilitate the delivery of international packages. This setup ensures efficient and reliable international shipping.
How do you get free USPS shipping?
Unfortunately, USPS doesn’t offer free shipping services. However, it does provide free shipping supplies you can use when sending mail and packages.
Can you track free USPS package shipments?
As mentioned, there are no free shipments with the U.S. Postal Service. What USPS does provide are free shipping supplies, including Priority Mail Flat Rate envelopes and boxes.
If you use a free Priority Mail Flat Rate large envelope, for instance, and ship it via Priority Mail, a service that includes USPS Tracking, you can track it.
In other words, you can monitor a mail item using USPS’ free packaging if you send it through a mail class that supports USPS Tracking. Otherwise, you may need to purchase extra services to get tracking information.
Are USPS package updates the best way to get updates?
USPS Tracking and management tools provide near real-time information about your package’s location and delivery status.
While you can use third-party sites or apps, the official USPS Tracking tool is the best way to get up-to-date tracking information on packages and mail sent through USPS.
Does USPS ever make a mistake while shipping a package?
While USPS strives for accuracy, occasional errors may occur during shipping. USPS has mechanisms to address such issues, including customer support and claims procedures.
USPS IOSS number registration: How do I send USPS packages under the E.U. IOSS import system?
The Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS) is a program that simplifies VAT (value-added tax) payment and declaration for incoming and outgoing E.U. (European Union) shipments.
To send packages under this import system, you must provide USPS with your shipment’s IOSS VAT identification number, which comprises up to 12 alphanumeric characters.
What is the USPS Click-N-Ship service?
The U.S. Postal Service’s Click-N-Ship service is a platform that allows you to create shipping labels, pay for postage conveniently, and schedule free package pickup. It’s a user-friendly way to prepare and send mailpieces.
Is USPS postage based on weight or size?
When sending a package through USPS, the postage cost is determined by several factors, including the size, weight, and shipping service selected. However, the Postal Service also provides flat-rate options, which allow you to send mail at a predetermined price.
What can I do when a parcel is stuck in customs?
If your parcel is stuck in customs, you can contact the original shipper to inform them of the situation. They can expedite the customs process if they have all the necessary documentation.
You can also reach out to the U.S. Postal Service. However, it may charge you a fee to speed up customs processing. Otherwise, wait.
Fortunately, you can ease your worries by monitoring your package’s progress with USPS Tracking.
How do I send an international package with USPS?
Sending an international package with USPS is like mailing a domestic parcel. It involves selecting the appropriate international service, ensuring proper packaging for secure shipping, and handing your mailpiece to USPS.
However, you must also complete a customs form. You can use the USPS Click-N-Ship service to assist you through this process or visit a post office location and fill out Form PS 2976-R, USPS Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note.
For more information on ensuring smooth customs clearance at the destination country, talk to a Postal Service representative at a post office location. Visit FindPostOffice.org to find your area’s nearest USPS facilities.
What are USPS’ international shipping services?
USPS offers various international shipping services tailored to diverse needs, ranging from fast to economical delivery.
Here’s a quick overview of USPS international delivery options:
| Service | Delivery Speed |
| Global Express Guaranteed | 1 to 3 business days |
| Priority Mail Express International | 3 to 5 business days |
| Priority Mail International | 6 to 10 business days |
| First-Class Package International | Varies by destination |
| First-Class Mail International | Varies by destination |
| Airmail M-Bags | Varies by destination |
How do I complain about my USPS package shipment?
If you need to file a complaint about your USPS package shipment, you can contact USPS customer support and provide them with the necessary details to address your concerns.
Visit your local post office and talk to a Postal Service representative. Find your area’s nearest and most convenient post office locations with FindPostOffice.org.
References
- Postal history
https://about.usps.com/who/profile/history/significant-dates.htm - Penn Elcom: More than 42 million packages lost or stolen in the US
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/penn-elcom - USPS Tracking® – The Basics
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/USPS-Tracking-The-Basics - USPS Tracking
https://www.trackingmore.com/usps-tracking.html - Contact Us
https://www.usps.com/help/contact-us.htm - SIZE AND SCOPE
https://facts.usps.com/size-and-scope - USPS Tracking – Real Time USPS PACKAGE TRACKING and MY PACKAGE MAP
https://my-package-tracking.com/usps/ - Insurance & Extra Services
https://www.usps.com/ship/insurance-extra-services.htm - Visibility And Tracking
https://postalpro.usps.com/visibility-and-tracking - Mail & Shipping Services
https://www.usps.com/ship/mail-shipping-services.htm - Track your USPS parcels. Parcel Monitor for USPS tracking!
https://www.parcelmonitor.com/track-usps/ - International Services
https://www.usps.com/international/ - USPS Tracking
https://getcircuit.com/package-tracker/usps - USPS Tracking®
https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction_input - USPS tracking
https://www.ship24.com/couriers/usps-tracking - How to find your tracking number
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/How-to-find-your-tracking-number - USPS Sunday Delivery
https://www.stamps.com/usps/usps-sunday-delivery/ - Priority Mail Express
https://www.usps.com/ship/priority-mail-express.htm - USPS Tracking Plus® – The Basics
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/USPS-Tracking-Plus-The-Basics - What is USPS Tracking Plus
https://www.simplfulfillment.com/support-center/what-is-usps-tracking - Missing Mail – The Basics
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Missing-Mail-The-Basics - Informed Delivery® – The Basics
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Informed-Delivery-The-Basics - Informed Delivery by USPS
https://www.usps.com/manage/informed-delivery.htm - How to track a USPS order, get updates on your expected delivery, and find a missing package
https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/tech/how-to-track-usps-order - USPS Package Intercept
https://www.usps.com/manage/package-intercept.htm - USPS Delivery Instructions™ – The Basics
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/USPS-Delivery-Instructions-The-Basics - Receive Mail & Packages
https://www.usps.com/manage/ - PO Box™ – The Basics
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/PO-Box-The-Basics - Hold for Pickup Service
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Hold-for-Pickup-Service - Redelivery – The Basics
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Redelivery-The-Basics - Priority Mail
https://www.usps.com/ship/priority-mail.htm - Certified Mail® – The Basics
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Certified-Mail-The-Basics - Collect on Delivery
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Collect-on-Delivery - Global Express Guaranteed
https://www.usps.com/international/gxg.htm - Priority Mail Express International
https://www.usps.com/international/priority-mail-express-international - Priority Mail International
https://www.usps.com/international/priority-mail-international.htm - Registered Mail® – The Basics
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Registered-Mail-The-Basics - What is Signature Confirmation™?
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/What-is-Signature-Confirmation - File a USPS Claim: Domestic
https://www.usps.com/help/claims.htm - USPS® Mail Requiring a Signature – Accountable Mail
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/USPS-Mail-Requiring-a-Signature - What is Certified Mail? Everything You Need to Know
https://www.easyship.com/blog/certified-mail-guide\ - The Postal Store
https://store.usps.com/store/results/business-supplies-free-shipping - Import One-Stop Shop (IOSS)
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Import-One-Stop-Shop-IOSS - Print Click-N-Ship Online Postage
https://www.usps.com/ship/online-shipping.htm - How to Send a Package: International
https://www.usps.com/international/preparing-international-shipments