USPS tracking statuses explained
Each USPS tracking entry has three parts: a short status line such as “Arrived at USPS Facility”, a sentence under it, and a status category such as “On the Way” or “Alert”. The pages below quote all three from the scan event list USPS publishes for mailers, say what USPS says each status means, and give USPS's own deadlines for acting on it.
Checked against USPS's documents on . USPS's tracking FAQ (faq.usps.com) loads only with JavaScript, so it isn't quoted.
11 statuses, one page each
- Label Created
A label exists, but USPS has not scanned the package yet.
USPS category: USPS Awaiting Item
- Moving Through Network
The package is between USPS facilities; USPS now calls this stage “On the Way”.
USPS category: On the Way
- In Transit, Arriving Late
USPS expects delivery after the expected date, but the package is still moving.
USPS category: On the Way
- Awaiting Delivery Scan
It went out for delivery, but no delivery or notice scan followed; USPS usually posts the line that evening.
USPS category: Alert
- Delivered
A delivery scan recorded where and when USPS left it; the words after “Delivered,” say where.
USPS category: Delivered
- Delivered to Agent
USPS handed it to someone who takes mail for the address, not to the addressee.
USPS category: Delivered to Agent
- Available for Pickup
The package is waiting at a Post Office or other USPS pickup point.
USPS category: Available for Pickup
- Notice Left
The carrier tried, couldn’t deliver, and left a notice; the recipient has to schedule redelivery or pick it up.
USPS category: Delivery Attempt: Action Needed
- Delivery Attempted
For no access, a closed business, weather or an animal, USPS says it will try again with no action needed.
USPS category: Alert
- Return to Sender
USPS could not deliver it as addressed and is sending it back; the line names the reason.
USPS category: Alert
- Alert
“Alert” is a category for many different events; the line under it says which one.
USPS category: Alert
Where tracking text comes from
USPS's tracking system is called Product Tracking and Reporting (PTR): “PTR captures tracking events continuously from label creation to final delivery, aggregating data from a variety of sources including mailer data, handheld scanners, retail terminals, and mail processing equipment.” (USPS PostalPro, Product Tracking and Reporting, page introduction)
For each scan event, USPS's PTR2 scan event list (posted Apr 27, 2026) gives the status line USPS.com shows (“External (USPS.com) Second Level Scripting”), the sentence under it (“First Level Scripting”), the status category and a description of the event. That description is USPS's own account of what each event is, and it is what these pages quote.
USPS's schedule for moving tracking to its new PTR2 system: “USPS.com Tracking and Informed Delivery Package Tracking will cut over to use the PTR2 Tracking API starting May 16th, 2026” (USPS PTR Modernization overview (v14), section 2.1, "When is it changing?"). “The Second Level Scripting will also be updated to reduce complexity while preserving meaning.” (USPS PTR Modernization overview (v14), section 7, "Second Level Scripting Changes") “First Level Scripting (long form sentence description) will not be changing in PTR2.” (USPS PTR Modernization overview (v14), section 10)
Why your screen may not match word for word
The old and new systems overlap: “PTR2 will run in parallel with the current PTR platform until customer migration to the new platform is completed.” (USPS PTR Modernization overview (v14), section 2, "What's Changing") USPS's September 2026 known-issues list (figures for 8/25/2026-9/1/2026) still includes “Incorrect Event Scripting, including event codes 01, 03, 06, 09, 10, 14, 32, 44, 54, 73, CI, OF, TL, VM, VN, VR, Shipping Partner events, RTS events” among the PTR2 differences being fixed (USPS PTR2 known-issues list (v13), section 2.2, "API Discrepancies"). And apps that read USPS's scan data files may show the capitalized extract wording instead, such as “AWAITING DELIVERY SCAN” for Awaiting Delivery. The meaning, which is what these pages explain, is the same.
Status categories, before and after 2026
USPS's own example: “‘Pre-Shipment’ -> ‘On Its Way to USPS’ -> ‘Moving Through Network’ -> ‘Out for Delivery’ changing to ‘USPS Awaiting Item’ -> ‘Accepted’ -> ‘On the Way’ -> ‘Out for Delivery’” (USPS PTR Modernization overview (v14), section 3.1, "Tracking Status Updates").
| Before | After |
|---|---|
| Pre-Shipment | USPS Awaiting Item |
| On Its Way to USPS | USPS Awaiting Item |
| Accepted | unchanged |
| In Transit from Origin Processing | On the Way |
| Moving Through Network | On the Way |
| Processing at Destination | On the Way |
| Preparing for Delivery | unchanged |
| Out for Delivery | unchanged |
| Delivered | unchanged |
| Delivered to Agent | unchanged |
| Delivery Attempt | unchanged |
| Delivery Attempt: Action Needed | unchanged |
| Available for Agent Pickup | unchanged |
| Available for Pickup | unchanged |
| International Transit | unchanged |
| Customs Transit | International Transit |
| Alert | unchanged |
All 36 status lines USPS renamed
| Before | After |
|---|---|
| Accepted at USPS [Regional] Destination Facility | Accepted at USPS Facility |
| Accepted at USPS [Regional] Facility | Accepted at USPS Facility |
| Accepted at USPS [Regional] Origin Facility | Accepted at USPS Facility |
| Arrived at Facility | Arrived at USPS Facility |
| Arrived at USPS [Regional] Destination Facility | Arrived at USPS Facility |
| Arrived at USPS [Regional] Facility | Arrived at USPS Facility |
| Arrived at USPS [Regional] Origin Facility | Arrived at USPS Facility |
| Arrived Shipping Partner Facility, USPS Awaiting Item | Arrived Shipping Partner Facility |
| Arrived USPS [Regional] Facility | Arrived at USPS Facility |
| Available for Agent Pickup | Awaiting Agent Pickup |
| Available for Agent Pickup, COD Amount Due $[amount] | Awaiting Agent Pickup, COD Amount Due $[amount] |
| Available For Returns Agent | Awaiting Returns Agent Pickup |
| Carrier Pick-up Scheduled | Carrier Pickup Scheduled |
| Delivery Attempted; Recipient not at Home | Delivery Attempted; Recipient Not Home |
| Delivery Exception, Animal Interference | Delivery Delay, Animal Interference |
| Delivery Exception, Local Weather Delay | Delivery Delay, Local Weather Issue |
| Departed Facility | Departed USPS Facility |
| Departed Shipping Partner Facility, USPS Awaiting Item | Departed Shipping Partner Facility |
| Departed USPS [Regional] Destination Facility | Departed USPS Facility |
| Departed USPS [Regional] Facility | Departed USPS Facility |
| Merchant Order Receipt Notification, USPS Awaiting Item | Merchant Order Receipt Notification |
| Picked Up and Processed by Agent | Picked up by Agent for Final Delivery |
| Picked Up by Shipping Agent | Picked up by Agent |
| Picked Up By Shipping Partner, USPS Awaiting Item | Picked up by Shipping Partner |
| Pre-Shipment, USPS Awaiting Item | Pre-Shipment Info Sent to USPS |
| Processed At USPS [Regional] Destination Facility | Processed At USPS Facility |
| Processed Through USPS [Regional] Facility | Processed Through USPS Facility |
| Processing Exception, Regional Transportation Delay | Processing Delay, Regional Transportation Issue |
| Processing Exception, Regional Weather Delay | Processing Delay, Regional Weather Issue |
| Return to Sender | Returned to Sender |
| Return to Shipper | Returned to Shipper |
| Shipment Delivered | Delivered |
| Shipment in Transit | In Transit |
| Shipment On Hold | On Hold |
| Shipment Pick Up | Picked Up |
| Shipping Label Created, USPS Awaiting Item | Shipping Label Created |
Every status line on these pages, by category
115 tracking lines, each with what USPS says the event is and the page that explains it. Quotes are verbatim, sometimes in part; event codes and page numbers refer to USPS's PTR2 list.
USPS Awaiting Item (9)
| Status line | What USPS says it is | Explained on |
|---|---|---|
| Shipping Label Created event GX, p. 22 | “A shipper has created an address label and tracking barcode for the item” | Label Created |
| Label Cancelled event GX, p. 22 | “The shipper has notified USPS that the shipping label will not be used.” | Label Created |
| Notified that Delivery Partner will handle delivery event GX, p. 22 | “This messaging is specific to the case where the shipper indicates that they have cancelled the label.” | Label Created |
| Shipping Label Printed at Post Office event GX, p. 22 | “This flavor of the GX event indicates that a label broker shipping label was printed at the Post Office.” | Label Created |
| Pre-Shipment Info Sent to USPS event MA, p. 16 | “This does not signify receipt of the shipment, only the intent to tender it to USPS.” … “Once the shipment is received by USPS, tracking status will be updated and an expected delivery date will be made available.” … “This event is displayed on USPS.com USPS Tracking only when it is the earliest status for the item.” | Label Created |
| Picked Up By Shipping Partner event 80, p. 23 | “The item is part of a shipment that the mailer has turned over to a consolidator or contractor for transport to USPS” | Label Created |
| Arrived Shipping Partner Facility event 81, p. 23 | “The item has arrived at the shipper's depot for transport to USPS” | Label Created |
| Departed Shipping Partner Facility event 82, p. 23 | “The shipper has dispatched the item and it is enroute to a USPS facility” | Label Created |
| Merchant Order Receipt Notification event 89, p. 23 | “The shipper has indicated to USPS that a merchant has received an order for your shipment.” | Label Created |
Accepted (7)
| Status line | What USPS says it is | Explained on |
|---|---|---|
| Tendered to Postal Service event 83, p. 23 | “This event will be suppressed on USPS.com USPS Tracking.” | Label Created |
| USPS in possession of item event 03, p. 3 | “If the item was picked up, either as part of a scheduled pickup or by the carrier on the route, the event will display as 'Picked Up'.” | Label Created |
| USPS picked up item event 03, p. 3 | “If the item was picked up, either as part of a scheduled pickup or by the carrier on the route, the event will display as 'Picked Up'.” | Label Created |
| USPS electronic receipt of item for mailing event 03, p. 3 | “This messaging is used for acceptance at a self service kiosk, smart parcel locker, or other self-service transaction.” | Label Created |
| Accepted at USPS Facility event OA, p. 17 | “A calculated event attaching acceptance to an item based on the first processing scan at a sort facility.” | Label Created |
| Accepted at USPS Facility event UA, p. 19 | “An Acceptance event generated for a single piece that was not part of a mailer's manifest and which did not receive a physical acceptance scan” | Label Created |
| Shipment Received, Package Acceptance Pending event TM, p. 19 | “An Acceptance event generated when a USPS employee scans PS Form 5630 (SCAN), the online manifest form” | Label Created |
On the Way (12)
| Status line | What USPS says it is | Explained on |
|---|---|---|
| Arrived at USPS Facility event U1, p. 20 | “This event indicates that the package within a container was unloaded from a truck.” | Label Created |
| Departed Post Office event SF, p. 18 | “Articles receiving an Acceptance scan at the retail window or by a carrier have left the local Post Office and are enroute to the first USPS processing facility.” | Moving Through Network |
| Arrived at, Departed or Processing at USPS Facility event 10, p. 5 | “The item was sorted in the processing facility indicated by the city, state and ZIP Code.” … “customers may see more than one of these events, but only the first / last such scan at each site on a calendar day; others are suppressed.” | Moving Through Network |
| Departed USPS Facility event E1, p. 14 | “The item is nested to a container that was scanned as departing a facility.” | Moving Through Network |
| Departed USPS Facility event L1, p. 15 | “The item is nested to a container that was scanned as being loaded onto transportation at a USPS facility.” … “The term ‘regional’ may sometimes be included in the language for some facilities.” | Moving Through Network |
| Processing at USPS Facility event 08, p. 4 | “USPS redirected the item to the correct delivery unit on the next mail dispatch after it was routed incorrectly.” | Moving Through Network |
| Processing at USPS Facility event 15, p. 6 | “A shipping partner or their agent responsible for transporting the item to USPS dropped it at the wrong USPS facility” | Moving Through Network |
| Delayed for postage assessment, Item in transit to destination event F5, p. 14 | “This information indicates the package may be delayed due to postage assessment activities.” | Moving Through Network |
| In Transit, Arriving On Time event A2, P2, TL, p. 13, 18, 19 | “We use this language when we believe the item is on track to meet the expected delivery date.” | In Transit, Arriving Late |
| In Transit to Next Facility event A2, P2, TL, p. 13, 18, 19 | “This event helps to fill a visibility gap for customers using the tracking web site.” | In Transit, Arriving Late |
| In Transit, Arriving Late event A2, P2, TL, p. 13, 18, 19 | “This is the language used when the item appears likely to be delivered after the expected delivery date.” | In Transit, Arriving Late |
| Redelivery Scheduled event VR, p. 21 | “The customer has scheduled a redelivery for the item using the Redelivery website or application or by calling the Customer Care Center.” | Notice Left |
In Transit (1)
| Status line | What USPS says it is | Explained on |
|---|---|---|
| Arrived at USPS Facility event A1, p. 12 | “This is a trailer arrival event, meaning that the item was nested to a container that was scanned as arriving at a USPS facility.” | Moving Through Network |
Preparing for Delivery (2)
| Status line | What USPS says it is | Explained on |
|---|---|---|
| Arrived at Post Office event 07, p. 4 | “The item has arrived at the local Post Office on the day indicated and is scheduled for delivery.” … “Usually, if the item arrives before 9:30 am, it will be delivered that day; if after 9:30 am, on the next business day.” | Awaiting Delivery Scan |
| Prepared for Redelivery event 74, p. 12 | “This event signals that the employee has pulled the package from the shelf in preparation for taking it out for redelivery.” | Notice Left |
Out for Delivery (2)
| Status line | What USPS says it is | Explained on |
|---|---|---|
| Out for Delivery event OF, p. 17 | “the employee indicating that the item will go out that day, next day, Sunday, or holiday.” … “may also include the expected delivery date, an expected delivery time window or an expected delivery by end of day time.” | Awaiting Delivery Scan |
| Out for Redelivery event 59, p. 10 | “A physical scan event stating that the article has left the delivery office with a carrier, and delivery is intended on that day.” … “This scan is generally used for items that are being redelivered (following a failed first attempt).” | Awaiting Delivery Scan |
Delivered (17)
| Status line | What USPS says it is | Explained on |
|---|---|---|
| Delivered event 01, p. 1 | “The article has been delivered and a delivery scan recorded the time and date of delivery” | Delivered |
| Delivered, In/At Mailbox event 01, p. 1 | “The item was delivered to the delivery receptacle” | Delivered |
| Delivered, Front Door/Porch event 01, p. 1 | “The item was delivered to the front door or the front porch” | Delivered |
| Delivered, Parcel Locker event 01, p. 1 | “The item was delivered to a USPS parcel locker attached to a Cluster Box Unit” | Delivered |
| Delivered, Parcel Locker event 01, p. 1 | “The item was delivered to a non-USPS parcel locker” | Delivered |
| Delivered, Garage or Other Location at Address event 01, p. 1 | “The item was delivered to a location as specified” | Delivered |
| Delivered, Neighbor as Requested event 01, p. 1 | “The item was delivered to a neighbor as requested online by the addressee” | Delivered |
| Delivered, PO Box event 01, p. 1 | “The item was delivered to a PO Box.” | Delivered |
| Delivered, Left with Individual event 01, p. 1 | “The item was left with an individual at the delivery address” | Delivered |
| Delivered, Front Desk/Reception/Mail Room event 01, p. 1 | “The item was delivered to the front desk or reception area of the delivery address” | Delivered |
| Delivered, Individual Picked Up at Postal Facility event 01, p. 1 | “The item was picked up by an authorized recipient at a postal facility.” | Delivered |
| Delivered, Individual Picked Up at Post Office event 01, p. 1 | “The item was picked up by an authorized recipient at a post office.” | Delivered |
| Delivered, Smart Parcel Locker event 01, p. 2 | “This delivery event is sent by the smart locker system when the employee loads the item into the locker following a redelivery request.” | Delivered |
| Delivered, To Original Sender event 01, p. 1 | “The tracking system appends this nomenclature to the delivery event when a determination has been made that the delivery is to the sender (as opposed to the recipient).” | Delivered |
| Delivered event 43, p. 8 | “The 43 event indicates that the delivery took place at a postal facility.” | Delivered |
| Picked Up, Smart Parcel Locker event 43, p. 8 | “The item was picked up by the customer from a smart parcel locker.” | Delivered |
| Delivered to Recipient by Agent event 63, p. 22 | “The agent has delivered the item to the addressee” | Delivered |
Delivered to Agent (11)
| Status line | What USPS says it is | Explained on |
|---|---|---|
| Delivered to Agent for Final Delivery event 60, p. 10 | “The item has been delivered to an agent of the residence or institution to where it has been addressed (college, hospital, condominium, etc.)” | Delivered to Agent |
| Delivered to Agent, Left with Individual event 60, p. 10 | “The item was delivered to an agent, and the employee indicated that it was left with an individual.” | Delivered to Agent |
| Delivered to Agent, Front Desk/Reception/Mail Room event 60, p. 10 | “The item was delivered to an agent, and the employee indicated that it was left at the front desk or mail room.” | Delivered to Agent |
| Delivered to Agent, Picked up at USPS event 60, p. 10 | “The item was delivered to an agent, and the employee indicated that the item was picked up from a USPS location.” | Delivered to Agent |
| Delivered to College/University for Final Delivery event 60, p. 10 | “The item has been delivered to an agent of the residence or institution to where it has been addressed (college, hospital, condominium, etc.) using a specific firm sheet process for that institution.” | Delivered to Agent |
| Received by Agent event 61, p. 22 | “USPS has delivered the item to an agent of the residence or institution” | Delivered to Agent |
| Recipient notified by Agent event 62, p. 22 | “The agent notified the addressee that an item is waiting and available for pickup at the mailroom” | Delivered to Agent |
| Tendered to Military for Final Delivery event 45, p. 9 | “The item has left the custody of the USPS” | Delivered to Agent |
| Picked Up by Agent event 17, p. 6 | “USPS handed off a Parcel Return Service package to the Returns Logistics Agent that processes returns for the shipping customer or merchant that sold the original item being returned.” | Delivered to Agent |
| Tendered to Returns Agent event 42, p. 8 | “The item -- typically Parcel Return Service -- has been handed off to a returns agent.” … “This activity takes place at a USPS processing facility (as opposed to a delivery unit).” | Delivered to Agent |
| Delivered by Agent to Merchant event 86, p. 23 | “Parcel Return Service only -- a PRS item has been tendered by the return agent to the merchant” | Delivered to Agent |
Delivery Attempt: Action Needed (1)
| Status line | What USPS says it is | Explained on |
|---|---|---|
| Notice Left event 02, p. 2 | “Delivery was attempted. The notice shows options for pickup or re-delivery.” | Notice Left |
Delivery Attempt: Action Needed or Delivery Attempt (4)
| Status line | What USPS says it is | Explained on |
|---|---|---|
| Notice Left (Receptacle Full/Item Oversized) event 54, p. 2 | “The item could not be placed in the delivery receptacle, either because the receptacle was full or because the item was too large to fit.” … “Also used in the post office when a large item cannot fit into a PO Box.” | Notice Left |
| Notice Left (No Secure Location Available) event 55, p. 3 | “There was no location deemed safe to deliver the item and there was no endorsement to 'leave if no response'” | Notice Left |
| Notice Left (No Authorized Recipient Available) event 56, p. 3 | “The item could not be delivered because a signature was required” | Notice Left |
| Available for Redelivery or Pickup event 73, p. 12 | “This event signifies that the employee has brought the package back to the office following a failed first attempt” | Notice Left |
Delivery Attempt or Delivery Attempt: Action Needed (1)
| Status line | What USPS says it is | Explained on |
|---|---|---|
| Reminder to Schedule Redelivery of your item before [RETURN DATE -1 day] event VF, p. 20 | “The PTR system has determined that the item has met the published ‘second notice’ number of days since the attempt event.” | Notice Left |
Delivery Attempt (2)
| Status line | What USPS says it is | Explained on |
|---|---|---|
| Held at Post Office, At Customer Request event 52, p. 9 | “The item could not be delivered because of instructions provided by the customer.” | Available for Pickup |
| Redelivery Scheduled for Next Business Day event 51, p. 9 | “The item cannot be delivered because the business is closed.” … “On the scanning device, this event is now combined with No Access.” | Delivery Attempted |
Available for Pickup (5)
| Status line | What USPS says it is | Explained on |
|---|---|---|
| Available for Pickup event 14, p. 5 | “The item may be picked up at the post office or caller or firm service location.” | Available for Pickup |
| Available for Pickup event 14, p. 6 | “This language is used when the employee scans the item available for pickup and indicates that the item is being held because customs duties are owed.” | Available for Pickup |
| Held at Post Office, At Customer Request event 58, p. 9 | “The item is being held at the post office because the customer has made a request to that effect.” … “This is different from a hold mail type request in that the mail is expected to exceed the typical hold time of 30 days.” | Available for Pickup |
| Held at Post Office, Retrieved from full parcel locker event 58, p. 10 | “In order to make room for newer parcels, it is instead held at the office.” | Available for Pickup |
| Available for Pickup at Post Office event 76, p. 12 | “This event is intended for limited, HQ-authorized use for specific offices only during peak or other emergency circumstances when the office cannot handle deliveries for the volume of packages at the office.” | Available for Pickup |
Alert (41)
| Status line | What USPS says it is | Explained on |
|---|---|---|
| Awaiting Delivery event DX, p. 14 | “An acceptable delivery event (Delivery, notice left, etc.) has not taken place within 18 hours of the Out for Delivery event” | Awaiting Delivery Scan |
| Undeliverable to Recipient by Agent event 64, p. 22 | “The agent was unable to deliver the item to the addressee and the item will be returned to the sender” | Delivered to Agent |
| Processed through USPS Facility event 31, p. 7 | “This is an event used primarily for Parcel Return Service or Hold for Pickup Items.” | Available for Pickup |
| Unclaimed/Being Returned to Sender event 27, p. 5 | “A notice and reminder were left but no one claimed the item before the DMM stipulated hold period (typically 15 to 30 days) was over” | Notice Left |
| No Access to Delivery Location event 30, p. 7 | “The item was attempted but not delivered because the employee could not access the delivery location (e.g., gated community where an access code is required).” | Delivery Attempted |
| Delivery Delay, Local Weather Issue event 57, p. 9 | “The item could not be attempted and / or delivered due to local weather conditions.” | Delivery Attempted |
| Delivery Delay, Animal Interference event 72, p. 11 | “because of interference by an animal at the delivery location, the employee could not attempt delivery of the item.” | Delivery Attempted |
| Rescheduled to Next Delivery Day event 70, p. 11 | “there was a problem with the employee determining the correct address, so the item needed to be brought back to the office for address verification” | Delivery Attempted |
| Rescheduled to Next Delivery Day event 71, p. 11 | “The local post office has indicated that there is a delay impacting the delivery of the item.” | Awaiting Delivery Scan |
| Returned to Sender event 09, p. 4 | “The item is being returned to sender for one of the following reasons:” | Return to Sender |
| No Such Number event 21, p. 4 | “Some component of the delivery address was missing or invalid.” | Return to Sender |
| Insufficient Address event 22, p. 4 | “There is not enough information in the address to make a delivery” | Return to Sender |
| Moved, Left no Address event 23, p. 4 | “The addressee has moved and no forwarding order is active” | Return to Sender |
| Forward Expired event 24, p. 4 | “The addressee's forwarding order has expired and the item is being returned to sender” | Return to Sender |
| Addressee Unknown event 25, p. 4 | “The addressee is not known at the address on the item” | Return to Sender |
| Vacant event 26, p. 5 | “The house or business is vacant” | Return to Sender |
| Returned To Sender event 28, p. 5 | “The item was returned to sender for a reason not specified elsewhere (typically when the recipient is deceased)” | Return to Sender |
| Return to Sender Processed event 29, p. 5 | “USPS has processed the return based on the package characteristics.” | Return to Sender |
| Refused event 04, p. 3 | “The item was refused at the time delivery was attempted or after delivery to customer” | Return to Sender |
| Forwarded event 06, p. 4 | “The addressee has an active forwarding order on file and the item was sent to the new address” | Return to Sender |
| Intercepted event 44, p. 8 | “The mailer has authorized USPS to intercept a package before delivery and return it to the sender.” | Return to Sender |
| Disposed by Post Office event 32, p. 7 | “The mailed article cannot be delivered, forwarded or returned. Because the item was perishable, the local post office disposed of it.” | Return to Sender |
| Sent to Mail Recovery Center event 33, p. 7 | “The mailed article cannot be delivered, forwarded or returned. It has been sent to the Atlanta, GA Mail Recovery Center” | Return to Sender |
| Arrived at Mail Recovery Center event 33, p. 7 | “The Atlanta, GA Mail Recovery Center has received the package.” | Return to Sender |
| Unpaid postage, item will not be delivered event F4, p. 14 | “it will now use a specific event (F4) to signal the presence of unpaid postage.” | Alert |
| Unpaid postage, item will not be delivered event F3, p. 14 | “it will now use a specific event (F3) to signal the presence of counterfeit postage.” | Alert |
| Delayed for postage assessment, held awaiting payment event F7, p. 15 | “This information lets the customer know about the initial payment check being performed by USPS.” | Alert |
| Processing Exception, Other Delay event OX, p. 17 | “The item was either being processed from or headed to a location that is being impacted by a delay of some sort.” | Alert |
| Processing Delay, Regional Transportation Issue event TX, p. 19 | “impacted by a transportation delay (e.g., air or surface transport not available)” | Alert |
| Processing Delay, Regional Weather Issue event WX, p. 22 | “impacted by a weather delay (e.g., major snow storm).” | Alert |
| Item Overweight, Pick up at Facility event 44, p. 8 | “The package is scanned as overweight when USPS detects it in the network. The shipper must pick up the item.” | Alert |
| Item Oversize, Pick up at Facility event 44, p. 8 | “The package is scanned as oversize when USPS detects it in the network. The shipper must pick up the item.” | Alert |
| Item Damaged, Pick up at Facility event 44, p. 9 | “The package is scanned as damaged when USPS detects it in the network. The shipper must pick up the item.” | Alert |
| Potentially hazardous or otherwise unmailable item held at site event 44, p. 9 | “The item should not continue to be processed in the network.” | Alert |
| Seized by Law Enforcement event 11, p. 5 | “The item is in the possession of a law enforcement agency.” | Alert |
| Held for Mailability Determination event 11, p. 5 | “The item is in the possession of a law enforcement agency.” | Alert |
| Contact Customer Care at 1-800-275-8777 event 75, p. 12 | “This event is manually applied in instances where packages may not be retrievable, or may be detained for long periods of time, as in the case of a USPS trailer or vehicle fire.” | Alert |
| Tracking details unavailable event MT, p. 16 | “Due to a USPS system issue, duplicate label numbers were produced.” | Alert |
| Missing Mail Search Request Initiated event VM, p. 20 | “This event lets the customer know that a missing mail search has been initiated on the item they are tracking.” | Alert |
| Missing Mail Search Request Notice event VN, p. 21 | “This event indicates that the MRC has come into possession of the package and recommends a missing mail search be opened.” | Return to Sender |
| Missing Mail Search Request Closed event VO, p. 21 | “This event indicates that the MRC has closed the missing mail search request.” | Alert |
When to act: USPS's deadlines
Days count from the mailing date unless the row says otherwise. Each row links the USPS page or manual section it comes from.
| What | When | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Start a Missing Mail search | from 7 days after mailing | USPS, Find Missing Mail, "How to Start Your Search", step 2 |
| File a claim for a lost insured package: Priority Mail Express | after 7 days, before 60 days from mailing | USPS, File a Claim |
| File a claim for a lost insured package: Priority Mail | after 15 days, before 60 days from mailing | USPS, File a Claim |
| File a claim for a lost insured package: USPS Ground Advantage | after 15 days, before 60 days from mailing | USPS, File a Claim |
| File a claim for a lost insured package: Insured Mail | after 15 days, before 60 days from mailing | USPS, File a Claim |
| File a claim for damage or missing contents | right away, no later than 60 days after mailing | USPS, File a Claim, "Step 1: Check Filing Periods" |
| Refund an unused Click-N-Ship label | online within 30 days of printing; by email to the help desk up to 60 days | USPS, Request a Refund, "Older Unused Click-N-Ship (CNS) Labels" |
| Request a Priority Mail Express refund (no extra services) | 2 to 30 days after mailing | USPS, Request a Refund, "Priority Mail Express", When to Apply |
| Intercept or redirect a package | before it is out for delivery or delivered | USPS, Package Intercept, "USPS Package Intercept" |
| How long a Package Intercept request stays active | 7 business days from the request | DMM 507.5.1.1 |
| Set your own hold time at the destination Post Office (not for Registered, insured, Certified, COD or signature mail) | 3 to 30 days, written in the return address | DMM 507.4.3.4 |
| Same-day redelivery | request by 2 AM CST, Monday to Saturday | USPS, Schedule a Redelivery, "Get the Mail You Missed Redelivered" |
| Cancel a scheduled redelivery | before 2 AM CST on the redelivery day | USPS, Schedule a Redelivery, "Search for an Existing Redelivery Request" |
| Pick up after a notice (accountable mail) | returned after 15 days (5 for Priority Mail Express, 10 for COD) | DMM 508.1.1.7 |
| Pick up a Hold For Pickup package | second notice after 5 days (3 for Priority Mail Express); returned if not picked up within 15 days (5 for Priority Mail Express) | DMM 507.3.2.1 |
A Package Intercept costs $19.45 plus any postage, charged only if USPS intercepts the package (USPS, Package Intercept, "How It Works"). “USPS Tracking does not include insurance, but insurance may be purchased as an additional service unless otherwise restricted.” (DMM 503.7.1.1)
Who to contact at USPS
- Tracking questions: 1-800-222-1811, Monday to Friday 8 AM to 8:30 PM ET; Saturday 8 AM to 6 PM ET (USPS, Contact Us).
- Customer Care Center: 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777), Monday to Friday 8 AM to 8:30 PM ET; Saturday 8 AM to 6 PM ET.
- Missing packages: USPS's Missing Mail form, from 7 days after mailing.
- Before you call: “The tracking information available to customer service representatives is the same information you will see on USPS Tracking.” (USPS, Contact Us, "Domestic & International USPS Tracking")
- Suspected theft: the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, report.uspis.gov or 1-877-876-2455 (USPIS, Report a Crime, "Mail Theft").
Questions
What does each part of a USPS tracking entry mean?
USPS.com shows a short status line (USPS calls it second-level scripting), a sentence under it (first-level scripting) and a status category. All three come from the scan event list USPS publishes for mailers, quoted on these pages.
Why did USPS tracking statuses change in 2026?
USPS is moving tracking to a new system, PTR2. Its overview says “One change that will apply across all channels is a rationalization of current tracking statuses to improve customer visibility across the product fulfillment lifecycle.” (USPS PTR Modernization overview (v14), section 3.1, "Tracking Status Updates") and “USPS.com Tracking and Informed Delivery Package Tracking will cut over to use the PTR2 Tracking API starting May 16th, 2026” (USPS PTR Modernization overview (v14), section 2.1, "When is it changing?").
When can I start a search for a missing package?
“Missing Mail search requests can be submitted starting 7 days from mailing.” (USPS, Find Missing Mail, "How to Start Your Search", step 2)
Does USPS Tracking include insurance?
No. “USPS Tracking does not include insurance, but insurance may be purchased as an additional service unless otherwise restricted.” (DMM 503.7.1.1)
Do USPS customer service agents see more than the tracking page?
USPS says no: “The tracking information available to customer service representatives is the same information you will see on USPS Tracking.” (USPS, Contact Us, "Domestic & International USPS Tracking")
Is a text or email about a failed USPS delivery real?
Treat it with care. The Postal Inspection Service says “Be aware that the U.S. Postal Service does not notify customers of package delivery attempts, or request personal information, via email.” (USPIS, Fake USPS Emails, "Protect Yourself From Email Scams") For suspicious texts or emails about a package delivery failure: “Forward the text or email to spam@uspis.gov”, then “Delete the text or email” (USPIS, Report a Crime, "Scam Emails/Texts"). That doesn't make every USPS message fake: USPS's PTR2 known-issues list names “Notifications (email and text message)” among the ways customers get tracking data (USPS PTR2 known-issues list (v13), section 1, "Overview"). Either way, check the tracking number on USPS.com yourself rather than through a link.
Tracking says delivered, but the package was stolen. Who do I report it to?
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Its report page covers “Report suspected mail theft, and other mail-related crimes, tips or incidents” (USPIS, Report a Crime, "Mail Theft"); the online form is report.uspis.gov and the phone line 1-877-876-2455. What to check first: Delivered but no package.
How we built these pages
We read USPS's PTR2 and older PTR scan event lists, the PTR Modernization overview, the PTR2 known-issues list and the latest PTR2 release notes on PostalPro, the usps.com pages for Missing Mail, claims, refunds, Package Intercept, redelivery and contact, the Domestic Mail Manual chapters on extra services, returns and delivery, and the Postal Inspection Service's report and scam pages, all on Oct 19, 2026. Each quote was matched to its row of USPS's list or its page, and the pages say nothing about a status that USPS doesn't. Platform notes quote only the platforms' own help pages. Related: all USPS pages, Media Mail rates.
Sources
Each official page below was read on .
- USPS PostalPro: PTR2 Domestic Scan Events and Descriptions (April 2026)
- USPS PostalPro: PTR2 Domestic Scan Events and Descriptions (download page)
- USPS PostalPro: Product Tracking & Reporting (PTR) Modernization overview, version 14
- USPS PostalPro: USPS PTR2 API Known Issues, version 13 (Sept 1, 2026)
- USPS PostalPro: Product Tracking and Reporting (PTR)
- USPS: Find Missing Mail
- USPS: File a USPS Claim: Domestic
- USPS: Request a USPS Refund: Domestic
- USPS: USPS Package Intercept
- USPS: Schedule a Redelivery
- USPS: Contact Us
- USPS Domestic Mail Manual 503: Extra Services (USPS Tracking, insurance, Certificate of Mailing)
- USPS Domestic Mail Manual 507: Mailer Services (undeliverable mail, returns, Hold For Pickup)
- USPS Domestic Mail Manual 508: Recipient Services (refusals, notices, agents, carrier release, Hold Mail)
- U.S. Postal Inspection Service: Report a Crime
- U.S. Postal Inspection Service: Fake USPS Emails (last updated May 19, 2025)
Free 1-page Reseller Cheat Sheet: fees on 8 platforms, Media Mail and stamp prices
What each platform takes from a $10, $25 and $50 sale, Media Mail 1-10 lb, Ground Advantage to Zones 1, 5 and 8, and the Forever stamp, on one printable page. The link appears as soon as you sign up.