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In today’s world of online shopping and shipping, monitoring your packages is essential. USPS tracking numbers provide visibility and reassurance throughout the shipping process. This guide explains how USPS tracking works and how to effectively use it to monitor your mail and packages.
What is a USPS Tracking Number?
A USPS tracking number is a unique identifier assigned to most domestic mail products meeting certain size and destination criteria. This includes shipments to Army Post Offices (APOs), Fleet Post Offices (FPOs), Diplomatic Post Offices (DPO), and ZIP Codes within the US.
The tracking number enables end-to-end monitoring of an item as it moves through the USPS system. Both sender and recipient can follow the item’s progress from acceptance by USPS until final delivery.
Each tracking number creates a digital record documenting scan points during the item’s journey. While tracking provides transparency, it doesn’t expedite or guarantee delivery—it’s purely informational.
Benefits of USPS Tracking
Using a USPS tracking number offers several advantages:
- View current status and detailed tracking information
- Access delivery details including date, time, and location
- Review complete tracking history
- Identify additional services linked to the shipment
- Request updates via email and/or text message
- Sometimes provide delivery instructions to carriers
- Serve as a starting point for missing mail searches
Where to Find Your USPS Tracking Number
Tracking numbers are provided at various stages of the shipping process:
When Mailing Items
- Post Office Receipts: Printed on mailing receipts after paying for postage on qualifying shipping products
- Insurance Receipts: Found on sales receipts when purchasing insurance
- Online Labels: Recorded in your online label record when purchasing postage through USPS.com Click-N-Ship, eBay, or similar platforms
- Email Confirmations: Included in confirmation emails when shipping directly from USPS.com
- Physical Labels: Located on the mailing label, usually directly below the barcode
- Preprinted Labels: Sometimes include a peel-off portion at the bottom for sender records
When Receiving Items
- Shipping Confirmation Emails: Typically included in emails from online retailers
- Redelivery Notices: The barcode number on PS Form 3849 (We ReDeliver for You!) can function as a tracking number
- Customs Forms: For international shipments, found on attached customs forms
Tracking Number Formats
USPS uses different formats depending on the mail service:
| Service Type | Format Example | Starting Digits/Characters |
|---|---|---|
| USPS Tracking® | 9400 1000 0000 0000 0000 00 | “94” |
| Priority Mail® | 9205 5000 0000 0000 0000 00 | “9205” |
| Certified Mail® | 9407 3000 0000 0000 0000 00 | “9407” |
| Priority Mail Express® | 9270 1000 0000 0000 0000 00 or EA 000 000 000 US | “9270” or “EA” |
| Priority Mail International® | CP 000 000 000 US | “CP” |
| Express Mail International | ER 123456789 US | “E” plus another letter |
| Global Express Guaranteed® | 1234567890 | 10-digit number |
| Registered Mail™ | 9208 8000 0000 0000 0000 00 | “9208” |
| Signature Confirmation™ | 9202 1000 0000 0000 0000 00 | “9202” |
| Collect On Delivery Hold For Pickup | 9303 3000 0000 0000 0000 00 | “9303” |
Services Without Tracking
Not all mail services include tracking:
- Basic Postcards
- First-Class Mail® letters and flats (without extra services)
- Periodicals
- Some USPS Marketing Mail parcels
If you’re a recipient without a tracking number, ask the sender for this information. If you’re a sender who lost the tracking number, check receipts, emails, or online postage purchase history.
Informed Delivery® subscribers may find tracking numbers in their account dashboard.
USPS employees cannot recover lost tracking numbers, so it’s important to keep this information.
How to Track Your Package
USPS offers several convenient tracking methods:
Online Tracking
The primary tracking tool is on the USPS website:
- Find the search box on the homepage
- Enter your tracking number
- Click “Track”
Or visit the dedicated tracking page directly.
You can track up to 35 packages simultaneously by entering tracking numbers separated by commas.
Mobile App Tracking
Download the free USPS Mobile® App for iPhone® or Android™ devices:
- Open the app
- Enter your tracking number
- View status updates on your smartphone
Text Tracking
Send a text message to 28777 (2USPS) with your tracking number:
- Standard message and data rates apply
- Use keywords with the tracking number for specific information
- Register online for text updates after tracking a package
Phone Tracking
Call USPS customer service:
- Contact numbers are available on the Contact USPS page
- TDD/TTY users can call 1-800-877-8339
- Automated tracking information is available 24/7
Understanding Tracking Information
USPS tracking provides detailed information about your shipment:
Current Location
Shows the latest known location based on the most recent scan, typically including:
- City and state
- Specific USPS facility where the package was last scanned
Journey History
Provides a comprehensive log of all scan events:
- Date and time of each scan
- Location of each scan
- Progression through the entire mailstream
Delivery Estimates
Offers timing information:
- Expected delivery date
- Sometimes an expected delivery window (ExD™)—a specific 2-hour timeframe
Delivery Confirmation
When delivered, includes:
- Date and time of delivery
- Specific delivery location (mailbox, porch, etc.)
Proof of Delivery
For services with signature confirmation:
- Recipient’s name
- Image of signature (for Signature Confirmation™)
- Specific delivery details
Service Information
Details about the mail service used:
- Type of service (Priority Mail, Certified Mail, etc.)
- Additional services purchased
Common Tracking Statuses Explained
Understanding tracking statuses helps interpret your shipment’s progress:
| Tracking Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Shipping Label Created, USPS Awaiting Item | Sender created a shipping label but USPS hasn’t received the package yet |
| Pre-Shipment Info Sent to USPS | Electronic notification sent to USPS about upcoming shipment |
| USPS in Possession of Item | Package has entered the USPS network |
| Shipment Received, Package Acceptance Pending | Package arrived at a USPS facility; acceptance process underway |
| Arrived at USPS Facility | Package arrived at a processing facility |
| Departed USPS Facility | Package left a processing facility; moving to next destination |
| In Transit | Being processed and transported within the USPS network |
| On its Way to USPS | Being transferred from shipping partner to USPS |
| Out for Delivery | Package is with a carrier for delivery today |
| Arrived at Post Office | At local Post Office being prepared for final delivery |
| Notice Left (No Authorized Recipient Available) | Package requires signature; no one available to sign |
| Notice Left (No Secure Location Available) | Carrier couldn’t find secure delivery location |
| No Access to Delivery Location | Carrier couldn’t access delivery location (blocked mailbox, animal, etc.) |
| Insufficient Address/No Such Number | Address is missing information or incorrect |
| Forwarded/Forwarded Processed | Being sent to a different address |
| Reminder to Schedule Redelivery | Reminder issued to schedule redelivery before return to sender |
| Redelivery Scheduled | Redelivery scheduled for a future date |
| Delivered | Successfully delivered with date, time, and location recorded |
| Available for Pickup | At designated Post Office location for recipient pickup |
| Moving Through Network | Being processed and transported within the USPS network |
| Alert | Potential delay due to weather or other issues |
| Delivery Status Not Updated | Delivery scan not recorded by 9 PM on expected date |
Troubleshooting Tracking Issues
If you encounter tracking problems, try these solutions:
No Tracking Information Showing
- Double-check the tracking number for typos
- Allow time for the system to update (a few hours or overnight)
- Verify the item is actually trackable (basic First-Class Mail isn’t trackable without extra services)
- Try accessing tracking again later if there might be technical issues
- The package might be in transit but hasn’t been scanned yet
No Recent Updates
- Normal gaps between scans can occur during transportation
- Check the USPS Service Alerts page for reported delays
- Be aware that peak shipping seasons may cause delays
- Scans might occasionally be missed
- International shipments often have less frequent updates
Significant Delays
- Compare current date with expected delivery date
- Allow additional time for non-guaranteed services
- Review tracking history for unusual patterns
- Contact the sender if you’re the recipient
- Complete an online help request form on the USPS website
- File a Missing Mail search request if missing for 7+ business days after help request
- File a claim if your package was insured or sent via Priority Mail Express
Tips for Successful Tracking
Follow these best practices to maximize your USPS tracking experience:
- Enter tracking numbers correctly to avoid errors
- Save receipts and confirmation emails containing tracking information
- Be aware of potential delays during peak seasons or bad weather
- Check the USPS Service Alerts page regularly
- Sign up for email or text notifications through the USPS website or app
- Enroll in Informed Delivery® to automatically track packages
- Use official USPS tools for the most accurate information
- Consider USPS Tracking Plus® to extend tracking history access up to 10 years (fee required)
Additional Resources
For more information about USPS tracking services:
- USPS Tracking Page
- Informed Delivery
- USPS Mobile App
- USPS Service Alerts
- Missing Mail Search
- USPS Tracking Plus
Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.
