This is the season to be jolly. Did you just send mail, packages or expecting your holiday gifts and spoils but not sure what the status of your package means when it says, ‘In Transit’? Now that you have completed your shipping request with USPS, you want to know what’s next. Let’s break down what it means when your order is in transit to destination with USPS.

Your Package is Processed

Your delivery request will be processed once payment is accepted. Your package will be scanned before being dispatched to the location. The journey of your package begins with USPS collecting your mail from your local Post Office. Information about the courier and billing information is received by the USPS system. The package is set for a particular estimated delivery date and this information is loaded to the USPS system for courier. Once your package is collected from the Post Office, the status of your package is updated to ‘In Transit’. Your package is now en route to the USPS delivery depot. You can now use USPS tracking methods to follow the status of the package. 

You Will Receive a Tracking Number

According to the USPS.com, you can receive a tracking number in different ways, based on the method of the delivery request. Your tracking number can be seen from the following:

The receipt from Post OfficeYou will receive an email confirmation with the tracking details if you shipped onlineYour USPS Tracking label has a portion you can peel off at the bottom

You Can Track your Package

Now that you have received a tracking or reference number, you can easily follow your package from the pickup spot right to your door or nearest Post Office! Here are some ways you can use to track your package and see the expected delivery date. Tracking your package also allows you to see any changes in delivery. You will need to use your tracking number.

USPS website: You can go directly to the USPS. com and go to Tracking Details page, follow the prompts and enter the tracking number in order to view the status of your delivery.  Visit your local Post Office and they will assist you locate your package.  

What To Expect When Your Package is in Transit to Destination

Your delivery could be delayed: This may occur due to bad weather, accident, damaged barcode on the packaging or employee error. Your package will be slow to be delivered to the next distribution facility. The status of your delivery may change to “In Transit – Arriving Late”The estimated delivery date is not set in stone: Due to distance to the delivery address, it may take slightly longer to get your package.  Package can be lost or damaged: While in transit to destination, the package moves through the distribution system and could be liable to damage or getting misplaced. In case of loss or damage, you can inquire as to what happened. The status of your delivery will keep changing: For purposes of updating the customers, the status of your delivery will be updated every time there is a movement of your package from one facility to another.   USPS Tracking system can be faulty: While being moved from one place to another, the package may skip a scan at one location and the tracking system is not updated for days.  You will be contacted to accept delivery: Your package will be sent out for delivery on a specified date and you will be notified when the package has arrived at the address you put in the system.  

 What Not to Do When in Transit to Destination?

Do not panic, your package is processed and on the way. Do not wait outside for the package, you might camp there for a few days.  Do not check the status of your delivery every five minutes, this will drive you crazy and the package will not move any faster.

Why is my package stuck in transit?This may be due to an incorrect address, package may be lost or stuck in customs.  

What can I do if the status of my package is stuck in transit? Contact the Post Office and inquire. You can also submit a query online by filling the Help Request form on the USPS. com website.   

  1. What can I do if my package is lost or damaged?Reach out to customer care via the website. You can also file a claim in case of damage or loss within 60 days of mailing. Some USPS packages are eligible for insurance. 

  2. Can I change my delivery instructions?

Yes, you can. You will need to check if your package qualifies for the USPS Delivery Instructions service. Follow the prompts on the website and use the “Change Delivery Instructions” link to update your delivery details.