Guide to Tracking a USPS Package

Understanding how to monitor a USPS package is crucial to ensuring your mailed items reach their destinations punctually. The United States Postal Service now provides an extensive range of services, enabling you to track packages at every stage. Although tracking has become more streamlined, it's essential to acquaint yourself with the different options before sending your next package.

Choose a shipping method that allows tracking through USPS. Note that not all letters or parcels are automatically traceable within the postal system. Ensure your chosen method supports tracking. For some tracking options, you may need to wait up to 45 days for lost mail.

• Domestic first-class and media mail packages don't come with automatic tracking. You'll need to request and pay an extra fee for tracking.
• Most pricier shipping methods, like Priority Mail, include tracking as a standard feature.
• Tracking methods can vary in detail. Generally, the more expensive the shipping, the more comprehensive the tracking details will be.

Keep your receipt safe. Ensure it contains a tracking number, sometimes referred to as a 'Label number,' located at the bottom of the receipt.

• The tracking number format can vary depending on your chosen shipping method. For different formats, check here.

Visit the USPS official website. Navigate to USPS.com. Links to track packages are available on almost every page. You can also use the site's search bar on the homepage for tracking by entering the necessary details.

Enter the tracking number in the search box and hit enter.

Decipher USPS tracking status descriptions. USPS uses specific terms to indicate a package's status. While some are clear, others might be confusing.

• 'Arrived at USPS Origin Facility' indicates when the package first entered the USPS sorting system, not necessarily its initial post office but where it was readied for its next destination.
• 'Arrived at Post Office' means the package is near its final delivery point but is still within a USPS facility.
• The status 'Out for Delivery' is direct; the package is with a postal service agent for delivery.
• If you see 'Unable to Deliver', it means the package needed a signature or additional instructions for delivery. Typically, the package will return to the local postal facility for a subsequent delivery attempt.

Opt for signature confirmation when shipping. This ensures a signature upon delivery, which might not necessarily be from the intended recipient. If you opt for 'Recipient Only' signature, the package might be held at the post office for the recipient's signature or at the delivery location. Proof of ID will be required.

• You can also request to receive the signatory's name after a successful delivery.
• An additional fee of approximately $3 applies.
• Signature confirmation isn't offered for deliveries to PO boxes and might be unavailable for shipments to military bases or diplomatic posts, including APO (Army Post Office), FPO (Fleet Post Office), or DPO (Diplomatic Post Office).

Include a return receipt with your shipment. By requesting a return receipt, you'll get a confirmation of delivery either by email or regular mail from USPS.

• Alongside the signatory's name, you'll also get details about the final delivery address or pickup location. For instance, if the recipient asked for an alternative delivery location, you'll be notified about the exact time and place of delivery.
• The mailed receipt costs an extra $3.25, while the emailed one costs $2.00.

Retain your shipping receipt. Your receipt should have a tracking number, sometimes named as a 'Label number,' at its bottom. Although these packages don't require active tracking (since you'll be notified upon delivery), the option to track remains available.

Visit the official USPS website. USPS.com has tracking links on almost all its pages. Alternatively, you can use the site's search bar on the homepage for tracking by inputting the required details.

Enter the tracking number in the search box and hit enter. Review the displayed results to determine the current shipment status.

Get a delivery confirmation (if opted). If you've requested this service, you'll automatically receive a delivery confirmation via email or regular mail without needing to track the package yourself.

• Tracking isn't offered for Priority Mail International Flat Rate boxes and certain other flat rate international services.