USPS tracking

USPS tracking

- Couriers

Track your USPS package with your tracking number on the USPS website or Ship24 to see its current status, delivery progress, and recent scan history. USPS tracking can help you follow a shipment from acceptance to final delivery, whether you are waiting for domestic mail, an online order, or an international package. USPS tracking is available online, by text, and by phone.

This guide covers how to track USPS packages, what common tracking statuses mean, why updates may stop for a time, and where to go for more help. It is designed as a broad overview, so if you need details about a specific USPS service, support topic, or tracking-number issue, you can continue to the related USPS pages linked throughout this guide.

USPS package tracking

Latest USPS updates affecting tracking

USPS tracking in early 2026 is being shaped more by network and service-standard changes than by a new tracking tool. In practice, that means some packages may move through different facilities, show longer gaps between scans, or follow updated delivery-time expectations without necessarily being delayed or lost.

  • USPS tracking access controls took effect on April 1, 2026. USPS introduced new package-tracking access controls tied to authorization, Mailer ID relationships, and approved access channels. For businesses using third-party tracking, this can affect API calls, webhook event access, and visibility for shipments linked to MIDs they do not own. Ship24 has started helping businesses with this new change. Currently, USPS tracking is available to paid plans only. View our pricing for more details.

  • Service-standard changes from 2025 are still affecting tracking expectations in 2026. USPS updated its FAQ on February 9, 2026 and confirmed that the 2025 service-standard refinements remain in effect, including changes that can affect expected delivery days after acceptance for some mail and package services.

  • USPS is continuing to update mail-processing and routing operations in 2026. PostalPro published labeling-list changes effective February 1, March 1, and May 1, 2026 to reflect changes in mail processing operations, which can lead to different facility paths or scan sequences appearing in tracking.

  • International tracking visibility improved for some destinations starting January 18, 2026. USPS added Electronic USPS Delivery Confirmation International availability for nine additional countries, which can improve delivery-confirmation visibility for eligible international shipments to those destinations.

How can you track a USPS package?

You can track a USPS package in several ways. The most common options are Ship24, the USPS website, the USPS mobile app, USPS Text Tracking, and USPS phone support. USPS also supports tracking up to 35 numbers at once on its package-tracking tools.

Track USPS on Ship24

Ship24 lets you check USPS tracking updates in one place, which is useful if your package is moving through more than one courier before final delivery. This is especially helpful for cross-border orders, marketplace shipments, or packages that are handed from one carrier to USPS for last-mile delivery.

To track your shipment on Ship24:

  1. Go to Ship24.
  2. Enter your USPS tracking number.
  3. View the latest tracking updates and delivery progress.
USPS tracking on Ship24

Track on the USPS Website

You can also track your package on the official USPS tracking page. Enter your tracking number to view the latest scan events, delivery status, and recent movement. USPS also allows you to enter up to 35 tracking numbers in its tracking tools.

To track on USPS:

  1. Visit the USPS tracking page.
  2. Enter your tracking number.
  3. Click Track to see the latest status.
USPS tracking on USPS website

Track USPS with the mobile app

USPS offers a mobile app experience through Informed Delivery and its package-management tools, so you can check tracking updates, manage incoming packages, and receive notifications from your phone. USPS highlights the Informed Delivery mobile app for package management and alerts.

Track USPS by text message

USPS Text Tracking lets you receive updates by SMS. You can send your tracking number to 28777 (2USPS) to get the latest tracking information on supported shipments. USPS also provides keyword-based text options and notes that Text Tracking support is tied to eligible phone-number use.

Track USPS by phone

If you prefer not to track online, you can call USPS tracking support at 1-800-222-1811 to check the latest update for your shipment. USPS lists this number for domestic and international tracking help.

Can you track a USPS package without a tracking number?

In most cases, you need the tracking number to check the exact shipment status. If you do not have it, USPS Informed Delivery may still help you view incoming mail and some incoming packages linked to your address. USPS describes Informed Delivery as a free service that provides preview images of incoming mail and package status updates. USPS also says that from the Informed Delivery dashboard, you can manage incoming packages, sign up for notifications, request Redelivery, and more.

Use USPS Informed Delivery

If your address is eligible, Informed Delivery can help you see what is on the way without manually entering a tracking number each time. It is most helpful for incoming household deliveries and basic package visibility tied to your address. USPS also promotes the Informed Delivery mobile app for managing mail and package activity.

Other places to find your tracking number

You may be able to find your USPS tracking number in one of these places:

  • Your USPS shipping receipt
  • Your sales receipt if insurance was purchased
  • Your shipping confirmation email
  • The shipping label near the barcode
  • Your merchant order history or USPS account history

USPS lists these as common places where a tracking number can be found.

Common USPS tracking statuses

USPS tracking messages show where your shipment is in the delivery process. The wording can vary slightly by service, route, or facility, but the most common statuses usually follow the same meaning. USPS directs customers to its tracking-help resources when they need help understanding package status or delayed, missing, or misdelivered items.

Read our guide on the list of USPS tracking statuses and what they mean to plan for the next action.

“Alert” Status and What to Do

This usually means there is an issue affecting delivery, such as an address problem, a delay, or another exception that may require review.

Tracking updates can vary by service, route, and facility, so some shipments may show slightly different wording or skip certain scan events.

Why USPS tracking may not be updating

USPS tracking may pause when a package is moving between facilities, waiting for the next scan, delayed by weather or holiday volume, or going through customs or handoff processing. USPS says customers should first check the current tracking status before starting a search, and USPS tracking help is specifically intended for late, missing, or misdelivered items.

Common reasons USPS tracking stops updating

  • The package is still in transit between facilities
  • The next scan has not been uploaded yet
  • Weather or seasonal volume is slowing movement
  • Customs or carrier handoff is delaying visible updates
  • Delivery exceptions are affecting the normal route

A temporary pause in tracking does not always mean the shipment is lost.

What to do if USPS tracking is stuck

If tracking has not changed for a while, check the tracking number again and review the last scan. If the package is still within a normal delivery window, wait for the next update. If there has been no movement for an extended period, contact USPS or the sender. USPS also allows Missing Mail search requests to be submitted starting 7 days from mailing, and asks for details such as the sender and recipient addresses, mailing date, tracking number, and item description.

How long USPS delivery usually takes

USPS delivery time depends on the service, route, distance, and time of year. Faster services usually arrive sooner, while economy and international shipments may take longer.

USPS Domestic Delivery Times

Service Estimated Time
First Class Mail 1 to 5 business days
Priority Mail 2 to 3 business days
Priority Mail Express 1 to 2 days, including Sunday in some areas
Ground Advantage 2 to 5 business days
Media Mail 2 to 8 business days

USPS International Delivery Times

Service Estimated Time
First Class Package International 7 to 21 days
Priority Mail International 6 to 10 days
Priority Mail Express International 3 to 5 days
Global Express Guaranteed 1to 3 days

Where to find your USPS tracking number

You can usually find your USPS tracking number on the Post Office shipping receipt, insurance sales receipt, shipment email confirmation, retailer shipping email, and the bottom peel-off portion of the tracking label as common places to find the number.

  • On your USPS shipping receipt
  • In your confirmation email
  • On the shipping label near the barcode
  • Inside your USPS.com account

Tracking Number Formats by Service Type

Service Example
First Class Package 9401 5125 8912 4127 1539 27
Priority Mail 9405 6193 1872 9849 8919 38
Priority Mail Express EE 731 812 918 US
Global Express Guaranteed 82 457 341 90

Need help with USPS tracking?

If you have a missing package, failed delivery attempt, or tracking issue, USPS support resources can help you check the next steps. You can contact them at 1-800-222-1811 for domestic and international tracking help, and 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) for general customer care. Tracking information available to customer service representatives is the same information shown on USPS Tracking.

Why use Ship24 for USPS tracking

Ship24 is useful when USPS is only one part of the delivery journey. This is common with marketplace orders, cross-border shipments, and packages that move through more than one carrier before USPS completes final delivery.

Using Ship24 can make it easier to follow USPS deliveries alongside packages handled by other couriers in one place, especially when the shipment history spans multiple tracking systems.

Frequently Asked Questions About USPS Tracking

Here are some commonly asked questions about USPS tracking.

Does USPS deliver on Sundays?

USPS does not deliver all mail on Sundays, but some shipments still arrive that day. Priority Mail Express and certain eCommerce packages may be delivered on Sundays depending on the location and service used.

Why does USPS say delivered if I have not received my package?

A delivered scan does not always mean the package is physically in your hand yet. It may have been left in a mailbox, parcel locker, mailroom, front desk, or another safe drop-off area. In some cases, the final delivery scan appears before the item is noticed at the address.

What does “Shipping Label Created” mean on USPS tracking?

This status usually means the sender created the label, but USPS has not yet accepted or scanned the package into its network. If this status does not change after some time, the sender may still be preparing the shipment or waiting for carrier pickup.

Why is my USPS package marked “Moving Through Network”?

This usually means the package is still traveling within the USPS system, even if there has not been a recent scan. It often appears when the shipment is between facilities or on the way to the next processing point.

Can USPS tracking update after a delivery attempt?

Yes. USPS tracking can continue updating after a missed delivery attempt. You may see later scans such as Notice Left, Available for Pickup, Redelivery Scheduled, or Delivered depending on what happens next.

Does USPS tracking work for international packages?

USPS tracking can work for international shipments, but the level of visibility depends on the service and destination country. Some packages continue showing updates after they leave the United States, while others may have limited tracking once handed to the local postal operator.

What should I do if my USPS package is available for pickup?

If tracking shows that your package is available for pickup, it usually means the item is being held at the local post office or pickup point. Check the tracking details carefully and bring the required identification or notice if you go to collect it.

Can one USPS tracking number show updates from another carrier?

Yes, this can happen on cross-border or handoff shipments. A package may begin with one courier or postal operator and then be delivered by USPS for the final leg, so the tracking history can reflect movement across more than one network.

Why are USPS scans sometimes skipped?

Not every shipment receives the same scan sequence. Some packages move through the network with fewer visible events, especially when they are transferred quickly between facilities or updated in batches.

How long should I wait before worrying about a delayed USPS package?

A short delay does not always mean there is a problem. Wait times can vary depending on the service, route, weather, and season. If there has been no movement for an extended period beyond the expected delivery window, it may be time to contact USPS or the sender.