The United States Postal Service (USPS) is an independent agency of the US federal government and one of the largest postal services in the world, delivering to over 163 million delivery addresses daily. Founded in 1775 with Benjamin Franklin as the first Postmaster General, USPS operates more than 31,000 post offices and employs approximately 630,000 workers. Whether you're tracking a Priority Mail package, a First-Class letter, or an international shipment, USPS provides tracking at USPS.com. For support, visit USPS.com/help or call 1-800-275-8777.
Track USPS Package
Track USPS packages and mail in real time. Get delivery status for Priority Mail, First-Class, Parcel Select, and all USPS domestic and international shipments.
How USPS shipment updates work
Key facts about USPS
USPS tracking
USPS tracking numbers range from 20 to 34 digits depending on the service and barcode type.
Priority Mail and Priority
Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express tracking updates occur at most USPS facilities.
USPS Informed Delivery lets
USPS Informed Delivery lets you preview mail and packages before they arrive.
First-Class Package tracking updates
First-Class Package tracking updates may be less frequent than Priority Mail.
What each USPS status actually means
Use the last visible scan to decide whether to wait, track more closely, or escalate.
| Status | What it means | What to do next |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Shipment | USPS has received shipment information but the package has not been accepted. | Monitor the next scan event. |
| USPS in Possession of Item | The package has been accepted at a USPS facility. | Monitor the next scan event. |
| In Transit to Next Facility | The package is moving between USPS processing centers. | Monitor the next scan event. |
| Out for Delivery | A letter carrier has the package on their route. | Monitor the next scan event. |
| Delivered | The package was successfully delivered to the address or a PO Box. | Monitor the next scan event. |
| Delivered to Agent | Delivered to an authorized individual (building manager, neighbor, etc.). | Monitor the next scan event. |
Which USPS tracking number format do you have?
Identify your tracking number type before entering it into the search box above.
Priority Mail / Priority Mail Express
940011120255584233166820-22 digit number starting with 9
First-Class Package Service
20-22 digits sta
How to track a USPS shipment
Follow these steps to get real-time status on any USPS shipment.
Find the USPS tracking number on your shipping label, confirmation email, or receipt
Find the USPS tracking number on your shipping label, confirmation email, or receipt.
Open https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction
Go to https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction.
Enter up to 35 tracking numbers (one per line)
Enter up to 35 tracking numbers (one per line).
Click 'Track' to view current status and scan history
Click 'Track' to view current status and scan history.
Optionally set up email or text notifications on the USPS tracking results page
Optionally set up email or text notifications on the USPS tracking results page.
Use USPS Informed Delivery (informeddelivery.usps.com) for a daily digest of incoming mail
Use USPS Informed Delivery (informeddelivery.usps.com) for a daily digest of incoming mail.
Why USPS scans stall and what to do
Expand each issue for the cause, what to do, and when to call USPS directly.
Package not scanned
Cause
First-Class packages may not receive an acceptance scan.
What to do
Pieces may arrive a day after the digital preview.
Escalate when
If no update appears within 48 hours of shipping, contact the sender.
Which USPS service fits this shipment?
Compare USPS service tiers and their typical delivery windows side by side.
Service options
Priority Mail Express
Overnight to 2-day guaranteed delivery
Urgent deliveries 1 day
Priority Mail
1-3 business days
Urgent deliveries 1 day
First-Class Mail/Package
1-5 business days for letters and small packages
Everyday shipping Transit times vary by route
USPS Ground Advantage
2-5 business days for ground packages (replaced Parcel Select)
Budget domestic parcels 2-5 days
Media Mail
Economy rate for books, media (2-8 business days)
Everyday shipping 2-8 days
USPS delivery windows by service
Priority Mail Express
1 business day
Overnight by 6:00 PM (or money back guarantee)
Priority Mail
1-3 business days
1-3 business days
First-Class Package Service
1-5 business days
1-5 business days
USPS Ground Advantage
2-5 business days
2-5 business days
Media Mail
2-8 business days
2-8 business days
Priority Mail International
6-10 business days
6-10 business days
Common questions about USPS shipments
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about USPS tracking and delivery.
01 How do I track a USPS package?
Go to tools.usps.com and enter your tracking number. You can also text your tracking number to 28777 (2USPS) for updates.
02 What is USPS Informed Delivery?
Informed Delivery is a free service that emails you daily grayscale images of letter-sized mail and notifications about incoming packages before they arrive.
03 How long does Priority Mail take?
Priority Mail typically delivers in 1-3 business days within the US. It is not a guaranteed service, though USPS aims to meet the estimate.
04 What does 'Pre-Shipment' mean on USPS tracking?
Pre-shipment means USPS received the label information but has not yet scanned the package. This often happens when shippers print labels in advance. Wait 48 hours for the first scan.
05 How do I schedule a USPS redelivery?
Go to usps.com/redelivery and enter the tracking number from the delivery notice. You can schedule for the next delivery day or pick up at your post office.
06 Can USPS deliver to a PO Box?
Yes, USPS delivers all mail classes to PO Boxes. Private carriers like FedEx and UPS cannot deliver to PO Boxes, but USPS accepts them for all services.
Need direct help from USPS?
If the latest scan still does not make sense, contact USPS directly with your tracking number ready.
Support hours: 8:30 PM ET
What to know about USPS
The United States Postal Service traces its origins to the Constitutional Congress of 1775 and was formally established as the Post Office Department in 1792. It became an independent agency in 1971 under the Postal Reorganization Act. USPS processes approximately 421 million pieces of mail per day and operates the largest civilian vehicle fleet in the world. It serves as the universal service provider for mail to all US addresses regardless of location, which private carriers are not required to do.
- Official site
- https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction_input
- Track packages
- https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction
- Support portal
- Open support →
- Network type
- National Post
- Country
- US
- Region
- United States and territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, USVI, American Samoa); international service to 180+ countries
- Coverage
- USPS delivers to every US address -- all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and overseas military addresses (APO/FPO/DPO). International service reaches 180+ countries through Priority Mail International and partnerships with other postal organizations.
- Support hours
- 8:30 PM ET
- Last verified
- Apr 1, 2026
Referenced sources