How to Track a USPS Package: 11 Steps (with Pictures)

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Learning to track a USPS package will help you to ensure that the items that you send actually get to their destinations on time. Today, the United States Postal Service offers a wide variety of services that will allow you to follow packages every step of the way. Tracking is now a fairly straightforward process, but you do need to familiarize yourself with the various options before you make your next shipment.

Steps

Tracking Packages

1. 1Set up a trackable form of shipment via the USPS. Not all letters or packages can be automatically tracked through the postal system, so make sure that the method you are using does allow for tracking. Some tracking requires a wait of 45 days for lost mail.[1] X Research source
   • Domestic first class and media mail shipments do not automatically include tracking. You must request tracking be added, for which there is an additional charge.[2] X Research source
   • Most other forms of shipping (that are more expensive than first class), such as Priority Mail, do include tracking.
   • Not all forms of tracking are equal. As a general rule, the more expensive the form of shipping, the more detailed the tracking information will be.
2. 2Hold on to your receipt. The receipt should include a tracking number (titled a “Label number” on some receipts) at the bottom of the form.[3] X Research source
   • The number of digits and the precise format of the tracking number may differ depending on the form of shipment you selected. For a list of the differing formats, see here.

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3. 3Go to the USPS website. The USPS website–USPS.com–has links on nearly every page that will take you to the pages for tracking packages. The general search box on the site’s homepage will also track packages if you enter the information here.
4. 4Type the tracking number into a search box and then press the enter key.
5. 5Understand the USPS status descriptions. The USPS uses a particular terminology to describe the status of each package, and while most are straightforward enough others are less comprehensible.[4] X Research source
   • You will see “Arrived at USPS Origin Facility” indicating the moment the package was first entered in the USPS sorting system. This is not necessarily the same as the first Post Office that the package was in, but the first place in which it was prepared for transshipment to the next point.
   • “Arrived at Post Office” will be seen when the package has arrived in the vicinity of its final delivery but still remains within a USPS facility.
   • The description “Out for Delivery” is perhaps the most straightforward. The package is currently with a postal service agent for delivery.
   • “Unable to Deliver” will appear if the package required a signature or further instructions in order to facilitate delivery. At this point, the package will usually be returned to the local postal facility for later delivery.

Adding Advanced Tracking and Confirmation

1. 1Request signature confirmation with your shipment. This will require a signature (though not necessarily that of the listed recipient) upon delivery of the package.[5] X Research source If you require Recipient Only signature it may wait at the Post office until the recipient can sign if not at delivery site. Proof of ID will be necessary.
   • In addition, you can request that a copy of the signatory’s name be sent to you following successful delivery.
   • There will be an additional charge of roughly $3.[6] X Research source
   • Signature confirmation is not available for delivery to PO boxes and may not be available for shipment to military bases or diplomatic posts, including all that are considered APO (Army Post Office), FPO (Fleet Post Office), or DPO (Diplomatic Post Office).[7] X Research source
2. 2Add a return receipt to the shipment. If you ask for a return receipt, you will receive either an emailed or mailed confirmation of delivery from the USPS. [8] X Research source
   • Along with the name of the signatory, you will also receive information on the final delivery address or pickup site. If the receiver had requested that the shipment be sent to an alternative site, for example, you would be informed precisely when and where the final deliver was made.
   • The cost is an additional $3.25 for the mailed receipt or $2.00 for an emailed receipt.[9] X Research source
3. 3Hold on to your receipt. The receipt should include a tracking number (titled a “Label number” on some receipts) at the bottom of the form. Though these packages do not require that you actively track them (after all, you will be informed upon delivery), that option is still available.[10] X Research source
4. 4Go to the the USPS website. The USPS website–USPS.com–has links on nearly every page that will take you to the pages for tracking packages. The general search box on the site’s homepage will also track packages if you enter the information here.
5. 5Type the tracking number into a search box and then press the enter key. Read the results to find out the current status of the shipment.
6. 6Receive confirmation of delivery (if applicable). Whether via mail or email, you will be able to receive confirmation of delivery without actively tracking the package yourself, as long as you requested this service.

Community Q&A

• QuestionHow do I track a package if I lost my receipt?Community AnswerYou can call customer service, and by taking your name, they should be able to find what you ordered recently and tell you the location.
• QuestionHow soon can you track a priority mail packageChristopherTop AnswererFor Priority Mail, you may want to start tracking it after a 24-hour period of time. It takes a night for the information to enter the USPS database all while it is being carted to the intended destination and information isn’t available immediately during this time period.
• QuestionHow do I get a tracking number to use in my mail?ChristopherTop AnswererBring your mail to a booth inside the post office and ask them for a delivery confirmation sticker for the parcel. Though these are now free, you have to ask them for these confirmation stickers. However, don’t confuse these with those designated as “Signature Confirmation”.

Video

Tips

• Tracking is not available for Priority Mail International Flat Rate boxes and other flat rate international services.⧼thumbs_response⧽

References

1. ↑ https://faq.usps.com/s/article/USPS-Tracking-The-Basics#:~:text=There%20is%20no%20additional%20cost,service%20requires%20paying%20a%20fee.
2. ↑ https://faq.usps.com/s/article/USPS-Tracking-The-Basics#:~:text=There%20is%20no%20additional%20cost,service%20requires%20paying%20a%20fee.
3. ↑ https://faq.usps.com/s/article/How-to-find-your-tracking-number
4. ↑ https://www.easyship.com/blog/tracking-usps-shipments
5. ↑ https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm100/extra-services.htm
6. ↑ https://www.usps.com/ship/insurance-extra-services.htm
7. ↑ https://faq.usps.com/s/article/How-is-Signature-Confirmation-and-Signature-Confirmation-Restricted-Delivery-Used
8. ↑ https://about.usps.com/publications/pub370/pub370_v10_revision_012016_tech_005.htm
9. ↑ https://pe.usps.com/text/dmm300/Notice123.htm#_c191

1. ↑ https://faq.usps.com/s/article/How-to-find-your-tracking-number
2. USPS.com, http://www.usps.com – research source
3. USPS Customer Service, https://www.usps.com/customer-service/customer-service.htm – research source

About This Article

To track a USPS package, go to the official USPS website and enter your tracking number in the search bar located in the top right-hand corner of the page. If you need to find your tracking number, check the receipt you received when you shipped the item, or look at the confirmation email you received when you made your purchase. To learn how to add advanced tracking and confirmation statuses to your shipment with USPS, scroll down!