Shipping Tracking Status Guide
Tracking status got you confused? This is the plain-English guide to what every shipping status actually means — USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL. For each one: how long it normally lasts, when to worry, and what to do if your package seems stuck.
USPS Statuses
In Transit to Next Facility
12 hours to 3 days between scans
Acceptance
Usually shows for a few hours up to 1 day before the next scan
Arrived at USPS Regional Facility
6-24 hours at a single hub
Out for Delivery
Same day (usually 9 AM-5 PM window)
Delivered to Agent
1-3 additional business days after this scan
Alert — Arrival Notice
Package held for 15 business days
Pre-Shipment Info Sent
A few hours to 2-3 business days before Acceptance scan
Available for Pickup
15 business days held at post office
Return to Sender
Same as original transit time — 2–7 business days to return to sender
Held at Post Office / Available for Pickup
Package held for 15 days (Priority/Ground Advantage) or 5 days (Priority Mail Express) before return to sender
Customs Clearance in Progress / In Customs
A few hours to 5 business days for most shipments; longer for inspected or held packages
Delivery Attempted / Notice Left
Package held at post office for 15 days; Priority Express held for 5 days
UPS Statuses
Label Created
A few hours up to 2 business days before first scan
Shipper Created a Label
Hours to 2 business days
Arrived at Facility
4-24 hours at a single facility
In Transit — Delivery Date Pending
1-5 business days before a delivery date is restored
Out for Delivery
Same day, 9 AM-7 PM typical window
Delivery Attempted
Next attempt the following business day
Delivery Rescheduled
1–5 business days beyond the original delivery date
In Customs / Clearance in Progress
1–3 business days for routine clearance; 5–10 days for complex or held shipments
Package Not Delivered / Delivery Unsuccessful
Next delivery attempt is typically the next business day
FedEx Statuses
Label Created
Hours to 2 business days
Shipment Information Sent to FedEx
Hours to 1 business day
In Transit (No Movement)
Scan gaps of 12-36 hours are normal; 2+ days is borderline
On FedEx Vehicle for Delivery
Same day, 9 AM-8 PM typical window
Delivery Exception
Resolves within 1-3 business days via retry or pickup
DHL Statuses
Shipment picked up
A few hours to overnight before the next scan
In transit
1–3 days for Express; 7–21 days for eCommerce international
Arrived at DHL facility
A few hours to 1 day for processing and outbound scanning at the facility
Clearance in progress / Customs status updated
A few hours for routine clearance; 1–5 business days for complex or held shipments
Out for delivery
Same business day as the scan
Delivery attempted / Recipient not available
Package held at DHL facility for 5–7 business days after failed attempt before return to sender
Delivered
N/A — this is the final status
Shipment exception / Shipment on hold
1–5 business days to resolve, depending on exception type
Multi-Carrier Statuses
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