Track your USPS parcels. Parcel Monitor for USPS tracking!

About USPS Tracking

The United States Postal Service, more commonly known as USPS, is an executive branch of the United States Federal Government. It is an independent agency that provides postal services throughout the United States and its territories.

The U.S. Postal Service delivers to every address within the United States with over 160 million residences, businesses, and Post Office Boxes. USPS tracking is a self-funding entity and do not use tax revenues to fund their operations. It is one of the few government appointed agencies that is explicityly authorized by the United States Constitution. The postal service company has over 600,000 employees.

USPS tracking

USPS tracking is an end-to-end item tracking that allows you to track most domestic delivery of commodities such as letters and USPS parcels within the US territory. After you send out your items for delivery, you can track the journey of your USPS package on the USPS website using the USPS tracking number that is assigned to your package. Once you have shipped your packages with USPS, the Post Office will assign you a unique set of USPS package tracking number to the package. To track USPS package, use the assigned USPS tracking number on Parcel Monitor's parcel tracking tool. Other USPS services with label numbers include Certified Mail, Collect on Delivery, Global Express Guaranteed, Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail International, Priority Mail, Registered Mail, Signature Confirmation.

However, you can only track your USPS packages if it is a domestic delivery to a domestic address within the US.

You can also access USPS live tracking updates internationally through Parcel Monitor's live USPS tracking tool. Using your tracking number, you will gain access to the latest USPS tracking updates. You can decide different actions based on the class and services of the packages. You can also request for emails and/or text messages about your USPS parcels or Proof od Delivery email. You can also opt to leave instructions for the carrier on where to leave your package if no one is home to receive it.

How long will USPS keep my records for tracking?

How does USPS tracking work?

USPS tracking uses an end-to-end item tracking system. This means that USPS helps track almost all domestic mail commodities (letters, parcels, etc.) sent to domestic locations only. After items are sent out for delivery, USPS allows customers to track their parcels or letters on their website using the USPS tracking number assigned to the parcel by USPS.  

Once anyone enters the USPS tracking number that is allotted to a mailpiece on the USPS tracking page, the page will give that individual the current status of the mailpiece. This tracking status includes the following information:  

• If the parcel or letter is available
• Delivery information like the date and time of delivery
• The last location of the parcel (e.g the mailbox, left at reception, or with neighbour, etc.) if the item has already been delivered

The USPS live tracking system does not guarantee delivery. But there is no extra cost for its tracking services. When you first pay for the posting of the package, tracking service charges are already included. But if you’re posting something via USPS Marketing Mail, then you may pay additional fees to track the order.

How to track my USPS packages with USPS tracking?

You can track all your USPS packages with USPS tracking with Parcel Monitor's USPS package tracking tool.

1. Once you have checked out from your online retailer or e-commerce store, you will receive an order confirmation email to notify you that your orders have been placed.
2. The order confirmation email will either come with a USPS package tracking number (shipment ID) or you will receive another email once your orders have been shipped out. In the other email, a USPS parcel tracking number will be attached to the email.
3. Use the USPS package tracking number to track your parcels with Parcel Monitor's real-time USPS global parcel tracking tool and track all your USPS packages internationally.
4. Receive instant updates via email on all of your USPS packages regardless of the destination country.

How can I track First-Class Mail letters with USPS tracking?

Although USPS Tracking does not expedite or guarantee delivery, it still allows you to track your order for First-Class Mail service. With USPS tracking, your package will be labeled and scanned several times. You can start tracking your parcel as soon as there is a notification sent from the item’s sender or shipper that there’s a new USPS package. In addition, whilst First-Class mail letters don’t include USPS tracking, you can still opt for tracking service and receive tracking information at an additional fee.  

You can track First-Class mail letters using USPS tracking as follows:  

1. Make sure to purchase an extra USPS tracking service as First-Class Mail letters do not include tracking. You can do this either by phone or online.
2. To track the status of your USPS package, use the USPS tracking number or confirmation number in the receipt they gave out when you handover your package. Then, use Parcel Monitor’s USPS tracking or visit the USPS website and enter the USPS tracking number before hitting “Track”. Or, you can give a call to USPS’s customer service representatives to help locate your mail item.

The USPS Tracking system does not guarantee delivery. But there is no extra cost for its tracking services. When you first pay for the posting of the package, tracking service charges are already included. But if you’re posting something via USPS Marketing Mail, then you may pay additional fees to track the order.

Informed delivery by USPS

You can digitally preview your mail and manage your packages scheduled to arrive soon with USPS.

1. Informed delivery guarantees secure access to your USPS mail and packages on a secure, online dashboard on USPS tracking
2. You can also preview incoming mail as well as track and trace the delivery status of your USPS packages when see when they are scheduled to arrive to your address
3. Leave delivery instructions through USPS Informed delivery online dashboard if you are unable to be home to receive the package
4. Reschedule redelivery if you missed the delivery with USPS
5. Opt for email and/or text notifications to track the delivery status of your USPS packages

What is the USPS informed delivery?

The USPS postal service offers a free notification service for customers to view their mailpiece and manage the time of arrival of their package called Informed Delivery. This service is convenient for frequent travellers.  

As Informed Delivery is a fully-digital service, the customer can see if a package or letter is arriving at their mailbox from the convenience of their Internet-connected device.  

Informed Delivery works in a very systematic way. First USPS digitally images the mailpiece that goes through their automated equipment. These images are stored while the customer is updated with the latest USPS parcel status updates. This service maintains transparency and safety in any household.  

This service also allows the receiver to take action or maintain their privacy before anything crucial and sensitive reaches their mailbox. Users can maintain their privacy as they receive.

What do my tracking statuses mean?

The tracking statuses inform customers about their package delivery status, including incoming packages, delivered items, or unsuccessful delivery attempts. You can find more information on this page about common package statuses and how to track your parcels using the USPS Tracking number.  

We also recommend all customers to use Informed Delivery® notifications by USPS® to manage the parcel tracking process easily. By registering or signing up for a USPS account, you can preview letter-size mailpieces, receive text notifications or emails to track your package(s), leave delivery instructions, and schedule a redelivery.  

What to do when my USPS package is delayed?

Unusual circumstances, such as traffic jams, bad weather, staffing fluctuations, or rescheduling the carrier route, may cause delivery delays. In this case, USPS® offers multiple options to help you track your package delivery status.  

We recommend you to check the mail delivery standards of your mail classes and the waiting time before contacting customer service. Also, you can go to the USPS page for tracking up to 35 parcels per time by entering the USPS tracking number of your item. Read this extensive guide by USPS on how to deal with delayed mail and packages.  

What is the USPS Click-N-Ship service?

Tracking USPS posts and mailpieces is one thing, but services like USPS Click-N-Ship is a unique service provided by USPS as a prepaid system for delivering mail. In this service, USPS allows the customer to make prepaid shipping labels on plain white paper, which they can later use to officially ship their mailpieces.  

These labels contain a delivery confirmation number that later allows the customer to track the date and time of delivery of the item. Besides postage costs, the customer does not have to pay an extra fee if he/she is using Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, Global Priority Mail, and Global Express Mail.  

How to contact USPS?

Customers can go to the USPS website and get their official email to convey any concerns about their mailpiece. They can also go to their website and check out their frequently asked questions for solutions to common issues. Lastly, customers can also visit the USPS office to address issues in-person.  

For urgent matters, USPS’s official phone services number can also be found on the website. Phone lines are active Monday to Friday between 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM (20:30 hours) and 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (18:00 hours) on Saturdays.  

Does USPS charge their packages by weight or size?

USPS prices their parcels based on the weight and distance of their parcels.  

For urgent matters, USPS’s official phone services number can also be found on the website. Phone lines are active Monday to Friday between 8:00 AM to 8:30 PM (20:30 hours) and 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (18:00 hours) on Saturdays.  

• Priority Mail Express: Price determined by weight and distance travelled.
• First-Class Mail Shipping: Price determined by the shape of the shipment and weight.
• Priority Mail: Price determined by size, weight and distance travelled.

USPS Tracking Plus

You can access your USPS tracking history for your package on www.USPS.com with USPS Tracking Plus. Access your tracking information for non-signature items for up to 120 days. Tracking information for signature items is available for 2 years.  

Alternatively, USPS Tracking Plus also provides options to extend your accecss to the USPS tracking history for an additional 6 months up to 10 years for a small fee. You can also request a USPS Tracking Plus statement via email at any time during that period.  

Benefits of USPS Tracking Plus

With USPS Tracking Plus, you can gain access to your online tracking history for up to 10 years with domestic deliveries and 7 years for international deliveries. This comes in handy in the following situations:

• USPS evidence of delivery to resolve disputes and claims
• Critical evidence of mailing and or delivery/delivery attempt for legal and court proceedings
• Official authentic source of data that legal and financial sources may accept

What to do when a parcel gets stuck in customs?

Getting parcels stuck in customs is very frustrating. But during times like these you can either wait it out, or follow the given steps:  

1. Contact the person who shipped you the goods: Check if the person who sent you the parcel has all their paperwork and documents in order to speed up customs processing.
2. Contact USPS: USPS can expedite custom processing, but might charge you a fee for this premium service.
3. Find out if you have any outstanding taxes to pay: Some countries have particular taxes to pay before shipping packages.
4. Wait: If you’ve done everything right, the only thing you can do is wait for the package to be cleared.

What is USPS interception?

USPS Interception helps customers redirect, send back or divert the location of delivery of the letter or package from the original address. If there’s a USPS tracking barcode on it, Domestic Priority Mail, Priority Mail, First-Class Packaging Services, Parcel Select and Packaging Services all can be intercepted.  

The receiver can send the package back to the mailer, redirect it to a new address or Hold For a Pickup. These services are available through email or the Product Tracking System. Customers will be charged the $14.10 Package Intercept Fee per piece, and if the actual package is larger than expected, additional postage fees will apply accordingly.  

What does my USPS tracking number look like?

A USPS parcel tracking number is a unique set of numbers assigned to your order. This USPS tracking number can be used to track your USPS package and receive real-time updates from USPS on your parcels. Normally, the USPS package tracking number contains 22 characters generated randomly.  

• USPS Tracking: 9400 1000 0000 0000 0000 00
• USPS Priority Mail: 9205 5000 0000 0000 0000 00
• USPS Certified Mail: 9407 3000 0000 0000 0000 00
• USPS Collect On Delivery Hold For Pickup: 9303 3000 0000 0000 0000 00
• USPS Global Express Guaranteed: 82 000 000 00
• USPS Priority Mail Express International - EC 000 000 000 US
• USPS Priority Mail Express: 9270 1000 0000 0000 0000 00 EA 000 000 000 US
• USPS Priority Mail International: CP 000 000 000 US
• USPS Registered Mail: 9208 8000 0000 0000 0000 00
• USPS Signature Confirmation: 9202 1000 0000 0000 0000 00

After you have completed your online order, you will receive an email confirmation assigned with an order number. As soon as your online order has been shipped, you will receive an email notification with a USPS parcel tracking number that will allow you to track your order. You simply have to copy that USPS tracking number and paste it on our USPS package tracking tool and review your parcel’s entire delivery journey and its latest status.

Forward Mail with USPS Tracking

If you are taking a vacation or you are not around, for a weekly fee, USPS will arrange your mail to be sent to you each week with Premium Forwarding Service Residential. This is a temporary service for periods as short as 2 weeks and up to 1 year maximum.  

Here are some mails you can forward:

• First-Class mail and periodicals (newsletters and magazines) can be forwarded for free.
• Premium shipping services (Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, First-Class Package) are also forwarded for free.
• Media Mail and USPS Retail Ground are forwarded with a charge on the shipping cost from your local Post Office to your temporary address.
• USPS Markteting Mail is unavaible for forwarding

Where can I find my USPS package tracking number?

The USPS package tracking number can be found in various places:  

• USPS Post Office shipping receipt
• Sales receipt if you purchased shipment insurance at the Post Office with USPS
• Email confirmation after your package is shipped from USPS.com
• Shipping confirmation email you received from an online retailer
• Bottom peel-off section of your USPS tracking label

What is the USPS Delivery Instructions service?

The USPS Delivery Instructions service allows the recipient of packages to specify where they want the parcel to be dropped off before they are delivered. You can select specific locations on your property, the nearest post office, or even an entirely different address.
To set up USPS delivery instructions for your delivery, follow these steps:  

1. First, check if your USPS package is eligible for USPS Delivery Instructions by entering the USPS tracking number on the USPS website. If your item is eligible, the term “Delivery Instructions” will appear under the “Available Action” sidebar.
2. Next, click on “Delivery Instructions”. The system will then ask you to log in to your USPS account. If you don’t have one, you will need to set it up.
3. Read and agree to the Terms and Conditions, then select the “Continue” button to begin a Delivery Instructions request.
4. Continue to fill in all required fields, follow the instructions on the website, and remember to review the request one last time before submitting your delivery instructions request.

How do I leave package delivery instructions for USPS?

If your USPS package qualifies for USPS delivery, you can let USPS know where to leave a package at your address, change your package’s destination country, or send it to your local Post Office. Click on Change Delivery Instructions on the tracking results page and leave your request for USPS.
In case there is no “Delivery Instructions” link, your USPS package may have some of below features, which are not suitable for that service:  

• Already left the Post Office for delivery
• A Hold Mail request
• A military (APO/FPO) or DPO address
• A Delivery Signature request
• A Collect on Delivery (COD) request
• An active USPS Package Intercept order
• Insurance for $500 or more

Do I have to pay extra costs for USPS’s Delivery Instructions service?

This depends on the delivery instruction service that you have chosen.
Basic options that do not require an extra cost include:  

• Delivery of the package at a specific location on your property (front door, backyard, etc.)
• Next, click on “Delivery Instructions”. The system will then ask you to log in to your USPS account. If you don’t have one, you will need to set it up.
• Delivery of the package at your post office (the nearest one based on your ZIP Code)

You will be charged with a fee for the following parcel delivery instructions:

• Redirect your package delivery to a different domestic address that is outside the previous carrier route and has a different ZIP code
• Hold/Pick-up at a Post Office that is not the nearest based on your ZIP code
• Upgrade your delivery service to Priority Mail or Priority Express
• Other value-added services

Will there be any email notifications on my USPS delivery instructions request?

Depending on the option you selected when setting up your USPS delivery instructions, you will receive one or more email notifications of the following:  

• If the request was successfully submitted, you will receive a confirmation email.
• If the package was successfully delivered, you will receive an email with a success message.
• If you made a delivery instruction request that requires extra payment and the actual postage is higher than the estimated postage provided at the time of the request, a confirmation email will be sent.
• If the item needs to be repackaged, an email with a new USPS tracking number will be sent.
• If the product cannot be delivered, an email to inform you of the reason for the non-delivery will be sent.

You will be charged with a fee for the following parcel delivery instructions:

• Redirect your package delivery to a different domestic address that is outside the previous carrier route and has a different ZIP code
• Hold/Pick-up at a Post Office that is not the nearest based on your ZIP code
• Upgrade your delivery service to Priority Mail or Priority Express
• Other value-added services

Where is my USPS package?

To track your USPS package, simply copy and paste your unique USPS package tracking number into Parcel Monitor’s USPS parcel tracking tool.
If your USPS package’s status shows “delivered” with a recorded time and location of your package but you haven’t received it yet, don’t worry. First, check carefully in your mailbox, porch or garage, ask your family, friends or neighbours to see if there is anyone who has received the USPS parcel on your behalf. If you still haven’t found your USPS package after 24 hours from the ‘delivered’ status, send a service request through your email to your local USPS Post Office for a follow-up. You should receive a confirmation number and contact after 2-3 business days.  

What do I do if my USPS package is missing?

If you think that your package or mail with USPS is lost, follow the following steps to find your parcel:

• Head to USPS's Missing Mail on USPS.com
• Submit a Missing Mail search request
• File a claim for your package
• Visit local USPS Post Office for assistance in filing out a Missing Mail request

When will my USPS package arrive?

USPS is unable to provide an estimation on when exactly your delivery will arrive at the destination. As the volume of packages to be delivered differs daily, an estimation of arrival date and time is not guaranteed. However, all USPS packages are to be delivered by 5:00pm local time Monday through Saturday. Priority Mail Express and Amazon packages are the only exception - these are delivered on Sunday.  

• First-Class Mail takes up to 1-5 business days
• First-Class Package Service takes up to 1-3 business days
• Priority Mail takes up to 1-3 business days
• Priority Mail Express takes up to 1-2 calendar days
• USPS Retail Ground takes up to 2-8 business days
• Media Mail, Bound Printed Matter, and Library Mail takes up to 2-8 business days
• Parcel Select & Parcel Select Lightweight takes up to 2-9 business days
• Periodicals takes up to 3-9 business days
• USPS Marketing Mail takes up to 3-10 business days

If your packages are still not delivered within the USPS delivery estimation, you just have to insert your USPS package tracking number for your order to retrieve real-time delivery updates on your parcels.

What is the expected delivery window with USPS tracking?

When you check the delivery status of your parcel, you may see a message containing an Estimated Delivery Window (ExDW). This window is a 2-hour time slot of which you can expect your USPS package to arrive. In other words, if you see an ExDW, you can expect your package to arrive within 2 hours. However, delivery during these hours is not guaranteed. Your package may not arrive within the estimated timeframe, and you may receive your item towards the end of the day.
Do remember to constantly check the status of your package using the USPS tracking system or Parcel Monitor, and notify your sender or customer support if your package is late or overdue.  

How to add USPS tracking to my parcels to be shipped out?

You can add USPS tracking to your online purchase by adding a label to your USPS package. This package label contains the USPS tracking number that you can use to track your order. In order to add a USPS to your packages, be sure to follow the instructions below:

• Post Office: If you choose to send out your package at a post office, using USPS postal service, tracking is automatically activated after you finish your payment at the retail counter. Once payment is successful, you should be able to start tracking your parcel using the USPS package tracking number on your receipt to access delivery updates.
• Online: If you choose to use USPS online postal service, first create a USPS account and then print your shipping label. Fix the label on your products and receipt(s). You should be able to view the status of your USPS packages through your USPS account. If your chosen service does not include USPS’s tracking service, you will have to pay extra to have tracking service. Your USPS tracking number will be on your proof of delivery document.

Remember, whichever option you choose, whether post office or online, you’ll have to access the USPS tracking website or Parcel Monitor to see the status of your item.

How can I access tracking information from USPS tracking?

Depending on the classification of mail and the extra services you opted for when sending out your packages, the information and tracking results that you can access is different as well.
However, regardless of the service you choose or whether you are the sender or recipient, you can track your USPS package using the following methods:

1. Using Parcel Monitor’s USPS package tracker: visit the Parcel Monitor website and enter your package tracking number. You can also opt to receive tracking updates via email for free!
2. Using USPS’s tracking website: visit the USPS website and enter your USPS tracking number to see the history and status of your package(s).
3. By USPS text tracking: Send a text message to 28777 (2USPS) with your USPS parcel tracking number as the message. You should receive a reply from USPS with the latest tracking information.
4. By the USPS app on your mobile: Download the USPS mobile app and enter your USPS tracking number to track your parcel.
5. By phone call: Go to USPS’s website and look for the relevant the phone number for parcel status enquiries. Remember to give them a call during their working hours!

How do I set up automatic notifications for my USPS packages?

You can receive automated email notifications when tracking your USPS parcel status by clicking on “Get Updates” on the tracking results page on Parcel Monitor. Alternatively, you can also opt for notifications via the USPS website.

1. Enter your USPS tracking number on the USPS tracking website.
2. To receive updates from USPS through text and email, select “Text & Email Updates” and choose your notification option before submitting a notification request. There are various options for you to choose from: including updates about the day of delivery, package delivered updates, expected delivery updates, or all update notifications.
3. The email and text updates will be active for 2 weeks after the request is made. After your item is delivered, USPS will stop sending you automated notifications.
4. If you want to receive text updates but are unable toaccess to the USPS website, simply text “ALL” and send to number 28777 (2USPS). By doing that, you will automatically receive all updates on any USPS tracking numbers that is linked to the account connected with your mobile number.
5. Finally, if you want to stop receiving notifications, you can either disable notifications through the USPS tracking website or text STOP to number 28777 (2USPS).

What should I do if my mail hasn’t been delivered?

It’s hard to identify exactly when a carrier or delivery person will arrive at a specific location. In addition, depending on the service you choose, the delivery time will be different as well. So, do remember to check the standard delivery time for the mail or package service that you chose.
If you think your package is late compared to the standard delivery time, do check the parcel delivery status of your package using your USPS package tracking number. Go to the USPS Tracking page and enter the USPS tracking number on the mailing label or receipt. You should be able to view the history and current location of your USPS package.
If your item status appears as “Alert”, this could be due to weather-related reasons or other inevitable reasons causing the delay of your package. In case you have already checked the tracking status but do not see any results or a new update is not available, kindly contact customer service or contact the shipper if you do not have a USPS tracking number attached to our parcel.  

How to send an international package with USPS?

You can send packages from the U.S to other countries through the following options:

• Send your packages through a USPS Post Office to pay postage and fill up customs forms
• Create and print your own customs form and submit to the USPS Post Office along with your package
• USPS offers a Click-N-Ship service so that you can prepare to ship your international packages from the comfort of your own home or office. Pay for postage, print shipping labels and customs forms, and schedule for a pickup.

What is USPS’s international shipping service?

USPS’s international shipping service includes a number of shipping services that help customers to deliver their USPS packages to international addresses from the US. USPS international mail services go to more than 180 countries, including Great Britain, Canada, Japan, Mexico, and Australia.
USPS international mail services go to more than 180 countries, including Great Britain, Canada, Japan, Mexico, and Australia.