USPS tracking messages explained

Each one in plain English, with how long it usually lasts and when it's time to do something.

Before pickup

Shipping Label Created, USPS Awaiting Item: Usually 1-3 days before the first acceptance scan. Some sellers print labels well before they ship.
Pre-Shipment, USPS Awaiting Item: Usually 1-3 days before the first acceptance scan.
Picked Up by Shipping Partner, USPS Awaiting Item: Often 1-4 days in the partner network before a USPS scan. Can be longer at peak season.

Shipment Received, Package Acceptance Pending: Usually resolves within 1-3 days when the next scan appears.
USPS in possession of item: Usually 12-48 hours before the next facility scan.
Accepted at USPS Origin Facility: Usually 12-24 hours before it reaches a regional facility.
Arrived at USPS Regional Facility: Usually 12-48 hours before a departure scan.
Departed USPS Regional Facility: The next scan usually shows within 1-3 days. Long trips can show no scans for several days.
Arrived at USPS Regional Destination Facility: Usually 1-2 days before it reaches the local Post Office.
In Transit to Next Facility: This message often repeats daily for 1-5 days on long trips.
Moving Through Network: Typically 1-5 days, depending on distance.
Arrived at Post Office: Same day or the next postal business day.
Forwarded: Usually adds 1-5 days.

In Transit, Arriving Late: Often 1-7 extra days. It varies a lot at peak season.
Processing Exception: Often clears within 1-3 days when the next scan appears.
Delivery Exception, Local Weather Delay: Usually 1-2 delivery days after the weather clears.
Awaiting Delivery Scan: Usually resolves by the next postal business day.
No Access to Delivery Location: Redelivery is attempted the next business day.
Delivery Exception, Animal Interference: Next attempt or pickup is usually within 1-2 business days once the animal is secured.

Notice Left (No Authorized Recipient Available): It waits at the Post Office until you act or the hold period ends.
Notice Left (No Secure Location Available): It waits at the Post Office until you act or the hold period ends.
Held at Post Office, At Customer Request: It stays held until the hold ends or you pick it up.
Available for Pickup: It waits for pickup, starting the next business day.
Reminder to Schedule Redelivery of your Item: Usually sent a few days after the notice was left.
Redelivery Scheduled: Delivered on the scheduled date.

Insufficient Address: The return trip usually takes as long as the original trip.
Return to Sender: The return trip usually takes as long as the original trip.