"Processing Exception" (USPS): what it means and how long it lasts
USPS detected a processing irregularity (event code LX). Its wording is "The local facility has been alerted and is taking steps to correct the problem." The "Processing Exception, Other" or "Delay" version (code OX) means the item was at, or headed to, a location hit by an emergency or another delay. Tracking usually doesn't say what happened.
Normally lasts: Often clears within 1-3 days when the next scan appears.
When to act: If there is no new scan 3 business days after the exception.
Also shown as: Processing Exception, Other, Delay, The Postal Service has identified a problem with the processing of this item. The local facility has been alerted and is taking steps to correct the problem., Your shipment has potentially been delayed due to emergency or other conditions
What to do
- Wait 1-3 business days for the next scan.
- If nothing changes, submit a USPS help request (service request) to the local Post Office.
- If it is 7+ days from mailing, submit a Missing Mail search.
USPS service alerts now
- USPS service alert Illinois: Peoria Processing and Distribution Facility (P&DF) NASS Code 615: Temporarily closed due to an evacuation order in the area
USPS · first seen Nov 14, 6:55 PM EST
Peoria Processing and Distribution Facility (P&DF) NASS Code 615: Temporarily closed due to an evacuation order in the area. The facility is expected to be closed most of today, November 14. As a result, no mail or parcels were dispatched to the 613, 614, 615 ZIP3s today, which …
Last checked: · USPS service alerts 8 min ago· Facility facts reviewed November 14, 2026. How we check
Which facility is it at?
The location next to the scan tells you. Type it here, or pick one of the busiest USPS hubs below, for live alerts and how long packages normally sit there.
JAMAICA NY INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION CENTERChicago IL International Distribution Center (ISC)CHICAGO IL INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION CENTERJersey City NJ Distribution Center (RPDC)JERSEY CITY NJ DISTRIBUTION CENTERWarrendale PA Distribution Center (NDC)WARRENDALE PA DISTRIBUTION CENTEROpa Locka FL Distribution CenterOPA LOCKA FL DISTRIBUTION CENTERSpringfield MA Distribution Center (NDC)SPRINGFIELD MA DISTRIBUTION CENTERUSPS Jacksonville NDC / RPDCJACKSONVILLE FL DISTRIBUTION CENTERNorth Houston TX Distribution CenterNORTH HOUSTON TX DISTRIBUTION CENTERMiami FL International Distribution Center (ISC)MIAMI FL INTERNATIONAL DISTRIBUTION CENTERLos Angeles CA Distribution CenterLOS ANGELES CA DISTRIBUTION CENTERAtlanta GA Distribution Center (RPDC)ATLANTA GA DISTRIBUTION CENTERQueens NY Distribution CenterQUEENS NY DISTRIBUTION CENTERQuestions
What does "Processing Exception" mean?
USPS detected a processing irregularity (event code LX). Its wording is "The local facility has been alerted and is taking steps to correct the problem." The "Processing Exception, Other" or "Delay" version (code OX) means the item was at, or headed to, a location hit by an emergency or another delay. Tracking usually doesn't say what happened.
How long does "Processing Exception" usually last?
Often clears within 1-3 days when the next scan appears. If there is no new scan 3 business days after the exception.
What should I do if my USPS package is stuck on "Processing Exception"?
Wait 1-3 business days for the next scan. If nothing changes, submit a USPS help request (service request) to the local Post Office. If it is 7+ days from mailing, submit a Missing Mail search.
Related USPS messages
- In Transit, Arriving Late
- Delivery Exception, Local Weather Delay
- Awaiting Delivery Scan
- No Access to Delivery Location
- Delivery Exception, Animal Interference
Sources
- USPS PostalPro: USPS Domestic Tracking Scan Events (event codes and USPS.com wording), Feb 2024 (accessed 2026-11-14)
- USPS: Find Missing Mail (accessed 2026-11-14)