When you see the status “In Transit” on your USPS tracking information, it means your package is on the move. I
t has left the initial Post Office and is actively making its way through the USPS network to its final destination.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what “In Transit” means, including the different stages and what to do if you’re concerned about your package.
What “In Transit” Means
In simple terms, “In Transit” is a general status indicating that your package is progressing through the necessary steps to get to you. It does not mean the package is on the truck for delivery today.
This phase of the journey can include several specific events, and you may see more detailed updates on your tracking page, such as:
- Departed USPS Facility: Your package has left a sorting facility and is on its way to the next stop.
- Arrived at USPS Regional Facility: Your package has reached a major processing hub that sorts mail for a large geographic area.
- In Transit to Next Facility: This is a common update that confirms your package is physically traveling, likely on a truck or airplane, between two USPS locations.
It’s normal to see the “In Transit” status multiple times as your package travels across the country and is scanned at different checkpoints.
Key Differences in Tracking Statuses
It’s helpful to understand how “In Transit” differs from other common statuses:
- Pre-Shipment: A shipping label has been created, but USPS has not yet received or scanned the package.
- Accepted: USPS has taken possession of the package and scanned it into their system.
- In Transit: The package is moving between USPS facilities.
- Out for Delivery: This is the status you want to see! It means the package has reached your local Post Office and has been loaded onto the delivery truck for arrival that day.
- Delivered: The package has successfully arrived at its destination.
“My Package is Stuck ‘In Transit’. What Should I Do?”
It can be worrying if your tracking information shows “In Transit” for several days without any updates. Here’s what might be happening and what you should do.
Why a Package Might Seem “Stuck”
- No Scans Between Hubs: A package may travel a long distance (e.g., on a truck across the country) without being scanned. The tracking won’t update until it reaches the next sorting facility. A lack of updates for 24-48 hours is often normal.
- High Mail Volume: During peak seasons like holidays or major sales events, processing facilities can get backed up, leading to delays.
- Weather or Transportation Delays: Severe weather or other logistical issues can slow down the movement of mail.
- “In Transit, Arriving Late”: If you see this specific message, it means USPS acknowledges a delay, but confirms your package is still in the system and on its way.
What to Do If You’re Concerned
- Check the Estimated Delivery Date: Refer to the delivery standard for the mail class used (e.g., Priority Mail is 1-3 business days, Ground Advantage is 2-5 business days). Don’t worry unless it’s been a few days past that window.
- Wait a Few Business Days: In most cases, the package is still moving and will get a new scan soon. Patience is often the best first step.
- Submit a Help Request Form: If your package has not had a tracking update for several business days, you can submit a Help Request Form on the USPS website. This will send a notification to your local Post Office to look into the issue.
- File a Missing Mail Search Request: If the package still hasn’t arrived after 7 business days, you can initiate a more formal Missing Mail Search Request.
This allows you to provide a detailed description of the package and its contents to help USPS locate it. You can start this process on the USPS Missing Mail page.