What does the USPS message “Shipment to next facility” mean? (and more FAQs!)
USPS appears to use its own internal terminology for showing tracking status.
But what exactly do all these terms mean? What do terms like “in transit” mean on USPS? We looked into it and here’s what we found…
What does the USPS message “Shipment to next facility” mean?
The U.S. Postal Service uses tracking status to inform customers where their packages are in transit.The message “in transit” means your item is currently in transit between facility.
Your items will be shipped between warehouses, the first warehouse has scanned and sent your items, and the second warehouse will do so as soon as your items are received.
This article describes USPS package and tracking information in transit: what they are, what they mean, and how to make sure you receive them.
What is USPS tracking?
Tracking numbers are part of the delivery system that alerts senders and recipients to the location of a package during transit. Tracking systems make it possible to predict package arrivals and monitor delays.
USPS has a tracking page where you can see what a real tracking number looks like and where to find your tracking number to submit to the tracking bar.
USPS also offers Informed Delivery services that run through a mobile app. The service enables customers to receive USPS tracking updates for incoming packages, provide delivery instructions, manage notifications, and schedule redeliveries.
The service assigns specific delivery messages in the form of messages. These messages are generated when workers at each warehouse scan the package (tracking number).
What do USPS tracking messages mean?
USPS tracking status messages are all automatically generated, and each message indicates that your item has reached the next point on its journey.
post: This means your item has been delivered, and the time and location of delivery has been recorded.
Note the left: This means that USPS cannot deliver your mail. You can arrange for redelivery or pickup of your item (with ID) at your local post office.
Delivery status not updated: This means your package has arrived but has not been processed for pickup.
Socket blocking: This means the carrier cannot deliver your package because your mailbox is blocked (because parked cars, local utility jobs, weather conditions, or emergency responders block the area). You can arrange for redelivery or pickup from the post office.
Inaccessible: This means that the carrier cannot deliver to your address. This could be because there is an animal at large, or the address is in a gated community. When this happens, USPS recommends sending a service request by email. Make sure to include the package tracking number.
On the way: This means your package is “on the way” or on its way to its destination. It could also be that the package has arrived but is waiting to be processed.
After scanning the number, the next tracking status will be added.
What if my package does not arrive?
USPS has a “delivery standard” for each type of mail service. This means that you have to check how “delayed mail” is defined for each service.
The USPS Delayed Mail webpage lists the delivery criteria for each mail class and indicates when to submit an inquiry to USPS.
For example, if you use Priority Mail, you are required to wait at least 5 days from the date of mailing before making an inquiry. However, if you use USPS Retail Ground, you will need to wait 14 days.
The reasons for delayed mail and delayed delivery of mail are varied and unpredictable. Issues ranged from weather conditions, traffic conditions, road hazards, availability of USPS staff and mail volumes.
How do I get a USPS tracking notice?
Tracking notifications depend on the type of mail you purchased to send your package, but both senders and recipients can access tracking in the following ways:
- USPS Website Tracking Tool
- Text 28777 (2USPS) with your tracking number
- Download the USPS mobile app for iPhone and Android.
- Contact USPS directly by phone
- Enter the tracking number on the USPS website and click Text and Email Updates.
generalize
When you submit your package tracking number to the USPS Tracking Box, you will receive an update via text message.
These messages refer to the location status of your item, the most common message “in transit” simply means your package is between scanning warehouses.
