Is Your Package Stuck? Understanding USPS “In Transit” Status and How to Handle It

If you’re someone who loves online shopping or frequently orders items, have you ever found yourself scrolling through your package tracking status, wondering, When will my package arrive on my porch? And when you notice that the status hasn’t changed for days—stuck on “In Transit”—do you feel frustrated or even a bit panicked?

In this blog, we’ll dive into what “In Transit” really means, explore other USPS package tracking statuses, uncover the reasons why packages sometimes get stuck, and provide practical tips on how to handle this situation when it happens.

What does “In Transit” mean in USPS?

To put it simply, just like its literal meaning, during USPS transportation, packages are scanned and moved from one location to the next moving through the USPS network. This could be another sorting facility, a local post office, or the final delivery address. In most cases, the package is already on a transportation vehicle.

Since USPS has numerous depots, the “In Transit” status may appear multiple times during the shipping process.

Read more: Does USPS Deliver on Sunday or Saturday in 2025?

Common reasons for the packages stuck “In Transit”

The package status is updated only when your packages are scanned, so you can’t know the exact location when the status shows “In Transit.” 

Sometimes, there may be no updates for several days, which can be both annoying and worrying. Two common questions arise: “Why are my packages stuck in transit?” and “Are my packages okay?” Below are some common situations that may cause packages to get stuck or not move as expected.

Address is wrong

Sometimes, a package gets stuck in transit due to something as simple as a few missing letters or a wrong ZIP code that the USPS scanner doesn’t detect. This can lead to a halt in its movement. USPS will attempt to resolve the issue, which could result in your package being returned or you being contacted to provide the correct address.

Regardless, this will cause delays in delivery. To prevent such problems and ensure timely delivery, double-check the address, name, ZIP code, and phone number for accuracy before shipping.

Custom clearance

For international shipments, customs clearance is a common bottleneck. If the contents of the package are not clearly declared, duties are unpaid, or the items are classified as sensitive goods, the package may get stuck at customs.

To avoid this issue, familiarize yourself with the destination country’s import policies, avoid sending prohibited items, accurately fill out the customs declaration form, and ensure all duties are paid in advance.

Package is too heavy

If a package is found to weigh more than the shipping label indicates during transit, it will need to be reweighed. The sender will then have to pay additional fees before the package can continue its journey to its destination.

Package is lost or damaged.

Another reason your package might be stuck in transit is if it’s lost. With thousands of packages passing through USPS’s shipping infrastructure, some may be misplaced during sorting, especially if they are small.

If the package is damaged, USPS will stop the shipment and contact the sender or recipient for further instructions on how to proceed.

Holiday and festival delays

During holidays like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Black Friday, there is typically a significant increase in package volume due to the surge in shopping and gift-giving. This demand can overwhelm USPS’s sorting capacity. With more parcels than usual to handle, the USPS system can become backlogged. This can result in longer processing times and cause packages to get stuck in transit.

Bad weather conditions

Adverse weather events and natural disasters, such as heavy snow, hurricanes, or floods, can disrupt USPS shipping routes and prevent packages from being delivered on time. In such cases, shipping typically resumes only after the weather improves and routes are cleared. Usually, it will take several days.

Solutions for Packages Stuck “In Transit”

Seeing your package stuck in the “In Transit” status can indeed make you feel anxious. But don’t worry—here are some steps to help you resolve the issue:

1. Wait for a Few Days

Sometimes the package will be delayed due to weather, transportation rush, or just because the USPS logistics system does not update the logistics status in real-time.

At this time, please wait patiently for 2-3 working days. Typically, many packages will start to resume shipping during this period.

2. Contact USPS and sender

If the package has not moved after a few days or even a week, you can contact USPS to inquire about the status of the package. Here’s how you can reach them:

• Phone: 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777)
• Email: USPS Customer Service

Hours of operation:

• Monday – Friday 8 AM – 8:30 PM ET
• Saturday 8 AM – 6 PM ET

With these two methods of contact, you provide the tracking number of the package and ask for detailed information about the status of the package.

If you are the recipient, you can also contact the sender to confirm the shipping details of the parcel and assist in the parcel search.

3. Submit a Missing Mail Search Request

If the parcel status has not been updated for a long time, you can also submit a Missing Mail Search request.

Stating by completing a help request form before initiating a missing mail search. Be sure to include the tracking number, detailed package information, and your contact details. USPS will transmit it to your local Post Office facility to find any lost items. 

If the parcel is still not found after 7 working days, you can submit a Missing Mail Search Request with the following information:

• Sender’s postal address
• The recipient’s postal address
• Size and kind of container or envelope that you used
• Identifying information such as your USPS tracking numbers or the sending date from your mailing receipt.
• Description of the goods, including the brand, model, color, or size, if relevant.
• Pictures that might help the USPS recognize your item

USPS tracking statuses 

When your package is in transit, USPS continuously updates its status. Here are some common USPS tracking statuses that occur while a parcel is in transit

Pre-shipment

This status indicates that the sender has created a shipping label, but the parcel has not been delivered to USPS to enter the shipping process. he parcel may still be in the process of packing.

Sometimes this status will last for a long time, often due to delays on the sender’s end in handing the package over to USPS.

Accepted

When the status shows Accepted, it means that the shipping label has been scanned by USPS staff, and USPS officially received your parcel. It’s now part of the shipping process. At this stage, you just need to wait patiently for the next update.

Arrived at USPS Regional Destination Facility

When you see this status, it means that your package has arrived at a large USPS sorting center, where thousands of packages are waiting to be scanned and sorted. Think of it as a package resting in a transit station, waiting for the next shipment.

In Transit 

This status means your package has departed one facility and is on its way to the next destination—possibly another sorting center or your local post office. It’s likely traveling on a truck, train, or airplane, crossing cities or even countries.

Sometimes, the tracking status may not update in real-time during transit, but that doesn’t mean your package is “stuck.”

Arrived at the Post Office

This status means that your parcel is very close to your home, waiting to be loaded and delivered by the postman at your nearest post office, which is the last stop on the parcel’s journey.

Available for pickup

When the status shows available for pick up, it means the parcel has arrived at the local post office, you can go to pick up the parcel directly. Of course, if you are not convenient, you can set up home delivery in the delivery method in advance.

Out for delivery 

The package has been loaded onto the mail carrier’s vehicle. When you see this status, it usually means your package will arrive that same day. The mail carrier might knock on your door or leave the package at your doorstep.

Delivered 

This status confirms that your package has successfully been delivered to the address specified on the shipping label. It has been handed over to the recipient or placed in a safe location, such as a porch, mailbox, or doorstep. If you haven’t received it, check with neighbors or contact USPS for further assistance.

FAQ about USPS Stuck on Transit 

1. How long does USPS in transit take? How soon will I receive my package?

Typically, USPS will take 24-48 hours to update the tracking status of your packages. The “In Transit” status can last anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on factors like the shipping method, distance, weather conditions, or USPS workload.

As for shipping time, depending on the location of the packages shipped, the delivery time may vary. If the package is shipped from the US, it may take 3-4 days to receive. As for foreign packages, it could take several weeks. So, if your package hasn’t moved for a long time, please contact USPS customer service.

2. Does “in transit” mean it will be delivered today?

Not necessarily. “In Transit” simply means the package is moving through the USPS network toward its next destination. If your tracking status says “Out for Delivery,” then it’s likely to be delivered that day.

3. What does 2 days in transit mean?

This means your package has been moving through the USPS network for two days but hasn’t yet reached its destination or been delivered. The time frame can vary due to factors like delays or transit distances.

4. Why is my USPS package saying in transit?

The “In Transit” status indicates that your package is on its way from one USPS facility to another. If it’s stuck on this status for an extended time, it could be due to system updates, delays, or logistical issues.

5. What does “In Transit from Origin Processing” mean?

This status means your package has left the origin facility (where it was first processed). And is en route to the next USPS facility or destination in the shipping network.

Conclusion

Waiting for a package stuck “In Transit” can be frustrating, but understanding the possible reasons and knowing how to address the issue can save you time and stress. By staying proactive—whether it’s contacting USPS, reaching out to the sender, or submitting a Missing Mail Search—you’ll be better prepared to handle shipping delays effectively.

If you want to avoid similar hassles, why not let someone else handle the logistics for you? At Sup Dropshipping, we specialize in sourcing quality products directly from China and managing every step of the dropshipping process—from sourcing to shipping. Contact us to let you focus on growing your business stress-free.