In this article, we take a look at everything about tracking USPS shipments. We will take a look at how the shipment moves while in transit from one location to another in both domestic and international scenarios.
Introduction
Whenever you want to ship domestically or even internationally in the US, you will opt for USPS, which is the most popular and reliable shipping option.USPS is the most viable solution for most of the small to big business. Most of the businesses choose USPS for their efficient tracking option available. Even then, the tracking status is much confusing to the commoners. Here we are taking a look at how we can track the USPS packages efficiently.
How to track a USPS package?
The most efficient way of tracking USPS shipments is via the USPS Track and manage tool.
Here you need to enter the tracking number given by USPS on your order. And you get to see the location details and the status of your order. You get all this information on the USPS website or from the WooCommerce store order page, where you have integrated a USPS WooCommerce shipping plugin. Using the plugin, you can simply check the order status automatically right from your order page. You can also get the USPS tracking information in various ways like :
- text or email notifications
- schedule delivery alerts, etc.
- USPS mobile app notifications etc.
Which USPS services offer tracking?
All the USPS services offer tracking. Most of them are free, but a few, charge a few extra to get the tracking information. When it comes to international, we might be confused with which of the services offer shipment tracking. Here is the list of domestic and international USPS services and their tracking data.
| USPS Service Name | Type of Service | Shipping Duration | USPS Tracking |
| Priority Mail Express | Domestic | Overnight | Included |
| Priority Mail | Domestic | 1-3 Days | Included |
| First-Class Mail | Domestic | 2-3 Days | Included (Packages Only) |
| USPS Retail Ground | Domestic | 2-8 Days | Included |
| Media Mail | Domestic | 2-8 Days | Included |
| Priority Mail Express International | International | 3-5 Days | Included |
| Priority Mail International | International | 6-10 Days | Included |
| First-Class Mail International | International | Varies | Tracking Available |
| First-Class Package International | International | Varies | Tracking Available |
USPS Tracking Statuses
USPS shares the message to the customers about the package that is being shipped using various statuses. These statuses are used to convey the actual data about the package that is shipping. Here are some of the USPS tracking status and their meanings.
In Transit – If a shipment is in transit, it means that the package is scanned and is en route to the end customer.
Out for delivery – It means that the package is left from the carrier’s facility and is out on its way to the customer.
Delivered – It means the package is delivered to the customers.
Delivery failure – This indicates that the package was not delivered for some reason like location ambiguity or no access etc.
Return to sender – This message means that the package was sent back to the sender for some specific reason. This happens generally when the delivery is tried multiple times and the receiver was not available.
Damaged in transit – This indicates that the package was damaged in transit while it was to be delivered.
Uncontrollable customs delay – Whenever a package is sent internationally, for certain reasons or restrictions, the package is held at the customs. In such cases, a certain amount must be paid to get the package.
Missed in Transit – Sometimes the package is showing the status as’ in transit; for a long time and after a few days or so, it shows as ‘delivered’. Sometimes this happens in the case of international shipping because the tracking updates are lost when the package arrives in the destination country.
Where do you find the USPS tracking number?
Your USPS tracking number can be found in the following places:
- On your Post Office shipping receipt
- On your sales receipt if you any bought insurance at the Post Office in the US
- With your email confirmation if you shipped from USPS.com directly.
- On the shipping confirmation email, you received from an online retailer
- The bottom peel-off portion of your USPS Tracking label generated from your store.
To wrap up
Using efficient tracking systems, you can ensure no package sent via USPS is undelivered or lost. To ensure that you keep your customers informed you can make use o efficient WooCommerce USPS plugins, like
- ELEX EasyPost (FedEx, UPS, Canada Post & USPS) Shipping & Label Printing Plugin for WooCommerce
- ELEX Stamps.com Shipping Plugin with USPS Postage for WooCommerce
- ELEX WooCommerce USPS Shipping Plugin with Shipment Tracking & Print Label
These plugins not only facilitate excellent tracking methods but also make it hassle-free when shipping is concerned with USPS. For example, apart from tracking the USPS shipments, the plugin features include :
- Label Generation.
- Quick packaging solution based on the customized options too.
- Email notification of the status of the package with labels.
- Live shipping rates display in the cart and checkout pages.
- Excellent tracking and flat rate shipping and much more.
Know more about these plugins from the product documentation.
