USPS "Arriving Today" Meaning: What to Expect & What If It Doesn't Arrive (2025)
Quick Answer: What Does "Arriving Today" Mean?
"Arriving Today" means USPS expects to deliver your package by the end of today.
- • Typical delivery window: ~8 AM - 5 PM (often later during peak seasons)
- • Usually updates to "Out for Delivery" when on the truck
- • Not a guarantee—it's an estimate
Need Reliable Delivery Tracking?
When you send certified mail through The Letter Pilot, you get real-time tracking with delivery confirmation and proof of receipt.
Send Certified Mail OnlineIf your USPS tracking shows "Arriving Today" and you're wondering what time the package will actually arrive, this guide breaks down what that USPS expected delivery status really means. We'll cover what time to expect delivery, what happens if your package arriving today doesn't show up, and how to track it in real-time.
Table of Contents
What "Arriving Today" Really Means
When USPS tracking shows "Arriving Today", it usually means the package is in your local area and scheduled for delivery on the current date—though it may still be in transit in some cases. This is an estimate, not a guarantee.
What It Typically Indicates
- • Package is usually at or near your local post office
- • Scheduled for today's delivery route
- • Should be loaded on a mail truck (or soon will be)
- • Often updates to "Out for Delivery" when on truck
What It Doesn't Guarantee
- • Specific delivery time
- • That it will definitely arrive today
- • Priority over other packages
- • Delivery by a certain hour
Important: Only Express Mail Has Guarantees
Priority Mail Express is the only USPS service with guaranteed delivery dates and times. All other mail classes—including Priority Mail, First-Class, and Certified Mail—show estimated delivery dates that can change.
When Will USPS Deliver?
USPS delivery times vary based on your location, the mail class, and current volume. Here's what to expect:
| Delivery Type | Typical Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | ~8 AM - 5 PM | Most common window (varies by route) |
| Business | ~9 AM - 5 PM | Often earlier in day |
| Peak Season | ~8 AM - 7/8 PM | Holidays, high volume (extended hours) |
| Sunday (Amazon) | ~8 AM - 6 PM | Amazon packages only (varies) |
| Priority Mail Express | Often by 10:30 AM, noon, or 3 PM | Guaranteed (varies by destination) |
Factors That Affect Delivery Time
- • Your position on the route: First stops get mail early; last stops get it late
- • Mail volume: Heavy days mean later deliveries
- • Weather: Storms can delay carriers
- • Package size: Large packages may come separately
- • Carrier availability: Substitute carriers may be slower
Tracking Status Progression
Here's the typical tracking progression when your package is arriving today:
| Status | Typical Time | What's Happening |
|---|---|---|
| Arrived at Post Office | Often ~2-6 AM | Package at local facility (varies by facility) |
| Arriving Today | Often ~5-8 AM | Scheduled for today's routes (varies) |
| Out for Delivery | Often ~7-10 AM | On the carrier's truck (varies by route) |
| Delivered | Varies widely | Left at your address |
If It Says "Arriving Today" But Not "Out for Delivery"
If tracking still shows "Arriving Today" but never updates to "Out for Delivery" by mid-afternoon:
- • Package may be on the truck without a scan
- • Large packages sometimes come via a separate truck later
- • Check again after 5 PM for updates
What If It Doesn't Arrive Today?
Sometimes packages don't arrive despite showing "Arriving Today." Here's what to do:
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- 1. Wait until early evening: In many areas, carriers can deliver until around 7-8 PM during busy seasons
- 2. Check tracking status: Look for any updates or status changes
- 3. Look around your property: Check porches, side doors, behind bushes, garages
- 4. Ask neighbors: Carriers sometimes misdeliver
- 5. Check with building office: If you're in an apartment or condo
- 6. Wait until tomorrow: Many "Arriving Today" packages arrive the next day
- 7. File a missing mail request: After 24+ hours past estimated delivery
Common Reasons It Didn't Arrive
- • Carrier ran out of time: Package returns to office for next-day delivery
- • Access issues: Gated community, dog, blocked mailbox
- • Weather: Extreme conditions delay delivery
- • Vehicle breakdown: Carrier couldn't complete route
- • Misrouted: Package went to wrong station
Concerning Status Updates
- • "Delivery Attempted": Carrier tried but couldn't deliver
- • "Notice Left": You'll need to pick up or reschedule
- • "Unable to Deliver": Address issue or access problem
- • "No update since yesterday": May be stuck at facility
For more help, see our guides on USPS Out for Delivery But Not Delivered and USPS Delivered But No Package.
Tips for Getting Your Package
Sign Up for USPS Informed Delivery
USPS Informed Delivery sends you email notifications and images of incoming mail. You'll get alerts when packages are "Out for Delivery" and "Delivered."
Leave Delivery Instructions
Add delivery instructions to your address in USPS.com. Tell carriers where to leave packages (side door, behind gate, with neighbor) to prevent missed deliveries.
Consider Package Pickup
If you won't be home, you can request a Hold for Pickup at your local post office. This ensures you get your package even if delivery is uncertain. Learn more about what it means when packages are held at the post office.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does USPS "Arriving Today" mean?
"Arriving Today" typically means USPS expects to deliver your package by the end of the current business day. In most areas, residential deliveries occur by around 5 PM, though during peak seasons carriers may deliver into the early evening.
What time does USPS deliver when it says "Arriving Today"?
USPS typically delivers between approximately 8 AM and 5 PM for residential addresses, though times vary by route and location. During busy periods, delivery can extend into early evening. Sunday deliveries (for Amazon) are usually 8 AM to around 6 PM.
USPS says "Arriving Today" — should I expect it before 5 PM?
Not necessarily. While many residential deliveries occur by around 5 PM, there's no guaranteed timeframe. Your position on the carrier's route, mail volume, and other factors affect exact timing. During busy seasons, some deliveries extend into early evening.
What if my USPS package says "Arriving Today" but hasn't arrived?
In many areas, carriers can deliver into early evening (often around 7-8 PM during busy seasons). Wait until then, check for "Out for Delivery" status. If not delivered, it may arrive tomorrow. If it shows "Delivered" but you don't have it, check around your property, with neighbors, and building offices.
Is "Arriving Today" guaranteed delivery?
No, "Arriving Today" is an estimate, not a guarantee. Only Priority Mail Express has guaranteed delivery dates and times. Regular mail classes show estimated delivery which can change due to weather, volume, or operational issues.
Why does USPS say "Arriving Today" but also "In Transit"?
This typically means the package is at your local distribution center early in the morning and is being processed for delivery. It should update to "Out for Delivery" when loaded onto a carrier's truck.
Need Guaranteed Delivery Confirmation?
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