USPS "Out for Delivery" But Not Delivered: What to Do (2025)
When USPS says "out for delivery" but not delivered, it's one of the most frustrating tracking experiences. This guide explains why your package shows "Out for Delivery" but never arrived, how long to wait, and exactly what steps to take to find your mail. For critical mail, our Certified Mail service provides proof of mailing and delivery attempts.
Quick Answer
"Out for Delivery" means your package is on the carrier's truck. If it wasn't delivered:
- Wait until end of day (delivery can occur until 8 PM)
- Check for "Notice Left" or peach slip PS Form 3849
- If not delivered by next morning, contact your local post office
What Does "Out for Delivery" Mean?
The "Out for Delivery" status means your package has been:
- • Scanned at your local post office (usually early morning)
- • Loaded onto the carrier's vehicle for delivery
- • Scheduled for delivery that day
In most cases, this scan happens between 6-9 AM and delivery occurs between 9 AM and 8 PM, depending on your location on the carrier's route.
Why Packages Stay "Out for Delivery" Without Arriving
1. Carrier Ran Out of Time
Mail carriers have strict delivery windows. If they can't complete their route, undelivered packages are typically brought back to the post office and go out again on the next delivery day.
2. Access Issues at Your Address
Carriers may not deliver if they encounter:
- • Locked gate or security entrance
- • Aggressive dog or other pet
- • Blocked mailbox or driveway
- • Construction or hazardous conditions
3. Package Too Large for Mailbox
If your package doesn't fit in the mailbox and the carrier can't leave it safely (no porch, high-theft area), they'll return it to the office and leave a notice.
4. Signature Required
If the package requires a signature and no one was home, the carrier leaves a PS Form 3849 notice and returns the package to the post office.
5. Weather or Emergency
Severe weather, vehicle breakdown, or other emergencies may cut the carrier's route short. Undelivered packages return to the office.
6. Misdelivery
In some cases, the package was delivered but to the wrong address—a neighbor, nearby business, or different unit number. If tracking later shows "Delivered" but you still don't have it, see our guide on what to do when USPS says delivered but no package arrived.
7. Scan Error
Occasionally, a package is scanned as "Out for Delivery" by mistake while still at the facility. This can happen during busy periods when packages are being rapidly sorted and scanned.
What to Do: Step-by-Step
Wait Until End of Day
USPS carriers can deliver until 8 PM or later during busy seasons. Your address might be at the end of the route.
Check All Delivery Locations
Look at front door, back door, garage, mailbox, parcel locker, leasing office, or with building management.
Look for a Notice
Check mailbox for peach-colored PS Form 3849 (redelivery notice). This means the carrier attempted delivery but couldn't complete it.
Ask Neighbors
Check with immediate neighbors in case of misdelivery. Also check shared spaces in apartment buildings.
Wait Until Next Morning
If tracking still shows "Out for Delivery" the next morning, the package may not have been delivered on the previous day and is likely still in the local delivery cycle. Give it until noon to see if it is sent out or the tracking updates.
Contact Local Post Office
Call or visit your local post office (not the 1-800 number). Ask for the delivery supervisor. They can radio the carrier or check if the package is back at the office.
File a Missing Mail Search
If it's been 2+ days with no resolution, file a missing mail search at USPS.com. See our complete guide to USPS missing mail searches for step-by-step instructions.
USPS Delivery Time Windows
| Location Type | Typical Delivery Window |
|---|---|
| Residential | 9 AM - 5 PM (up to 8 PM during holidays) |
| Business | 9 AM - 5 PM |
| Rural | 8 AM - 6 PM (longer routes) |
| PO Box | Available when post office opens (varies) |
Note: During peak seasons (November-December), delivery can extend until 9-10 PM due to increased volume.
How to Prevent Missed Deliveries
Add Delivery Instructions
- • Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery
- • Add delivery instructions (back door, side gate)
- • Request specific delivery locations
- • Authorize package release without signature
Improve Access
- • Provide gate codes to carrier
- • Secure pets during delivery hours
- • Keep mailbox and pathway clear
- • Install a secure package box
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can "Out for Delivery" last?
An "Out for Delivery" status typically means delivery will occur that same day, usually by 8 PM local time. If not delivered by the end of the day, the carrier may have run out of time or encountered an issue. Wait until the next business day before taking action.
Why would USPS say "Out for Delivery" but not deliver?
Common reasons include: carrier ran out of time, vehicle breakdown, incorrect address, access issues (locked gate, dog), bad weather, package was too large for mailbox and no secure location was available, or the package was accidentally left at the wrong address.
What should I do if my package says "Out for Delivery" for two days?
Contact your local post office directly with your tracking number. Ask to speak with the delivery supervisor. They can contact the carrier and check whether the package is still in the local delivery cycle, at the office, or was misdelivered. If tracking hasn't changed in days, see our guide on why USPS tracking stops updating.
Can I pick up a package that is "Out for Delivery"?
Once a package is "Out for Delivery," it's on the carrier's truck and cannot be picked up at the post office. You would need to wait for the carrier to return to the office and request pickup for the next day through USPS redelivery.
Need Documented Delivery Attempts?
Certified Mail provides tracking and documented proof of mailing and delivery attempts. Upload your document and we'll handle the rest.