USPS Tracking Not Updating: What It Means & What to Do (2025)
If your USPS tracking hasn't updated in hours or days, don't panic. This guide explains why tracking stops updating, how long to wait, and when to take action. For important documents, our Certified Mail service provides detailed tracking at every step.
Quick Answer: Why Isn't My Tracking Updating?
USPS tracking updates occur when packages are scanned at each facility. No update doesn't always mean your package is lost—it often means the package is in transit between locations without a scanner.
When to Take Action:
- • Domestic packages: No update for 7+ days
- • International packages: No update for 14+ days
- • Priority Mail Express: No update for 3+ days
Common Reasons USPS Tracking Stops Updating
1. Package Is In Transit Between Facilities
When packages travel long distances by truck or air, they may not be scanned for 24-48 hours. The package is still moving—it just hasn't reached a location with a scanner.
Example: A package traveling from California to New York may show "In Transit to Next Facility" for 2-3 days while crossing the country.
2. Missed or Delayed Scans
High mail volume (especially during holidays), equipment issues, or human error can result in missed scans. Your package may arrive without ever showing an "Out for Delivery" update.
3. Weather and Operational Delays
Severe weather, natural disasters, or facility closures can delay both packages and tracking updates. USPS may add "In Transit, Arriving Late" or similar status during these events.
4. Pre-Shipment Status Stuck
"Shipping Label Created" or "Pre-Shipment" means USPS received the label information but hasn't physically received the package yet. This could mean:
- • Seller hasn't dropped off the package yet
- • Package is at a third-party fulfillment center awaiting pickup
- • First scan was missed at origin facility
If tracking shows "Delivered" but you never received it, that's a different issue requiring immediate action.
5. International Customs Processing
International packages often show no updates while in customs. Depending on the destination country, this can take 1-4 weeks. See our international tracking guide for details.
How Long Should You Wait Before Worrying?
| Mail Type | Normal Gap Between Updates | When to File a Missing Mail Search |
|---|---|---|
| Priority Mail Express | 2-6 hours | 3 days |
| Priority Mail | 12-48 hours | 7 days |
| First-Class Package | 24-72 hours | 7 days |
| USPS Ground Advantage | 24-72 hours | 10 days |
| Certified Mail | 24-48 hours | 10 days |
| International (all) | Days to weeks | 14 days |
What to Do When USPS Tracking Stops Updating
Wait the Appropriate Time
Check the table above for your mail class. Most "stuck" tracking resolves within 24-48 hours as the package moves through the system.
Check Informed Delivery
Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery to see scanned images of incoming mail. This can confirm if your package is about to arrive even without tracking updates.
Contact Your Local Post Office
Your local post office can check internal systems for package location. Bring your tracking number and any sender details.
Call USPS Customer Service
Call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777). Have your tracking number ready. Representatives can escalate to the distribution center handling your package.
File a Missing Mail Search
If the appropriate wait time has passed, file a missing mail search at USPS.com. This initiates an official investigation. See our lost mail guide for complete instructions.
Understanding Common Tracking Status Messages
"In Transit to Next Facility"
Package is moving between locations. Normal status—may not update for 24-48 hours.
"In Transit, Arriving Late"
Delay acknowledged. Package will arrive after original estimate. See our arriving late guide.
"Shipping Label Created, USPS Awaiting Item"
USPS hasn't received the package yet. Contact the sender to confirm shipment.
"Arrived at USPS Regional Facility"
Good sign—package is in the system and moving. Expect delivery within 1-3 days.
"Departed USPS Regional Origin Facility"
Package left origin area. Next update when it reaches destination region.
When to Contact the Sender
Contact the sender or merchant if:
- • Tracking shows "Label Created" for more than 5 days
- • Package is an online purchase and tracking shows issues
- • You need to file an insurance claim (senders often must file)
- • The shipper used their account and can initiate searches faster
For online purchases, most sellers have better access to USPS commercial support and can resolve issues more quickly.
How to Prevent Tracking Issues
For Senders
- • Get receipt scans at time of mailing
- • Use Certified Mail for important documents
- • Keep copies of all tracking numbers
- • Use online mailing for automatic scanning
For Recipients
- • Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery
- • Request Signature Confirmation for valuable items
- • Add delivery instructions via USPS tracking
- • Check mailbox and porches daily
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my USPS tracking not updating?
USPS tracking may not update due to package being in transit between facilities without scanners, weather delays, high mail volume during holidays, missed scans at processing centers, or the package moving through rural areas with less frequent scans.
How long should I wait if USPS tracking is stuck?
For domestic packages, file a missing mail search after 7 days with no updates. For international packages, wait 14 days before filing. Priority Mail Express should be investigated after 3 days. Most stuck tracking resolves within 24-48 hours as the package moves through the system.
What does "In Transit to Next Facility" mean?
This status means your package is moving between USPS facilities. Tracking updates occur when packages are scanned at each location. Long truck routes or air transport between distribution centers may result in no updates for 24-48 hours.
Can I call USPS about tracking not updating?
Yes. Contact USPS at 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) or visit your local post office with your tracking number. For packages stuck more than 7 days, file a missing mail search online at USPS.com.
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