USPS Package Tracking

+1 (800) 275-8777 https://www.usps.com

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USPS branded tracking experience

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USPS tracking API and webhooks

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Get USPS updates with AfterShip mobile app

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About USPS

The United States Postal Service (USPS), as known as the U.S. Post Office or U.S. Mail Service is an autonomous executive branch agency of the federal government with the mandate to facilitate postal services in every part of the United States.

USPS Service Types

USPS provides a wide range of services, including:

Mail & Shipping Services: includes all mail and shipping options for domestic delivery. Customers can choose from a variety of services such as First-Class Mail, Marketing Mail, Periodicals, Media Mail, Package Services, Priority Mail, and USPS Retail Ground.
International Shipping Services: specialized services designed specifically for international shipping, including Global Express Guaranteed, Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail International, First-Class Package International Service, and Airmail M-Bags. These services offer fast and reliable delivery to destinations around the world.
Business Shipping Services: offers several services geared towards businesses, including Premium Forwarding Service, Every Door Direct Mail, PO Box and Street Addressing, and Click-N-Ship. These services enable businesses to manage their mailing and shipping needs more efficiently.
Tracking Services: United States Postal Service tracking provides customers with real-time updates on the status of their packages, including information on when a package is shipped, delivered, and if there are any exceptions or delays during transit.
Insurance & Extra Services: provides additional services that customers can purchase for added security and protection when sending items through the mail. These services include Certified Mail, Collect on Delivery (COD), Insured Mail, Registered Mail, Signature Confirmation, Adult Signature Required, Return Receipt, and Restricted Delivery.

These categories provide a comprehensive overview of the different types of services offered by USPS and help customers choose the most appropriate service based on their specific needs.

USPS Shipping Methods

USPS Mail & Shipping Services

USPS Mail & Shipping Services offer a range of mailing options to customers, depending on the specific needs of their shipment, including:

First-Class Mail®: This service is ideal for sending lightweight envelopes, postcards, and packages weighing up to 15.99 ounces. It offers affordable pricing and fast delivery times ranging from 1-5 days.
Priority Mail®: This service provides fast, reliable, and affordable delivery in 1-3 business days, depending on the destination. It is ideal for shipping packages up to 70 pounds with included insurance up to $100.
USPS Retail Ground®: This service provides economical prices for shipping large and heavy packages. The delivery time ranges from 2-8 business days, depending on the destination.
Priority Mail Express®: This service provides guaranteed overnight delivery across the United States with options for both retail and commercial pricing. It includes free tracking and up to $100 insurance coverage.
Media Mail®: designed for shipping books, printed music, and other educational materials that weigh less than 70 pounds. It offers lower rates than other classes of mail, but delivery times can be longer.

USPS International Shipping Services

USPS International Mail & Shipping Services provide customers with a range of options to meet their international shipping needs, including:

Fastest Delivery Speed Options: This service is designed for urgent items that must arrive in a few days with a guaranteed date-certain delivery and money-back guarantee.
- Global Express Guaranteed® (GXG®): This service is designed for urgent items that must arrive in a few days with a guaranteed date-certain delivery and money-back guarantee. The service is called Global Express Guaranteed (GXG), with prices starting from $71.10. The delivery time ranges from 1-3 business days, and the maximum weight allowed is 70 lbs. The service includes tracking to all destinations and up to $100 insurance coverage. Additional insurance can be purchased up to $2,499.
- Priority Mail Express International®: This service is ideal for sending important items that need to arrive in under a week. It includes a money-back guaranteed date-certain delivery for select locations, with prices starting from $54.75. The delivery time ranges from 3-5 business days, and the maximum weight allowed depends on whether a flat rate envelope or mailing box is used. The service also includes USPS Tracking and up to $200 insurance coverage for merchandise (depending on contents). Additional insurance can be purchased up to $5,000.
Affordable Options: These services offer value-priced shipping with options for flat rate pricing or pricing based on weight.
- Priority Mail International®: This service is designed for packages weighing over 4 lbs, with delivery times ranging from 6-10 business days. Prices start from $30.35, and the maximum weight allowed depends on whether a flat rate envelope, flat rate box, or pricing by weight is selected. The service includes USPS Tracking and up to $200 insurance coverage for merchandise (depending on contents).
- First-Class Package International Service®: This service is for packages or large envelopes over 1 lb that contain items worth less than $400 and weigh less than 4 lbs. Prices start from $15.75, and the delivery time varies by destination. The service includes E-USPS DELCON INTL® service to select destinations only, but tracking is not available. Insurance coverage is not included.
Best for Documents or Printed Materials Only: These services are best suited for envelopes of only documents or a large sack of books or other printed material.
- First-Class Mail International®: This service is designed for envelopes of documents weighing under 1 lb, with prices starting from $2.90. The delivery time varies by destination, and the maximum weight allowed is up to 1 lb (documents only). Tracking and insurance coverage are not available.
- Airmail M-Bags®: This service is ideal for international students in the U.S. who need to send lots of books home. Prices start from $55.00, and the delivery time varies by destination. The maximum weight allowed is up to 66 lbs (printed material only), with USPS Tracking included. Insurance coverage is not available.

USPS Business Shipping Services

USPS does offer business shipping services for small to large volume mailers. Some of the postage options available include Click-N-Ship, Click-N-Ship Business Pro, and the Business Customer Gateway.

Click-N-Ship® allows users to pay for postage and print shipping labels online, with options to pay using a credit card, Visa Checkout, or PayPal. Users can also ship domestically or internationally and create batch shipments of up to 20 identical packages. Additionally, customers can earn USPS Loyalty Program credits when they purchase Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express labels.
Click-N-Ship Business Pro™ is another option that allows users to download desktop software for shipments of at least 10 pieces or more. This service allows you to pay postage via electronic manifest files, ship domestically or internationally, and manage your shipping with integration and reporting features.
The Business Customer Gateway serves as a hub for managing volume mailing and shipping for businesses of all sizes. With this service, users can access online tools for business mailers, customer package return services, and promotions and incentives.

USPS Tracking Number

USPS tracking numbers typically consist of 22 digits or characters and may include letters and numbers. The tracking number is usually provided by the sender and can be used to track the package's status throughout its journey to the recipient. Customers can enter the tracking number on the USPS website, mobile app, or by calling USPS customer service to receive updates on the package's delivery status.

Here are some examples of USPS tracking number formats:

USPS Tracking Number: 9400 1000 0000 0000 0000 00
Priority Mail Tracking Number: 9205 5000 0000 0000 0000 00
Certified Mail Tracking Number: 9407 3000 0000 0000 0000 00
Collect On Delivery Hold For Pickup Tracking Number: 9303 3000 0000 0000 0000 00
Global Express Guaranteed Tracking Number: 82 000 000 00
Priority Mail Express International Tracking Number: EC 000 000 000 US
Priority Mail Express Tracking Number: 9270 1000 0000 0000 0000 00 or EA 000 000 000 US
Priority Mail International Tracking Number: CP 000 000 000 US
Registered Mail Tracking Number: 9208 8000 0000 0000 0000 00
Signature Confirmation Tracking Number: 9202 1000 0000 0000 0000 00

Contact USPS

Official website: www.usps.com

Contact USPS Customer Services (U.S. Only)

Email: [email protected]
Phone number: 1-800-ASK-USPS® (1-800-275-8777)

Hours of Operation

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

Contact USPS Technical Support

Phone number: 1-800-344-7779

Hours of Operation

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

Contact Domestic & International USPS Tracking

Phone number: 1-800-222-1811

Hours of Operation

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I track my USPS certified mail?

To track your USPS Certified Mail, you can use the AfterShip tracking page. Here are the steps to follow:

Find your tracking number;
Visit the AfterShip Tracking Page by following this link: https://www.aftership.com/track.
Enter your tracking number: On the tracking page, enter your USPS Certified Mail tracking number and click the "Track" button.
Review tracking information: After a moment, the website will display the current status of your package, including its last known location and estimated delivery date.

If you have any additional questions, please contact USPS customer service for further assistance.

What is USPS Text Tracking™?

USPS Text Tracking is a service that allows customers to receive text message notifications with the latest tracking information for their packages. You can use your phone or the USPS website to request Text Tracking, and you can choose from several Text Tracking options including Expected Delivery Updates, Day of Delivery Updates, Package Delivered, Available for Pickup, and Delivery Exception Updates.

To use Text Tracking from your phone, simply send a text message with your tracking number or your tracking number and a keyword to 28777 (2USPS). The reply from USPS will provide the latest tracking information for your package.

To use Text Tracking from the USPS website, track your package using USPS Tracking®, then register to receive Text Tracking on a tracking number by tracking number basis.

Standard Message and Data Rates may apply when using USPS Text Tracking. Overall, this service provides convenient updates on your package's delivery status so you can stay informed and up-to-date on your shipments.

Can USPS deliver without updating tracking?

Yes, USPS can deliver a package without updating the tracking information. Although it is not common, there are instances where the package tracking may not be updated due to various reasons such as missed scans, human error, or technical issues with the tracking system. In these cases, it's possible that your package will be delivered despite the tracking information not being up-to-date. If you're expecting a package and the tracking hasn't been updated for an extended period, it's a good idea to contact USPS to inquire about the status of your package.

Why is my USPS package still in transit?

There can be several reasons why your package is still in transit:

Delays in transportation: Weather conditions, road closures, accidents, or other factors may cause delays in the shipment process.
High volume of packages: During peak seasons such as holidays, the volume of packages being processed can be much higher, which can cause delays.
Processing at distribution centers: Packages sometimes experience longer wait times at sorting facilities if they're understaffed or dealing with heavy volumes of mail.
Package misrouting: Occasionally, a package might be sent to the wrong distribution center and need to be rerouted, causing delays.
Customs processing (for international shipments): It can take some time for a package to clear customs and be released for transit. To get more accurate and updated information about your package's status, please visit the USPS tracking website or contact their customer service directly.

How long does USPS show tracking?

USPS typically retains tracking information for 120 days (4 months) from the date of shipping. However, this period may vary depending on the type of mail class or service used. After this time, tracking information may no longer be available on the USPS website or through customer service.

If you need information about a package beyond this time frame, it's best to contact USPS directly or visit your local post office for assistance. Keep in mind that their ability to help with older shipments may be limited.

What are the three stages of USPS tracking?

USPS tracking generally involves three stages, though it may differ slightly depending on the specific service used. The basic stages are:

Acceptance: This is the initial stage where the package is processed and accepted by USPS. It begins with receiving the package at the post office or collection facility. At this point, the sender receives a tracking number that they can use to monitor their shipment's progress.
In-Transit: During this stage, the package is transported through various processing centers, distribution facilities, and postal hubs. USPS scans the package at each stop along the way, which updates the tracking information. Some common tracking updates you might see during this stage include "Arrived at USPS Regional Facility," "In Transit to Next Facility," or "Out for Delivery."
Delivered: The final stage is when the package has been successfully delivered to its destination. The tracking status will be updated to "Delivered" along with the date and time of delivery. In some cases, additional information about the delivery (such as the recipient's signature) may be available.

See what our customers are saying about our shipment tracking

Nitin R. - Technical Specialist

Great Shipping App for Onsite Shipments. Fast shipping, multiple shipping partner options, user-friendly site, fast pickup as well from Marchant, customer support is good. Can ship inter-country

Charles C. - IT Specialist

Accurate And Easy Shipment Tracking. The best aspect for me is the way shipments can be easily tracked. The interface is simple, nicely designed and easy to use. Another thing I like is the availability of mobile apps which enable easy scanning of bar codes and receiving push notifications. I also like that the service is quite affordable.