What do the shipping status messages mean?

Below is a plain-language breakdown of the most common shipping status messages, what each one means, and what to do next.

In transit

Your package is moving through the shipping network. It has been picked up or processed at one of our facilities and is on its way to the next point in the delivery chain. No action is needed. This is a normal, healthy status.

Out for delivery

Your package has been loaded onto a delivery vehicle and is scheduled for delivery today. Delivery typically occurs during standard postal delivery hours. If you miss the delivery, check your mailbox or front door for a notice from USPS.

Notice left

USPS attempted to deliver your package but was unable to complete the delivery. Common reasons include: you were not home, the package was too large for your mailbox, or your address requires a signature that could not be obtained. USPS has left a physical notice at your address with instructions for next steps.

You have two options:

• Schedule a redelivery: Visit the USPS website or call your local Post Office to request a redelivery at a time that works for you.
• Pick up at the Post Office: Bring your tracking number and a photo ID to your local Post Office. Post Offices typically hold packages for 15 days before returning them to the sender.

Missorted or mis-shipped

Your package was mistakenly routed to an incorrect address or facility. The good news: this status also means the error has been identified and the package is being corrected and redirected to the proper destination. In most cases, missorted packages are re-routed within two business days.

No action is required on your part. If your package does not arrive within three business days of this status appearing, contact our customer service team.

Rejected or refused

The package was delivered to your address but the recipient declined to accept it. The package will be returned to the company from which the order was placed. If this happened in error and you did want the package, contact the retailer as soon as possible to arrange a reshipment before the returned package reaches them.

Returned

Your package has been sent back to the original company-shipper. USPS typically uses the lowest-cost return method, which means this process can take considerably longer than the original delivery, sometimes several weeks.

If the return was the result of an error (such as an incorrect address or a missed delivery), we recommend contacting the company you ordered from to arrange a reshipment rather than waiting for the return to complete.

Undeliverable as addressed or wrong address

USPS was unable to deliver your package because of a problem with the delivery address. This can happen if the address is formatted incorrectly or is incomplete, the Post Office in your area does not offer street delivery and you need to use a PO Box, or there is no record of the address in the USPS delivery database.

If you see this status, contact the company you ordered from immediately to update the delivery address. For more detail on address requirements and PO Box delivery, see our page on why my package wasn't delivered to my home address.

Still have questions about your status?

If your status isn't listed here, or if you've read the explanation and still aren't sure what to do next, our customer service team is here to help. Contact us by phone, email, or through our online form at any time.