Pre-Shipment Statuses
These statuses appear before the carrier physically receives the package. The seller has created a shipping label but may not have dropped off the package yet.
Pre-Shipment Label Created / Pre-Shipment Info Sent
What it means: The seller has created a shipping label and the tracking number is now active in the carrier's system, but the carrier hasn't physically received the package yet.
How long it lasts: Typically 1-3 days, but can be longer if the seller is waiting to batch shipments or hasn't dropped off the package.
What to do: Wait. This is normal. If status doesn't change after 5-7 days, contact the seller.
Awaiting Pickup Shipment Ready for UPS / Awaiting Pickup
What it means: The package is prepared and waiting for the carrier to pick it up from the seller's location.
How long it lasts: Usually picked up within 1-2 business days during scheduled carrier pickups.
What to do: Wait for carrier pickup. No action needed.
Label Created Shipping Label Created, USPS Awaiting Item
What it means: A label has been printed, but USPS hasn't scanned the package into their system yet. The seller may still have possession.
How long it lasts: 1-5 days is normal. Beyond 7 days is concerning.
What to do: If stuck for more than a week, contact the seller to verify they've shipped it.
Order Received Order Received / Order Processed
What it means: The seller has received your order and is preparing it for shipment. Tracking number may have been created but package hasn't shipped yet.
How long it lasts: 1-5 business days depending on seller's processing time.
What to do: Wait. Check the seller's stated processing time.
In-Transit Statuses
These statuses indicate your package is actively moving through the carrier's network toward its destination.
In Transit In Transit
What it means: Your package is currently moving between carrier facilities or on a vehicle heading toward the destination. This is a normal, healthy status.
How long it lasts: Varies by distance and service level. Domestic: 1-7 days. International: 5-30 days.
What to do: Wait. Track daily for updates. Only concerned if no updates for 7+ days domestic, 14+ days international.
Arrived at Facility Arrived at Facility / Arrived at Hub
What it means: Package has arrived at a carrier sorting facility and is being processed for the next leg of its journey.
How long it lasts: Packages typically spend 4-12 hours at a facility before moving to the next location.
What to do: No action needed. This is a routine stop in the delivery process.
Departed Facility Departed Facility / In Transit to Next Facility
What it means: Package has left one sorting facility and is heading to the next facility in the delivery route.
How long it lasts: Depends on distance to next facility. Can be hours (local) to days (cross-country/international).
What to do: Wait for next scan. No action needed.
Arrived at Local Facility Arrived at Local Facility / Arrived at Delivery Office
What it means: Package has arrived at the facility that serves your local area. It will typically go out for delivery the next business day.
How long it lasts: Usually 1 business day before going out for delivery.
What to do: Prepare for delivery tomorrow. Ensure someone is available to receive if signature required.
On the Way On the Way / Package Transferring
What it means: Package is actively in transit, typically on a truck or plane moving toward the destination.
How long it lasts: Varies by shipping route and distance.
What to do: No action needed. Monitor tracking for next update.
Sorting Complete Sorting Complete
What it means: Package has been sorted and is ready for the next transportation stage or delivery.
How long it lasts: Brief status. Package typically moves to next stage within hours.
What to do: No action needed.
Out for Delivery Statuses
These are exciting statuses! Your package is on a delivery vehicle and should arrive today.
Out for Delivery Out for Delivery
What it means: Your package is loaded on a delivery truck and the driver will deliver it to your address today.
Expected delivery: Typically by end of business day (8 PM), though some carriers deliver until 9-10 PM.
What to do: Be available to receive the package. Ensure delivery location is accessible. Watch for delivery vehicle if signature required.
Out for Delivery Today Out for Delivery Today / Arriving Today
What it means: Confirmation that your package is on a vehicle for delivery specifically today.
Expected delivery: By end of day (typically by 8-9 PM).
What to do: Same as "Out for Delivery" - be ready to receive.
X Stops Away X Stops Away (Amazon)
What it means: Amazon-specific status showing how many delivery stops the driver has before reaching your address.
Expected delivery: Imminent. Each stop typically takes 2-5 minutes.
What to do: Be ready! Package arriving very soon.
Loaded on Delivery Vehicle Loaded on Delivery Vehicle
What it means: Package is physically loaded onto the delivery vehicle and will be delivered today.
Expected delivery: Same day, during driver's route.
What to do: Prepare for delivery.
Nearby Nearby / In Your Area
What it means: Driver is in your neighborhood making nearby deliveries.
Expected delivery: Within the next 30-60 minutes typically.
What to do: Be alert. Delivery is imminent.
Delivered Statuses
Success! Your package has been delivered. These statuses provide details about where and how it was delivered.
Delivered Delivered
What it means: Package has been successfully delivered to the address.
Details to check: Look for specific location (front door, mailbox, etc.) and time of delivery in tracking details.
What to do if you can't find it: Check all possible delivery locations (porches, side doors, mailbox, garage, with neighbors). Contact carrier if not found within 24 hours.
Front Door Delivered - Front Door / Porch / Mailbox
What it means: Package delivered to specified location at your address.
Photo proof: Many carriers now provide delivery photos. Check your tracking or email for photo confirmation.
What to do: Check the specified location. If not there, check delivery photo for exact placement.
Agent Delivered to Agent / Delivered to Representative
What it means: Package was handed to a person at the delivery address who accepted it on your behalf.
Who might have signed: Family member, roommate, neighbor, building staff, office receptionist.
What to do: Check tracking for name of who signed. Ask household members, neighbors, or building management.
Parcel Locker Delivered - Parcel Locker / Package Room
What it means: Package placed in a secure parcel locker or package room at your apartment/condo building.
How to retrieve: Check your mailbox for a key or check the building's package room. You may receive an access code via email/text.
What to do: Retrieve package from locker using provided key/code.
Neighbor Left with Neighbor / Delivered to Neighbor
What it means: Carrier left package with a neighbor because you weren't home or for safe keeping.
What to do: Check tracking for neighbor's address. Visit neighbor to collect package.
Pickup Location Delivered to Pickup Location / Available for Pickup
What it means: Package delivered to a designated pickup location (UPS Store, FedEx Office, Amazon Locker, Post Office, etc.) instead of your address.
What to do: Bring ID and tracking number to pickup location. Most locations hold packages for 5-7 days.
Exception & Delay Statuses
These statuses indicate something has interrupted the normal delivery flow. They usually require attention or action.
Exception Exception / Delivery Exception
What it means: An unexpected event has prevented normal delivery progress.
Common causes:
- Incorrect or incomplete address
- Recipient not available (signature required)
- Access issue (gate locked, office closed)
- Weather delays
- Package damaged in transit
- Customs issues (international)
What to do: Read the specific exception message in tracking details. Contact carrier for clarification. May need to correct address, schedule redelivery, or arrange pickup.
Address Unknown Address Unknown / Unable to Locate Address
What it means: Carrier cannot find or verify the delivery address.
What to do: Contact carrier immediately with correct address. May need to contact sender to update address. Package may be returned if not resolved quickly.
Incorrect Address Incorrect Address / Undeliverable as Addressed
What it means: Address on package is wrong, incomplete, or undeliverable.
What to do: Contact carrier immediately to provide correct address. May incur address correction fee. If not fixed, package will be returned to sender.
Delivery Attempted Delivery Attempted - No Access / Customer Not Available
What it means: Driver attempted delivery but couldn't complete it (no one home for signature, gate locked, office closed, dog preventing access, etc.).
What to do: Carrier will typically reattempt 1-2 more times. You can schedule a redelivery, authorize to leave without signature, or arrange pickup at carrier facility.
Weather Delay Weather Delay / Natural Disaster Delay
What it means: Severe weather or natural disaster has temporarily suspended delivery operations.
What to do: Wait. Deliveries will resume when conditions are safe. Check carrier's website for affected areas and estimated resumption of service.
Delayed Delayed in Transit / In Transit, Delayed
What it means: Package is still moving but behind schedule due to volume surge, operational delays, weather, or other factors.
What to do: Wait. Estimated delivery date may be updated. Package will still arrive, just later than originally expected.
Damaged Package Damaged / Damaged in Transit
What it means: Package has been physically damaged during shipping.
What to do: Carrier may inspect, repackage, and deliver anyway. If severely damaged, may be returned to sender. Document damage with photos upon delivery. File damage claim with carrier or seller.
Lost Package Lost / Unable to Locate Package
What it means: Carrier cannot locate your package in their system or network.
What to do: File a missing package claim with the carrier immediately. Contact seller for refund or replacement. Takes 7-14 days for carrier investigation.
On Hold Held at Warehouse / On Hold
What it means: Package is being held at a carrier facility and not progressing. Reasons vary (payment required, investigation, customer request, etc.).
What to do: Contact carrier to determine why it's on hold and what action is needed.
Customs & International Statuses
These statuses are specific to international shipments going through customs clearance.
Inbound Into Customs Inbound Into Customs / Arrived at Customs
What it means: Package has arrived at customs in the destination country and is awaiting clearance processing.
How long it lasts: Typically 1-5 days, but can be 7-14 days during peak times or if selected for inspection.
What to do: Wait. This is normal for international shipments. Only contact customs if held more than 10 business days.
Clearance Delay Clearance Delay / Held in Customs
What it means: Package is experiencing delays in customs clearance.
Common reasons:
- Duties/taxes need to be paid
- Missing or incorrect documentation
- Package selected for physical inspection
- Prohibited items suspected
- High value requiring additional verification
What to do: Check for messages from customs or carrier regarding duties owed or documents needed. Pay any required duties immediately. Contact customs broker or carrier for specific issue.
Cleared Cleared Customs / Released by Customs
What it means: Package has successfully passed customs clearance and is now in the domestic postal/courier system.
What's next: Package will be transferred to local carrier for final delivery. Usually delivered within 2-5 days after clearing customs.
What to do: Wait for delivery. Package is now in home stretch.
Payment Required Duties/Taxes Owed / Payment Required
What it means: You must pay import duties, taxes, or customs fees before your package can be released.
What to do: Pay immediately via link provided in tracking or email from carrier/customs. Package will be released for delivery once payment received. If not paid within deadline (usually 7-14 days), package may be returned to sender.
Processed Processed Through ISC / Processed Through Facility (International)
What it means: Package has been processed at an International Service Center (ISC) or international sorting facility. Common with USPS international mail.
What's next: Package is likely moving to customs or already cleared and heading to local delivery network.
What to do: Wait. This is a normal processing step for international shipments.
Seized Seized by Customs / Held by Customs - Prohibited Item
What it means: Customs has confiscated the package because it contains prohibited or restricted items.
Common reasons: Counterfeit goods, prohibited agricultural products, weapons, certain medications, or items violating import regulations.
What to do: Contact customs for specific reason. Package likely will not be delivered. May incur fines. Contact seller for refund.
Return & Redirect Statuses
Return to Sender Return to Sender / Returned to Shipper
What it means: Package is being sent back to the original sender/shipper.
Common reasons:
- Undeliverable address
- Multiple failed delivery attempts
- Refused by recipient
- Unclaimed at pickup location
- Customs rejection
What to do: Contact sender to arrange re-shipment with correct address or to receive refund.
Forwarded Forwarded to New Address
What it means: Package is being redirected to a different address than originally specified.
Why: Recipient set up mail forwarding, or delivery address was corrected by recipient/sender.
What to do: Check tracking for new delivery address. Forwarding may add 2-5 days to delivery time.
Rescheduled Delivery Rescheduled / Rescheduled for Next Business Day
What it means: Delivery has been postponed to a future date, either automatically by carrier or by customer request.
What to do: Check tracking for new delivery date. Ensure availability on that date.
Refused Refused by Customer
What it means: Recipient declined to accept the package when delivery was attempted.
What's next: Package will be returned to sender.
What to do: If this was a mistake, contact carrier immediately - you may be able to intercept before it's returned.
Pickup Held for Pickup / Available for Pickup
What it means: Package is at a carrier facility waiting for you to pick it up.
Why: Failed delivery attempts, customer request, signature required but no one home, or shipped to pickup location.
What to do: Bring photo ID and tracking number to pickup location. Check tracking for facility address and hours. Most facilities hold packages for 5-7 days before returning to sender.
USPS-Specific Tracking Statuses
USPS Awaiting Item USPS Awaiting Item
What it means: Shipping label created but USPS hasn't received the physical package yet.
How long: Normal for 1-5 days. Concerning after 7 days.
What to do: Wait. If no change after a week, contact seller.
Accepted Accepted at USPS Facility / USPS in Possession of Item
What it means: USPS has received and scanned the package into their system. First real tracking update after label creation.
What's next: Package will be sorted and sent to next facility.
What to do: No action needed. Package is now in USPS hands.
Departed Departed USPS Facility
What it means: Package left a USPS sorting facility and is heading to the next location.
What to do: Monitor for next "Arrived" scan.
Arrived Arrived at USPS Regional Facility
What it means: Package reached the regional facility serving your area. Getting close!
What's next: Usually goes to local post office within 1-2 days, then out for delivery.
What to do: Prepare for delivery in next 1-3 business days.
Notice Left Notice Left (No Authorized Recipient Available)
What it means: Mail carrier left a delivery notice because signature was required and no one was home.
What to do: Options on notice: 1) Schedule redelivery online, 2) Pick up at post office after 1 business day, 3) Sign authorization for carrier to leave without signature.
Available Available for Pickup at Post Office
What it means: Package is at your local post office ready for you to collect.
What to do: Bring notice slip and photo ID to post office during business hours. Package held for 15 days before being returned to sender.
In Transit In Transit to Next Facility
What it means: Package is moving between USPS facilities.
What to do: Wait for next scan. This is normal transit status.
Alert Alert / Delivery Status Not Updated
What it means: USPS acknowledges tracking hasn't updated as expected. Possible scan missed or delay occurred.
What to do: Wait 24-48 hours for next update. If no update, contact USPS or file missing mail search.
UPS-Specific Tracking Statuses
Ready Shipment Ready for UPS
What it means: Seller created label and notified UPS, but UPS hasn't picked up package yet.
What to do: Wait for "Origin Scan" which confirms UPS has the package.
Origin Scan Origin Scan
What it means: UPS has physically received the package and scanned it at the origin facility. First real tracking event.
What's next: Package will be sorted and loaded for transport.
What to do: No action needed. Package is in UPS network.
Departure Scan Departure Scan
What it means: Package has left a UPS facility on its way to the next location.
What to do: Monitor for next arrival scan.
Arrival Scan Arrival Scan
What it means: Package arrived at a UPS facility.
What's next: Will be sorted and either depart to next facility or loaded for delivery if at destination.
Out for Delivery Out for Delivery
What it means: Package is on a UPS truck for delivery today.
Expected delivery: By end of day (typically by 7 PM residential, 5 PM commercial).
What to do: Be available to receive package.
Exception Exception (UPS)
What it means: Delivery exception occurred. Check details for specific reason.
Common UPS exceptions:
- Weather delay
- Address correction needed
- Recipient moved
- COD payment required
- Damaged package
What to do: Read exception details. Contact UPS if action needed (correct address, schedule delivery, etc.).
Change Requested The Receiver Requested a Change
What it means: You (or someone) requested UPS to change delivery (different address, pickup location, hold, etc.).
What to do: Verify the change if you requested it. If you didn't request it, contact UPS immediately for security check.
Access Point Ready for Pickup at UPS Access Point
What it means: Package delivered to a UPS Access Point (retail location) for you to pick up.
What to do: Bring ID and tracking number to Access Point location shown in tracking. Held for 7 days.
FedEx-Specific Tracking Statuses
Info Sent Shipment Information Sent to FedEx
What it means: Seller created shipping label but FedEx hasn't received package yet.
What to do: Wait for "Picked up" or "In transit" status.
Picked Up Picked Up
What it means: FedEx driver picked up package from shipper. First confirmed tracking event.
What's next: Package will be taken to FedEx facility for sorting.
In Transit In Transit (FedEx)
What it means: Package is moving through FedEx network.
What to do: Monitor tracking for delivery date updates.
At Facility At FedEx Destination Facility
What it means: Package arrived at the FedEx facility serving your area.
What's next: Will be loaded for delivery, typically next business day.
On Vehicle On FedEx Vehicle for Delivery
What it means: Package is on delivery truck and will be delivered today.
Expected delivery: By end of day (8 PM residential, varies for commercial).
Not Available Customer Not Available or Business Closed
What it means: FedEx attempted delivery but no one was available to receive (signature required) or business was closed.
What to do: FedEx will reattempt (usually up to 3 attempts). You can schedule delivery, redirect to FedEx location, or authorize indirect signature.
On Hold Shipment on Hold / Held at FedEx Location
What it means: Package being held for various reasons (customer request, payment needed, address issue, etc.).
What to do: Contact FedEx to determine specific reason and resolve issue.
Delayed Delayed / Delivery Exception - Delay
What it means: Package delayed due to operational issues, weather, or other factors.
What to do: Check for updated delivery date. Monitor tracking. Delivery will occur when delay resolved.
FedEx Location Left at FedEx Location for Pickup
What it means: Package available for pickup at FedEx Office, Walgreens, Dollar General, or other FedEx pickup point.
What to do: Bring ID and tracking number. Held for 5-7 days before return to sender.
DHL-Specific Tracking Statuses
Info Received Shipment Information Received
What it means: DHL has electronic shipping info but hasn't physically received package yet.
What to do: Wait for "Processed at" or "Picked up" status.
Processed Processed at DHL Facility
What it means: Package arrived at and processed through a DHL sorting facility.
What to do: No action needed. Normal transit status.
Departed Departed DHL Facility
What it means: Package left DHL facility en route to next location.
What to do: Monitor for next arrival scan.
With Courier With Delivery Courier
What it means: Package is with the DHL driver for delivery today.
Expected delivery: By end of business day.
Clearance Event Clearance Event / Further Detail
What it means: Package requires additional customs processing or documentation.
What to do: Check for messages from DHL regarding duties, taxes, or documents needed. Respond immediately to avoid delays.
Service Point Held at DHL Service Point
What it means: Package available for pickup at DHL Service Point location.
What to do: Bring ID to pickup location shown in tracking.
Attempted Delivery Attempted - Recipient Not Home
What it means: DHL tried to deliver but no one was available.
What to do: DHL will leave delivery notice. You can schedule redelivery or arrange pickup at Service Point.
Amazon Logistics Tracking Statuses
Order Received Order Received
What it means: Amazon confirmed your order and is preparing it.
What's next: Will move to "Shipped" once package leaves fulfillment center.
Shipped Shipped
What it means: Package left Amazon fulfillment center and is in transit.
What to do: Monitor tracking for delivery date.
In Transit In Transit (Amazon)
What it means: Package is moving through Amazon's delivery network or partner carrier.
What to do: Watch for "Out for Delivery" status.
Out for Delivery Out for Delivery (Amazon)
What it means: Package is on Amazon delivery van for delivery today.
Tracking detail: Amazon often shows how many stops away the driver is.
Expected delivery: By 9 PM (sometimes up to 10 PM).
Arriving Today Arriving Today
What it means: Package will be delivered today (confirmed).
What to do: Be available to receive.
X Stops Away X Stops Away
What it means: Amazon driver has X more deliveries before reaching your address.
Time estimate: Roughly 2-5 minutes per stop.
What to do: Prepare for imminent delivery!
Delivered Delivered (Amazon)
What it means: Package delivered successfully.
Photo proof: Amazon usually provides delivery photo showing exactly where package was left.
What to do: Check delivery photo for exact location if you can't find package.
Amazon Locker Delivered to Amazon Locker / Hub
What it means: Package delivered to Amazon Locker or Hub location you selected.
What to do: Check email for pickup code. Visit locker location and enter code to retrieve. Must pick up within 3 days.
Attempted Delivery Attempted (Amazon)
What it means: Driver couldn't complete delivery (access issue, recipient not available for ID check, etc.).
What to do: Amazon will reattempt next business day. Check tracking for specific issue.
Undeliverable Undeliverable
What it means: Package cannot be delivered (wrong address, access restrictions, etc.).
What to do: Contact Amazon customer service immediately to update address or arrange alternate delivery.
Delayed Delayed in Transit (Amazon)
What it means: Package delayed due to weather, high volume, or operational issues.
What to do: Check for updated delivery date. Amazon will send email with new estimated delivery.
China Post & International Postal Statuses
Info Received Order Information Received / Electronic Information Submitted
What it means: Seller created shipping label but hasn't handed package to China Post yet. Common with AliExpress, Wish, etc.
How long: Can stay this way for 5-15 days while seller batches orders.
What to do: Wait. If no change after 20 days, contact seller.
Picked Up Shipment Picked Up / Accepted by Carrier
What it means: China Post or carrier has physically received the package.
What's next: Package will be processed for international shipping.
Sorting Center Arrived at Sorting Center (China)
What it means: Package at China Post sorting facility being prepared for export.
What to do: Wait. Package will next show "Dispatched" or "In transit to destination country."
Dispatched Dispatched to Destination Country / Airline Departure
What it means: Package left China on plane or ship heading to your country.
How long: 7-30 days depending on shipping method (air vs. sea).
What to do: Wait. Long gap without updates is normal for economy shipping from China.
Arrived Arrived at Destination Country / Arrival at Destination
What it means: Package arrived in your country and will go through customs.
What's next: Customs clearance (1-10 days), then handoff to local postal service.
Customs Item Presented to Import Customs
What it means: Package submitted to customs for clearance.
How long: 1-7 days typically, up to 14 days during peak times.
What to do: Wait. This is normal process.
Cleared Customs Clearance Complete / Released from Customs
What it means: Package cleared customs and released to domestic postal service.
What's next: Handoff to USPS, Royal Mail, etc. for final delivery (2-5 days).
Processed Processed Through [ISC Location]
What it means: Package processed at International Service Center (common with USPS international mail).
Locations: ISC New York, ISC Los Angeles, ISC Chicago, ISC San Francisco.
What's next: Usually customs clearance or transit to regional facility.
Retention Retention / Inbound Out of Customs
What it means: Package cleared customs but being held at postal facility (capacity issues, awaiting transport, etc.).
How long: Can be 3-10 days during peak times.
What to do: Wait. Will eventually move to local delivery network.
✅ Tips for Tracking International Packages from China
- ✓ Expect long gaps (7-21 days) without tracking updates - this is normal for economy shipping
- ✓ Use universal tracking sites like ParcelsZen that support China Post, ePacket, Yanwen, 4PX, etc.
- ✓ Once package arrives in your country, switch to local postal service tracking (USPS, Royal Mail, etc.)
- ✓ "Delivered" in China tracking doesn't mean delivered to you - track in destination country for actual delivery
- ✓ Peak seasons (Singles Day, Chinese New Year, Christmas) add 10-20 days to delivery times
Track Your Package Now
Confused by your tracking status? Use ParcelsZen's free tracking tool to get real-time updates and plain-English explanations of what your tracking status means.
Additional Resources
- Complete Package Tracking Guide - Learn how to track packages from any carrier
- International Shipping Times Guide - Expected delivery times worldwide
- Customs Clearance Guide - Navigate international customs with confidence
- All Supported Carriers - Browse supported couriers
- Tracking Number Formats - Identify your carrier by tracking number