Tracking History Explained
What each tracking event means and what happens between scans.
Common Tracking Events Decoded
| Status | What It Means | Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| Label Created | Seller printed label but hasn't dropped off yet | Wait for "Accepted" scan |
| Accepted / Picked Up | Package is physically in the carrier's hands | Watch for "In Transit" |
| In Transit | Moving through carrier network | No action needed |
| Arrived at Facility | Reached a sorting hub or regional facility | No action needed |
| Departed Facility | Left a hub on its way to next stop | No action needed |
| Out for Delivery | On the delivery truck — arrives today | Be available to sign if required |
| Delivery Attempted | Carrier tried but couldn't deliver | Schedule redelivery immediately |
| Available for Pickup | Held at post office or carrier location | Bring ID and door tag to pick up |
| Delivered | Package was left at address | Check mailbox, door, neighbor, garage |
| Return to Sender | Being sent back to shipper | Contact sender; check address |
| Exception / Alert | Problem: weather, address issue, customs hold | Contact carrier immediately |
Why Packages Don't Scan Between Events
Packages travel hundreds of miles on trucks or planes between facility scans. A package going cross-country might not scan for 1-3 days while on a long-haul truck. This is completely normal — it does not mean the package is lost.
- USPS: Scans at every facility — good visibility
- UPS: Scans at pickup + every hub + delivery attempt
- FedEx: Scans at every touch point including delivery photo
- DHL: Scans at origin, each customs point, and delivery