USPS Tracking
USPS Tracking is a valuable tool provided by the United States Postal Service, offering customers peace of mind and real-time updates on their packages. From sending a letter across town to shipping an international parcel, USPS Tracking ensures youāre always in the know
Tips for Tracking USPS Packages.
To get the most accurate updates, consider these tips:
Check your tracking number twice to avoid errors.
Opt-in for SMS or email alerts to stay informed.
Download the USPS Mobile App for easy, on-the-go tracking.
How to Identify a USPS Tracking Number
A USPS tracking number typically consists of 20-22 numeric characters. You can find it:
On your shipping receipt.
In confirmation emails from online stores.
In your USPS account if you used online postage.
USPS Tracking Number Format
USPS tracking numbers have distinct numeric formats based on the service:
Priority Mail: 9205 5000 0000 0000 0000 00
Certified Mail: 9407 3000 0000 0000 0000 00
Global Express GuaranteedĀ®: 82 000 000 00
Registered Mail: Often 13 alphanumeric characters starting with RA and ending with US.
What Is a 4202 Tracking Number?
A 4202 tracking number is a type of USPS tracking number that includes routing or ZIP code information encoded within the number itself. The "420" prefix typically refers to the destination ZIP code prefix, and when followed by additional digits like ā4202ā, it can indicate a specific routing destination, typically part of e-commerce and bulk shipping operations.
These numbers are most commonly used by major online retailers, logistics partners, and return label services. They are fully trackable via USPS and third-party platforms like InstantParcels, even if the number looks unusual or longer than standard formats.
USPS Tracking Status Guide
Each USPS status update helps you understand your shipmentās journey:
Pre-Shipment: USPS has received your packageās shipping info.
Accepted: USPS has taken physical possession of your package.
In Transit: Your package is moving through the postal network.
Out for Delivery: Itās with a carrier for final delivery.
Delivered: It has been delivered to the recipient.
USPS Tracking Service
USPS Tracking is included at no extra cost with most domestic shipping services. It offers:
Detailed tracking from acceptance to delivery.
Delivery notifications via email/SMS.
Proof of delivery for senders and recipients.
USPS International Tracking
International tracking is available for services like Priority Mail InternationalĀ®, GXGĀ®, and select First-Class Package International ServiceĀ® destinations. Customers can track international shipments on USPS.com or the USPS Mobile App.
USPS Registered and Unregistered Mail Tracking
Registered MailĀ®: Provides enhanced security, full tracking, and signature confirmation for valuable shipments.
Unregistered Mail: Standard letter mail typically does not include tracking.
Benefits of Using USPS
Nationwide delivery and reliable service.
Affordable shipping rates.
Free tracking with most services.
Strong reputation for secure and timely delivery.
Summary Comparison Table
Service Name | Delivery Time | Tracking Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
Priority MailĀ® | 1-3 business days | Yes | Domestic parcels |
Priority Mail ExpressĀ® | Overnight, 7 days/week | Yes | Urgent shipments |
First-Class MailĀ® | 1-5 business days | Yes (packages) | Letters and small packages |
Media MailĀ® | 2-8 business days | Yes | Books and educational materials |
USPS Retail GroundĀ® | 2-8 business days | Yes | Heavy or oversized items |
Global Express GuaranteedĀ® (GXGĀ®) | 1-3 business days | Yes | Time-sensitive international |
Priority Mail InternationalĀ® | 6-10 business days | Yes | Global e-commerce and personal |
First-Class Package International | Varies | Limited | Small international shipments |
USPS Delivery Time Estimates
Priority MailĀ®: 1-3 business days
Priority Mail ExpressĀ®: Overnight, 7 days/week
First-Class MailĀ®: 1-5 business days
Priority Mail InternationalĀ®: 6-10 business days
GXGĀ®: 1-3 business days international
USPS Tracking Statuses
There are some uncommon tracking statuses that may be seen when checking a packageās tracking. A few examples include the following:
Damaged in transit - This indicates that the package was damaged while being delivered. For this, a claim would be filed through the carrier to receive some type of compensation.
Uncontrollable customs delay - This occurs when a package routed internationally is held up at customs for some reason. Typically there is not much that can be done in this scenario, except for having the end customer pay any outstanding duties or taxes.
Missed āIn Transitā pickup scans (applies to USPS international) - Sometimes an internationally routed package sent via USPS can stay stuck āin transitā for a long period of time and then all of a sudden update to ādelivered.ā It is important to note that since USPS does not guarantee international tracking, packages sent out at this service level can lose tracking updates once it hits the destination country
USPS and Integration with E-commerce Platforms
USPS integrates seamlessly with major e-commerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, Amazon, and eBay, offering:
Automatic label creation and printing.
Seamless tracking updates for customers.
Easy returns and order fulfillment.
USPS Insurance and Package Protection
For added peace of mind, USPS offers insurance coverage for most services:
Priority MailĀ® and Priority Mail ExpressĀ® include insurance up to $100.
Additional insurance can be purchased for valuable items.
USPS Sustainable Packaging Initiatives
USPS is committed to sustainability through:
Offering recyclable and reusable packaging options.
Investing in eco-friendly transportation and practices.
Encouraging businesses to use environmentally conscious shipping materials.
Delayed or Lost Shipments
For lost or delayed packages:
Check your tracking status on USPS.com
Contact USPS customer service
File a missing mail search online
Submit a claim for insured packages
USPS Locker and Pickup Services
For added convenience, USPS offers:
USPS Self-Service Kiosks: Purchase postage and print shipping labels.
gopostĀ® Lockers: Secure pickup and drop-off at convenient locations.
USPS Loyalty Programs
The USPS Loyalty Program rewards frequent shippers and small businesses by offering credits on Priority MailĀ® and Priority Mail ExpressĀ® labels, redeemable for future postage.
Returns Management with USPS
USPS offers simple, effective returns solutions:
USPS ReturnsĀ®: Customers can generate return labels for easy returns.
Parcel Return Service (PRS): Efficient returns management for high-volume sellers.
How to Contact USPS Tracking Support
Online: Visit the USPS Help Center.
Phone: Call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) for assistance.
In-person: Visit your local post office for support.
USPS Company History
The United States Postal Service (originally called the U.S. Post Office Department, when it was completely managed by the U.S. Government before 1971) also known as the Post Office, U.S. Mail, or Postal Service is an independent agency of the United States federal government responsible for providing postal service in the United States. It is one of the few government agencies explicitly authorized by the United States Constitution.
US Post tracking package is easy as explained in sections below. Remember, no matter which tracking number you have, you can always track it with our universal postal tracker.
USPS Shipping Services
- USPS Registered Mailā¢
- USPS Media MailĀ®
- USPS Retail GroundĀ®
- USPS Informed DeliveryĀ®
- USPS First-Class Package Service
- USPS First Class Mail International
- USPS FirstāClass Mail Letters
- USPS First-Class Package International ServiceĀ®
- USPS Priority MailĀ®
- USPS Priority Mail Express Internationalā¢
- USPS Priority Mail ExpressĀ®
- USPS Priority Mail InternationalĀ®
- USPS Priority Mail International tracking
- USPS Parcel Select
- USPS Parcel Select Lightweight
- USPS Signature Confirmationā¢
- USPS Certified MailĀ®
- USPS Collect On Delivery Hold For Pickup
- USPS Global Express GuaranteedĀ® (GXGĀ®)
- USPS Ground mail
USPS Registered Mailā¢
USPS Registered Mail offers dependable tracking tools, making it a trusted choice for users seeking visibility and security. This service is ideal for sending valuable or confidential items with added security and chain-of-custody documentation. With a unique tracking number for each item, users can follow the package journey online, receiving real-time updates and final delivery confirmation.
USPS Media MailĀ®
Media MailĀ® is a budget-friendly option for books and educational materials.
Features: Slower delivery, lower cost.
Benefits: Perfect for large shipments of media.
Tracking: Full tracking for peace of mind.
USPS Retail GroundĀ®
USPS Retail GroundĀ® is a low-cost choice for heavier items.
Features: Delivery within 2-8 days, suitable for oversized parcels.
Benefits: Budget-friendly for bulky items.
Tracking: Comprehensive tracking throughout transit.
USPS Informed DeliveryĀ®
Informed DeliveryĀ® allows customers to preview incoming mail and track packages before they arrive.
Features: Email notifications with images of letter-sized mail and package tracking updates.
Benefits: Increases visibility and security for all deliveries.
USPS First-Class Package Service
This service is perfect for lightweight shipments up to 16 oz, offering fast and affordable delivery. Each package includes a tracking number that can be monitored online for real-time status and delivery confirmation. Ideal for eCommerce merchants needing fast delivery and reliable tracking on light parcels.
USPS First Class Mail International
Senders using USPS First Class Mail International benefit from basic tracking for international documents and flats. This service is an economical option for sending letters, postcards, and flats to over 180 countries. Each package includes a tracking number that can be monitored online for real-time status and delivery confirmation. Its affordability and reach make it great for international mail without breaking the bank.
USPS FirstāClass Mail Letters
First-Class MailĀ® is best for lightweight letters and parcels.
Features: 1-5 day delivery, affordable postage.
Benefits: Cost-effective for small items.
Tracking: Available for packages (First-Class Package Service).
USPS First-Class Package International ServiceĀ®
USPS FirstāClass Package International Service supports global tracking for small, cost-effective shipments. This service is suited for small packages under 4 lbs, delivering to international destinations affordably. Each package includes a tracking number that can be monitored online for real-time status and delivery confirmation. Great for cost-effective global small package shipping with detailed delivery tracking.
USPS Priority MailĀ®
Priority MailĀ® is a reliable, fast shipping option for domestic deliveries.
Features: 1-3 day delivery, flat-rate options, Saturday delivery.
Benefits: Affordable and efficient for packages up to 70 lbs.
Tracking: Full tracking from acceptance to delivery.
USPS Priority Mail Express Internationalā¢
USPS Priority Mail Express International integrates advanced tracking tools for fast and dependable global deliveries. This service is offers fast, guaranteed delivery to over 180 countries with tracking and insurance included. Each package includes a tracking number that can be monitored online for real-time status and delivery confirmation. A go-to service for global businesses requiring fast, trackable, and insured deliveries.
USPS Priority Mail ExpressĀ®
Priority Mail ExpressĀ® is USPSās fastest domestic service with overnight delivery.
Features: 7-day service, money-back guarantee, insurance included.
Benefits: Ideal for urgent shipments.
Tracking: Real-time tracking with guaranteed delivery times.
USPS Priority Mail InternationalĀ®
Reliable tracking with USPS Priority Mail International ensures global delivery confidence and transparency. This service is offers reliable and affordable international shipping with tracking and delivery in 6-10 business days. Each package includes a tracking number that can be monitored online for real-time status and delivery confirmation. Best suited for consistent international shipping with moderate delivery timelines and transparency.
USPS Priority Mail International tracking
USPS Parcel Select
USPS Parcel Select gives shippers tracking support tailored to high-volume domestic shipments. This service is cost-efficient for large or bulk shipments, popular with high-volume shippers. Each package includes a tracking number that can be monitored online for real-time status and delivery confirmation. Perfect for logistics partners handling large-volume deliveries with a budget-friendly approach.
USPS Parcel Select Lightweight
Tracking with USPS Parcel Select Lightweight is ideal for businesses needing affordable, traceable shipping for lighter goods. This service is tailored for lightweight parcels under 1 lb, used mainly by e-commerce businesses. Each package includes a tracking number that can be monitored online for real-time status and delivery confirmation. Tailored for small businesses sending lightweight goods efficiently with USPS's scalable network.
USPS Signature Confirmationā¢
Signature Confirmation from USPS incorporates end-to-end tracking to verify both shipment and recipient identity. This service is adds an extra layer of security by requiring the recipientās signature upon delivery. Each package includes a tracking number that can be monitored online for real-time status and delivery confirmation. Especially useful when you need verifiable receipt by the recipient with full delivery transparency.
USPS Certified MailĀ®
USPS Certified Mail provides confirmation and traceable delivery, supporting official and legal communication. This service is provides proof of mailing and delivery, often used for legal or sensitive documents. Each package includes a tracking number that can be monitored online for real-time status and delivery confirmation. Used frequently for legal documents due to its trackable and receipt-confirmed nature.
USPS Collect On Delivery Hold For Pickup
With USPS Collect On Delivery Hold For Pickup, tracking adds assurance to payment-on-pickup shipments. This service is lets recipients pay for merchandise and shipping when they pick up their package. Each package includes a tracking number that can be monitored online for real-time status and delivery confirmation. Great for merchants who want to collect payments upon delivery while maintaining visibility.
USPS Global Express GuaranteedĀ® (GXGĀ®)
USPS Global Express Guaranteed leads with detailed tracking and ultra-fast international service. This service is the fastest USPS international shipping option with date-certain delivery and tracking. Each package includes a tracking number that can be monitored online for real-time status and delivery confirmation. The fastest option for global shipping, ideal for time-critical international deliveries.
USPS Ground mail
USPS Ground Mail includes standard tracking that supports cost-conscious shipping with delivery visibility. This service is provides economical ground shipping for less time-sensitive packages. Each package includes a tracking number that can be monitored online for real-time status and delivery confirmation. Suited for standard shipping needs where affordability is key but tracking is still expected.
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