Tracking statuses explained, A to Z

Carriers describe the same few moments in a package's trip in dozens of different ways. Here's what the common ones mean in plain words.

By · Updated November 1, 2026

Before it moves

Label created / Shipping label created / Pre-Shipment
The sender made and paid for a label. The carrier hasn't touched the package yet. Normal for one or two business days. More on label created.
Shipment information sent to FedEx
FedEx's version of label created: the sender's system told FedEx a package is coming.
Order processed: ready for UPS
UPS's version of label created.
Awaiting item / Awaiting acceptance
A postal service has the electronic record but no physical scan. Common for packages left at a drop-off point that hasn't been collected yet, and for international orders whose first US scans come from a shipping partner. More on shipping partner scans.
Electronic information received / Shipment information received
Customs or the next carrier got the shipment's data in advance. The package itself may not have moved.

On its way

Accepted / Picked up / Collected
The first physical scan. From here, tracking should update every day or two.
Arrived at facility / Arrived at hub
It reached a sorting building. Large hubs scan everything that comes in.
Departed facility / Left the hub
It's on a truck or plane to the next stop.
In transit
Moving between scans. Gaps of two to four days are normal, longer on international trips.
In transit, arriving late
USPS has noticed it won't make the original date. It's still moving. What to do.
Processed through facility / Processing at facility
Sorted by machine, usually at a regional center.
Departure scan / Origin scan / Destination scan
UPS terms for leaving the first UPS building, being scanned there, and reaching the building that will deliver it.
On FedEx vehicle for delivery
FedEx's out for delivery.
Shipment exception
Something interrupted the normal flow: bad weather, a damaged label, an address problem or a missed connection. Most exceptions resolve on their own within a day or two; if the next scan says "action required", contact the carrier.
Delay / Weather delay / Operational delay
The carrier knows it's behind. Usually adds one to three days.

International

Export / Handed over to customs (origin)
Leaving the sender's country. Export checks are usually quick.
Departed from origin country / Dispatched abroad
On a plane or ship. Expect a quiet stretch of several days.
Arrival at destination / Arrived at the destination
Usually means it reached the destination country's airport or international center, not your door.
Held by customs / In customs / Inbound into customs
Waiting for import checks. What customs means.
Customs clearance completed / Released from customs
Customs is done. It's handed to the local carrier, often USPS in the United States.
Import duties or taxes due
Real only when the carrier itself tells you. Fake "customs fee" texts are a common scam.

Last mile

Out for delivery
On the delivery vehicle today. Deliveries run until about 8 or 9 PM.
Delivery attempted / Notice left
The driver came but couldn't complete it. What to do next.
Available for pickup / Held at post office / At UPS Access Point
Waiting for you at a counter or locker. Bring ID and the tracking number.
Delivered
The carrier recorded it as delivered, often with a location like front door or mailbox. Not there?
Delivered to agent / Delivered to parcel locker
Left with a building manager, mailroom or locker rather than at your door.
Return to sender
It's going back, usually because of an address problem, a refused delivery or an unclaimed pickup. Contact the sender.

When tracking says nothing at all

If a number shows no information anywhere, check it for typos first, then give it a business day. Brand new labels can take up to 24 hours to appear in tracking systems.