What Does USPS in Possession of Item Mean( Complete guide 2024)?

You are expecting a delivery from USPS, and you’ve received a tracking update that says “USPS in Possession of Item.” What does this mean exactly? How far is your item from delivery when you receive this update, and what should you do if your tracking seems stuck?

Let’s take a look….

The “USPS in Possession of Item” tracking status means the shipment has entered the USPS delivery system. USPS has physically scanned the package, indicating they have taken possession of the item. This status is an interim update; your package is still in transit. This update is triggered at the beginning of the item’s delivery journey.

What is the meaning of “USPS in Possession of Item.” 

The meaning of the “USPS in Possession of Item” tracking update is quite self-explanatory – it means that the United States Postal Service has taken physical possession of your package or mail item. Generally, This update is triggered after the initial “Pre-Shipment info sent to USPS, USPS Awaiting Item” status indicates that the sender has created a shipping label and provided the necessary information to USPS.

Once the sender drops off or schedules a pickup for the package, USPS will scan the item and generate the “USPS in Possession of Item” alert. At this point, your shipment has officially entered the USPS delivery infrastructure and is at the very beginning of its journey.

What Happens When the USPS is in Possession of Your Item?

Once the USPS takes possession of your package or mail, a series of steps occur to ensure its safe and timely delivery:

1. Sorting and Processing: Your item is brought to a USPS facility, sorted, and processed based on its destination. This sorting process helps organize and route items efficiently through the USPS network.
2. Transportation: After sorting, your package or mail is loaded onto a USPS vehicle (truck, plane, or train) and transported to the nearest facility to its destination address.
3. Additional Sorting and Processing: Depending on the distance and complexity of the route, your item may go through additional sorting and processing at one or more USPS facilities along the way.
4. Final Delivery Preparation: Once your package or mail reaches the facility serving the destination address, it undergoes final sorting and preparation for delivery to the recipient.

During this process, the tracking information is updated periodically to reflect the item’s progress through the USPS network.

What Happens After “USPS in Possession of Item”?

Now that USPS has your package, it will go through several steps before reaching its final destination. For domestic deliveries within the United States, the typical process involves the following:

Domestic Deliveries

For packages being shipped within the United States, the typical process looks like this:

1. Regional Facility: Your item will first be transported to a USPS regional facility, where you may see tracking updates like “In Transit” or “Arrived at Regional Facility.”
2. Sorting and Dispatch: At the regional facility, your package will be sorted and dispatched to a facility closer to the recipient’s address, known as the destination facility.
3. Destination Facility: Once your item arrives at the destination facility, it will be prepared for delivery to the recipient’s address.
4. Out for Delivery: When your package is loaded onto a delivery truck, you’ll receive the much-anticipated “Out for Delivery” update, indicating that delivery is imminent.

International Shipments

The process for international shipments is a bit more complex:

1. International Service Center: Your package will first reach a USPS International Service Center or Distribution Center, which will be processed for export.
2. Customs Clearance: Depending on the destination country, your shipment may need to go through customs clearance procedures before leaving the United States.
3. Cross-Border Transit: Once cleared, your package will be transported to the destination country, where it will likely go through additional customs procedures before being handed over to the local postal service for final delivery.

The actual delivery time can vary significantly depending on factors such as the shipping service speed you selected, the distance between the origin and destination, and any potential delays or issues that may arise along the way.

Why is My Package Stuck on “USPS in Possession of Item”?

While the “USPS in Possession of Item” status is a routine part of the shipping process, there are a few reasons why your package might stuck on this update for an extended period:

What Causes a Delay at This Stage?

• Delays Within the Facility: One common reason for a stuck tracking update is delays or backlogs within the USPS facility. High seasonal volumes, staffing issues, or technical problems can prevent your package from being processed and scanned for the next step in its journey.
• Missed Scans: Sometimes, a package may progress through the delivery infrastructure without receiving a follow-up scan. Your tracking will appear stuck on the “USPS in Possession of Item” status, even though your item is approaching its destination.
• Low-Priority Deliveries Without Frequent Scans: USPS may not provide frequent tracking updates beyond the initial “USPS in Possession of Item” alert for certain low-priority domestic deliveries. You may not see additional updates until the item reaches the recipient’s local post office and is scanned as “Out for Delivery.”

How Long is Too Long?

There is no definitive time frame for how long a package should remain in the “USPS in Possession of Item” status. However, if your tracking has been updated for less than a week or two, it may be a cause for concern, and you may want to contact the USPS or the sender for further assistance.

How Long Does It Take for USPS to Deliver After Taking Possession?

The delivery timeframe after USPS takes possession of your item can vary depending on several factors, including the shipping service used, the distance between the origin and destination, and any potential delays or issues encountered along the way.

Here are some general estimates for domestic shipments within the United States:

• Priority Mail Express®: Typically delivered within 1-2 business days
• Priority Mail®: Typically delivered within 1-3 business days
• First-Class Mail®: Typically delivered within 1-5 business days
• USPS Retail Ground®: Typically delivered within 2-8 business days

It’s important to note that these are rough estimates, and actual delivery times may differ based on specific circumstances. International shipments may take longer due to customs clearance and cross-border transportation requirements.

If your package or mail item has yet to be delivered within the expected timeframe for your chosen shipping service, it’s advisable to contact USPS customer service for further assistance.

What Should You Do If Your Package Is Stuck at “USPS in Possession of Item”?

If your package seems to be stuck at the “USPS in possession of item” status for an extended period, here are some tips on what to do:

1. Wait a Full Week: Be patient and wait at least 5-7 days before taking action. USPS tracking can sometimes lag behind the actual movement of a package.
2. Contact USPS Customer Service: If it has been over a week with no further updates or delivery, you can file an inquiry with USPS customer service online or by phone.
3. Visit Your Local Post Office: The staff at your local post office may investigate the status and locate your package if it’s still within the postal network.
4. Check for Customs Clearance: If your item is an international shipment, confirm whether it’s being held up at customs, which can significantly delay delivery.
5. Monitor the Tracking Page: Keep checking the USPS tracking page regularly, as stuck packages often start moving again without notice.
6. Verify the Shipping Information: Double-check that the shipping label is still attached and the address is correct, as these issues can prevent successful delivery.
7. Consider the Mail Class: Remember that slower mail classes like Media Mail may have longer expected delivery times than Priority Express.

If your tracking has been stuck on the “USPS in Possession of Item” status for more than 3-5 business days (or less if you’ve selected an expedited shipping service), then better to contact USPS customer service.

• For domestic deliveries within the United States, you can visit the USPS Help Page for assistance.
• For international shipments, you can visit the USPS International Claims Page for more information.

If there are still no updates after contacting USPS and allowing for a reasonable amount of time, you can work with the shipper to initiate a claim or trace the missing item.

Key takeaways: What Does “USPS in Possession of Item” Mean

• “USPS in Possession of Item” means USPS has physically scanned and taken custody of your shipment from the sender, marking the start of delivery.
• Domestic shipments go through regional facilities, sorting, and destination facilities before final delivery. International shipments face additional steps like customs clearance.
• Stuck tracking can result from USPS facility delays/backlogs, missed scans, or infrequent updates for low-priority deliveries.
• Contact USPS after 3-5 business days (less for expedited shipping) to investigate stuck tracking.
• USPS customer service can locate packages and initiate investigations/claims if needed.