What does USPS Origin Post Is Preparing Shipment Mean?

You’re awaiting a delivery from the United States Postal Service (USPS) and notice a new update: “Origin Post Is Preparing Shipment.” What does this mean exactly? How far along is your item in the shipping process, and what should you do if this status lingers? Let’s take a closer look…

The USPS tracking status “Origin Post is Preparing Shipment” means your package has arrived at a USPS International Service Center. It’s been scanned and sorted and is waiting to be bundled with other packages from the same country.

Simply put, your package is like a passenger at an international airport. It’s checked in, going through security (inspections), and waiting in the lounge (sorting area) to be grouped with other packages (pallets) heading to the same country. It’s all set for its international flight, just waiting to be loaded onto the plane.

What Does “Origin Post Is Preparing Shipment” Really Mean?

The USPS tracking status “Origin Post Is Preparing Shipment” indicates that the item or items being shipped have had tracking information created and have been scanned into the system. The originating post office is preparing to dispatch the shipment through the USPS infrastructure. This status can be used as a catchall for various reasons, including issues with package flow, transportation methods, and customs clearance, without providing detailed information to the customer.

Think of it as your package’s boarding pass. It’s been checked in at the “airport” (the USPS International Service Center, or ISC), and it’s waiting in the “lounge” (sorting area) for its international “flight.” During this time, a lot is happening:

1. Arrival Scan: Your package is scanned upon arrival at the ISC, marking the start of its international journey.
2. Sorting: Your package is sorted into the appropriate area based on its destination. Think of it as choosing the right gate at an airport.
3. Palletization: Here’s where things get interesting. Your package isn’t traveling alone; it’s bundled with other packages heading to the same country or region. These bundles are placed on pallets, like miniature United Nations parcels.
4. Shrink-wrapping: To keep everything secure, the pallets are tightly shrink-wrapped. This isn’t just for neatness; it’s crucial for smooth handling through airports and onto planes.
5. Customs Documentation: While your package is getting cozy with its pallet-mates, USPS staff are preparing customs documents. These are like your package’s passport, allowing it entry into its destination country.
6. Waiting for Takeoff: Finally, your pallet (with your package) waits to be transported to the airport, screened, and loaded onto the plane.

Throughout these steps, the tracking remains on “Origin Post Is Preparing Shipment.” USPS says, “We’ve got your package, and we’re getting it ready for its big international trip!”

Why the Vague Update?

You might be wondering, “Why can’t USPS give me more details?” Great question! The primary reason is that once your package leaves the ISC, it enters a complex logistics web involving multiple parties: USPS, airlines, ground transport companies, and foreign postal services.

USPS’s tracking system is designed to provide clear, verifiable information. Since they can’t directly track your package through every step of this multi-party process, they use the “Origin Post Is Preparing Shipment” as a reliable catchall. It’s their way of reassuring you that your package is in the system and moving forward, even if they can’t pinpoint its exact location.

How Far is Your Item from Delivery?

While the “Origin Post Is Preparing Shipment” status is a positive sign that your package is on the move, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s close to delivery just yet. This update typically signals that your item is still beginning its journey through the USPS network.

Depending on the distance between the Origin Facility and your delivery address, your package could have a long way to travel before reaching its final destination. It may need to pass through several additional processing facilities and be transported across states or countries before ultimately arriving at your local Post Office for delivery.

What are Common Reasons for Delays at This Stage?

Normally, seeing “Origin Post Is Preparing Shipment” is as routine as fastening your seatbelt. But if this status persists for more than 48 hours, your flight will be delayed. Let’s explore the most common reasons:

1. Holiday Traffic Jam: As airports get crowded during holidays, ISCs are swamped during peak seasons. In 2022, USPS handled a staggering 11.7 billion mailpieces during the holidays. Some packages inevitably face longer “Origin Post Is Preparing Shipment” times while waiting for available “flights.”
2. One Bag Holds Up the Plane: Remember those package pallets? The whole pallet gets delayed if one item needs extra inspection (like a suspicious liquid in a passenger’s bag). Your perfectly fine package has to wait because it’s part of that pallet “family.”
3. Weather Woes: A snowstorm in Denver or fog in London doesn’t just delay people; it grounds package “flights” too. When this happens, packages pile up at the origin facility, all stuck with the “Origin Post Is Preparing Shipment” status.
4. Missed Boarding Call: Occasionally, a package might get loaded without a final scan. It’s like a passenger sneaking onto the plane without their boarding pass being checked. In this rare case, your tracking stays on “Origin Post Is Preparing Shipment” until the next scan, likely at customs in the destination country.

Are there any specific times of the year when this issue occurs more frequently?

Are there specific times when you’re more likely to see your package lounging in “Origin Post Is Preparing Shipment”? Absolutely!

1. Holiday Season (November-December): This is the Super Bowl of shipping. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas – everyone’s sending gifts. In 2022, USPS delivered over 11.7 billion mailpieces. That’s like every person on Earth sending a package!
2. Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day: Love knows no borders. These holidays see a spike in international flower and gift deliveries, leading to more packages in the “Origin Post Is Preparing Shipment” lounge.
3. Back-to-School (August-September): Students worldwide order textbooks, electronics, and dorm essentials, causing a mini-surge in international shipments.
4. Major Global Sales Events: Think Amazon Prime Day or Singles’ Day in China. These events cause spikes in cross-border e-commerce, and consequently, more packages get stuck on “Origin Post Is Preparing Shipment.”

How Long Will It Be Stuck?

If you’re reading this, chances are your package has been on “Origin Post Is Preparing Shipment” for a while, and you’re wondering, “How much longer?” The honest answer is it varies. Most of the delays we’ve discussed have been resolved within 48 hours. That’s why we generally advise patience for the first two days.

But what if it’s been longer? Here’s a rough guide:

• 1-2 days: Normal processing time. Relax; your package is probably just queuing up for its flight.
• 3-5 days could be due to high volumes or minor transportation hiccups. Start thinking about contacting USPS.
• 5-7 days might indicate more significant issues like severe weather or major transportation delays. Time to reach out.
• 7+ days: Rare but can happen during extreme circumstances (like global events or natural disasters). Contact USPS and possibly the sender.

Remember, these are general guidelines. A package to a remote island might take longer than one heading to a major city, even under normal conditions.

What to Do When Your Package Seems Stuck?

1. The 48-Hour Rule: If it’s been less than 48 hours, breathe. Most delays are resolved within this timeframe. Double-check your tracking number and delivery address – a small typo can cause delays!
2. Reaching Out to USPS: After 48 hours, be proactive:
   • Gather your tracking number, shipment date, origin, and destination details.
   • Contact USPS via phone (1-800-ASK-USPS), online chat, or your local post office.
   • Be specific about the “Origin Post Is Preparing Shipment” status duration.
   • After 5+ days, politely request a package search.
3. Communicate with the Sender: The sender might have more info if you’re the recipient. If you’re the sender, a simple message like, “Hey, there’s a slight delay, but I’m on it!” can work wonders for customer satisfaction.
4. Last Resorts: For very long delays (7+ days):
   • If you have shipping insurance, start the claims process.
   • For time-sensitive or replaceable items, consider a replacement shipment.
5. Avoid Peak Travel: When possible, ship outside major holidays and sales events. It’s like booking a flight in the off-season – a less crowded, smoother journey.
6. Pack Smart: Good packaging reduces inspection chances. Use appropriate materials and labels. It’s like having well-organized, TSA-compliant luggage.

Whats the Next Steps in Transit?

As we’ve covered, the “Origin Post Is Preparing Shipment” status indicates that your package has not yet been inducted into the USPS network and remains in the custody of the origin post. However, once the consolidated shipments are transported and handed off to USPS, you can expect to see one of the following updates:

• “Processed Through [FACILITY]” means your item has arrived at one of the major USPS International Service Centers like Los Angeles ISC or JFK ISC. It will go through customs clearance before being sent for further distribution.
• “Departed [ORIGIN COUNTRY], Arriving at [DESTINATING ISC] by [DATE]”: This indicates your package has been loaded onto a commercial airline flight destined for the USPS facility closest to its final destination. An estimated arrival date is provided.
• “Arrived at USPS Regional Destination Facility”: After clearing customs at the ISC, your item will be transported to the local USPS facility, handling the final delivery leg.

From this point onwards, your package’s journey should progress routinely through the USPS network, with tracking scans reflecting stops and transfers between distribution hubs until it reaches your local post office for delivery.

Wrapping up!

In conclusion, the USPS “Origin Post Is Preparing Shipment” update is your package’s way of saying, “I’m at the airport, getting ready for my international adventure!” It’s a crucial phase where your parcel is sorted, bundled, and queued for its journey. While delays can happen due to volume (especially during holidays), weather, or logistical hiccups, they’re usually short-lived.

Remember:

• Under 48 hours is the normal “boarding” time.
• Use any delay to verify your shipment details.
• After 48 hours, start with polite inquiries to USPS.
• For longer delays, consider express services or off-peak shipping.
• Learn from each shipping experience to ship smarter next time.

Above all, maintain perspective. That “Origin Post Is Preparing Shipment” status is just one small part of your package’s incredible journey across our vast, interconnected world.