What does USPS Awaiting Delivery Scan Mean? (Complete Guide 2024)

You are expecting a delivery from USPS and received a tracking update that says “Awaiting Delivery Scan.” 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…

So, What does USPS Awaiting Delivery Scan Mean for your package?

The “Awaiting Delivery Scan” status indicates that your package has arrived at the local post office or delivery unit responsible for delivering it to your address. However, it has not yet been scanned as “out for delivery,” which is the final scan that signals your package is on its way to your doorstep.

In simple words, this tracking update means that your item has reached the last mile of its journey through the USPS network. It’s sitting at your local facility and ready to be loaded onto a mail truck and brought right to you.

Understanding the Delivery Process

Before we dive into the specifics of the “Awaiting Delivery Scan” status, let’s take a moment to understand the journey of your package once it’s in the hands of the USPS. It’s a complex process that  involves multiple stages and checkpoints:

1. Acceptance: The USPS receives your package at the initial facility, where it’s sorted and prepared for transportation.
2. Processing: Your package has been scanned and sorted according to its destination and is ready to be loaded onto the delivery trucks.
3. Transportation: Your package undertakes its journey, traveling through various facilities en route to its final destination.
4. Delivery: Once your package reaches the local post office serving your area, it’s loaded onto the mail carrier’s truck for the final leg of its journey – delivery to your doorstep.

At each stage, your package is scanned, and the tracking information is updated to reflect its progress. However, sometimes, things don’t go as smoothly as we’d like, and that’s when the “Awaiting Delivery Scan” status rears its confusing head.

What Does “Awaiting Delivery Scan” Mean?

When your package is marked as “Awaiting Delivery Scan,” it means that it has arrived at the local post office closest to your delivery address but hasn’t been scanned for the final time before being loaded onto the delivery truck. In other words, your package is physically present at the post office, waiting to be scanned one last time before making its way to your doorstep.

You might wonder, “Why hasn’t it been scanned yet? What’s the holdup?” There could be a few reasons behind this delay, and we’ll explore them in the next section.

Reasons Behind the “Awaiting Delivery Scan” Status

There are several potential reasons why your package might be stuck in the “Awaiting Delivery Scan” status:

1. Package Not Scanned at the Last Checkpoint

One of the most common reasons for the “Awaiting Delivery Scan” status is that the package may have been loaded onto the mail truck but not scanned before leaving the facility. But fear not, as this does not necessarily mean the package will not be delivered on time. It could simply be a case of the carrier forgetting or being unable to scan the package due to a high volume of mail or other circumstances.

2. Package Not Scanned by the Mail Carrier

Sometimes, the mail carrier may have forgotten to scan the package when it was dropped off at the buyer’s house. This can also occur if the scan is not registered in the system for technical reasons. If this is the case, the package has likely been delivered, but the tracking status has not been updated to reflect this.

3. Technical Issues or System Updates

The USPS system might be experiencing technical difficulties or undergoing updates, which can cause delays in updating the tracking status. While these issues are typically resolved quickly, they can temporarily lead to inaccurate or delayed tracking information.

4. High Volume of Mail

During peak seasons, such as holidays or major sales events, the USPS handles an exceptionally high volume of mail. This increased workload can lead to delays and packages getting lost or delayed in the system, causing the “Awaiting Delivery Scan” status to persist for longer than expected.

5. Incorrectly Attributed Scans

In rare cases, the “Awaiting Delivery Scan” status can be incorrectly attributed to a package earlier in the delivery process due to a system error or mishandling.

What to Do If Your Package Is Delayed?

If your package has been stuck in the “Awaiting Delivery Scan” status for a long time, don’t lose hope! There are several steps you can take to try and resolve the situation:

1. Check the Tracking Information Regularly: Check the tracking information on the USPS website or mobile app. Sometimes, the status might update without you realizing it, and your package could be on its way or even delivered without a final scan.
2. Contact the Sender: If you’re the recipient, contact the sender to inquire about the package and confirm the details of the shipment. They might have additional information or be able to assist in tracking down your package.
3. Visit or Call the Local Post Office: Visit or call the local post office where your package is being held. Provide them with the tracking number, and they might be able to locate your package or provide more specific information about its status.
4. File a Missing Mail Search Request: If your package still hasn’t been delivered after an extended period, you can file a Missing Mail Search Request with the USPS. This initiates an investigation into the package’s whereabouts and can help get things moving.
5. Consider Insurance or Refunds: If your package is confirmed as lost or significantly delayed, and you purchased insurance or shipping protection, you may be eligible for a refund or compensation from the sender or carrier.

Remember, the USPS handles many packages daily, and occasional delays or mix-ups are bound to happen. So, by following the above guidelines, you can increase your chances of getting your package delivered or, at the very least, obtain some closure on its whereabouts.

How Long Does It Take to Resolve the “Awaiting Delivery Scan” Status?

The length of time a package remains in the “Awaiting Delivery Scan” status can vary depending on the specific circumstances. The package should be delivered within 1-2 business days after reaching this status. However, it’s important to note that the USPS does not guarantee delivery time for packages in this state.

If your package has been in the “Awaiting Delivery Scan” status for an extended period, usually more than five business days, it’s recommended that you take further action. Don’t worry; we’ll cover the steps you can take in the next section.

What to Do If Your Package Is Delayed?

If your package has been stuck in the “Awaiting Delivery Scan” status for an unusually long time, don’t lose hope! There are several steps you can take to try and resolve the situation:

1. Check the Tracking Information Regularly: Keep an eye on the tracking information on the USPS website or mobile app. Sometimes, the status might update without you realizing it, and your package could be on its way or even delivered without a final scan.
2. Contact the Sender: If you’re the recipient, reach out to the sender to inquire about the package and confirm the details of the shipment. They might have additional information or be able to assist in tracking down your package.
3. Visit or Call the Local Post Office: Pay a visit or give a call to the local post office where your package is being held. Provide them with the tracking number, and they might be able to locate your package or provide more specific information about its status.
4. File a Missing Mail Search Request: If your package still hasn’t been delivered after an extended period, you can file a Missing Mail Search Request with the USPS. This initiates an investigation into the package’s whereabouts and can help get things moving.
5. Consider Insurance or Refunds: If your package is confirmed as lost or significantly delayed, and you purchased insurance or shipping protection, you may be eligible for a refund or compensation from the sender or carrier.

Additional Potential Reasons for Prolonged Delays

While the “Awaiting Delivery Scan” status is often temporary, there may be instances where it persists for an extended period, which causes concern and frustration for both senders and recipients. Some potential reasons for prolonged delays include:

1. Package Mislaid in the Truck: Sometimes, your package may have been loaded onto the delivery truck but accidentally placed in the wrong section or buried beneath other packages, causing it to be overlooked for delivery until the mistake is rectified.
2. Placed on the Wrong Truck: Human error can also lead to packages being placed on the wrong delivery truck, resulting in a delay until the package is retrieved and rerouted to the correct destination.
3. Address Issues: If the address on your package contains any issues, such as incomplete or incorrect information, it may delay the delivery process until the issue is resolved and the package is properly rerouted.
4. Lost or Misplaced Packages: In some unfortunate cases, packages can get lost or misplaced within the USPS network, leading to extended delays and heightened concerns about the package’s whereabouts.

Are There Any Ways to Expedite the Delivery Process?

While there’s no specific way to expedite the delivery process once your package is showing the “Awaiting Delivery Scan” status, there are a couple of things you can try:

1. Contact the Local Post Office: You can contact the staff at the local post office where your package is being held and inquire about any potential delays or issues. Request that they prioritize your package for delivery.
2. Upgrade the Shipping Service: If your package hasn’t been shipped yet and is still in the seller’s possession, you can upgrade the shipping service to a faster option, such as Priority Mail Express or another expedited service offered by USPS. However, this option is only available before the package has been shipped.
3. Consider Alternative Shipping Methods: If time is of the essence, you can explore alternative shipping methods, such as overnight courier services, which provide faster and more reliable delivery times, albeit at a higher cost.

Remember, while these options might help in some cases, the USPS operates on its schedules and procedures, so there’s no guarantee that your package will be delivered faster.

Key Takeaways: What Does “USPS Awaiting Delivery Scan” Mean?

• Indicates package arrived at local post office but hasn’t been scanned for final delivery.
• Usually, it resolves within 1-2 business days as the package is loaded for delivery.
• If it persists over five business days, contact the local post office or initiate a Missing Mail Search.
• Check tracking, contact the sender, visit the post office, or explore delay refund options.
• Limited options to expedite delivery once in “Awaiting Delivery Scan” status.
• Patience and communication with USPS are key to resolution.