Last Updated: August 19, 2023
When eagerly waiting for a package or monitoring shipments for your business, understanding the UPS tracking status can be beneficial. The United Parcel Service (UPS) offers a variety of status updates to help customers stay informed about the movement and delivery of their parcels.
If you’ve ever been baffled by the various statuses on the UPS tracking page, this blog post will demystify them for you.
Pre-Shipment
This status means that UPS has received the electronic shipment details from the sender and is awaiting the package. No physical movement has occurred yet.
Pickup
The shipment has been picked up from the sender’s location and is now in the UPS system. This can also mean the package has been dropped off at a UPS location by the sender.
In Transit
Your package is on the move. It might be on a truck, plane, or any other mode of transport that UPS uses. Depending on the distance and service type, this status can last from a day to several days.
Out For Delivery
Exciting times! This status means that your package is on the delivery truck and should reach you by the end of the day. Ensure someone’s available to receive it if required.
Delivered
The package has successfully been delivered to the destination. This status sometimes includes details like where the package was placed (e.g., “left at the front door”).
Exception
If you see this status, it indicates there’s been a hiccup in the delivery process. It could be due to many reasons, such as incorrect address details, the recipient needing to be available, or potential customs delays for international shipments.
Usually, there’s a more detailed explanation accompanying this status.
Delay
This means that, for some reason, there’s been a hold-up, and your package will be delivered after the initially expected date. Delays can occur due to weather, misrouting, or other unforeseen disruptions.
Return to Sender
In cases where the delivery can’t be completed (e.g., after multiple delivery attempts or if the address is incorrect), the package may be sent back to the original sender.
C.O.D. (Cash on Delivery)
This status will show if the sender has arranged for the recipient to pay for the goods upon delivery. If the payment isn’t made, UPS will not release the package.
Held for Future Delivery
Sometimes, a sender may specify a future delivery date. If so, UPS will hold and deliver the package on the selected date.
Additional Tips
- Stay Updated: If you’re expecting an important shipment or want to stay updated, sign up for UPS My Choice. It offers personalized updates, delivery time estimates, and more.
- Delivery Attempts: Typically, UPS will attempt to deliver a package up to three times before marking it as undeliverable.
- Package Redirect: If you realize you won’t be home, some services allow you to redirect the package to another address or a UPS Access Point where you can pick it up later.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, understanding your UPS tracking status is essential for a smooth delivery process. Whether you’re a sender or a recipient, knowing what each status means ensures you’re prepared and informed every step.
Remember, in case of any doubt or issues, contacting UPS customer service is always a good option.
FAQs on What Does My UPS Tracking Status Mean?
Q: What does the “Pre-Shipment” status mean on UPS?
A: “Pre-Shipment” means that UPS has received the electronic shipment details from the sender but has not yet received the physical package. Once the package is in the UPS system, the status will change.
Q: I’ve been seeing “In Transit” for a few days. Should I be worried?
A: Not necessarily. The “In Transit” status means your package is on the move, which could be by truck, plane, or another mode of transport. This status can last for various durations depending on the distance and service type.
However, if it remains unchanged for an extended period, it might be a good idea to contact UPS for clarification.
Q: My package status is “Out For Delivery.” When can I expect it?
A: “Out For Delivery” indicates that your package is on the delivery truck and is scheduled to be delivered by the end of that day. Ensure someone can receive it, especially if a signature is required.
Q: I saw an “Exception” status. What should I do?
A: An “Exception” status indicates a potential delivery issue. It could be due to an incorrect address, the recipient not being available, customs delays, or other reasons.
Check the detailed explanation provided with the status or contact UPS customer service for further assistance.
Q: What does “Return to Sender” mean?
A: “Return to Sender” means that, for some reason, the package couldn’t be delivered to the recipient and is being sent back to the original sender. This can happen after multiple failed delivery attempts or an issue with the provided address.
Q: I requested a future delivery date. Why is my package status “Held for Future Delivery”?
A: “Held for Future Delivery” indicates that UPS is holding onto your package to ensure it gets delivered on the date you requested.
Q: The tracking says “Delivered,” but I haven’t received anything. What should I do?
A: First, check around your delivery location, such as the front porch, back door, or with neighbors. Sometimes, the package might be left in a safe location. If you still can’t locate it, contact UPS customer service to report the issue.
Q: How many times will UPS attempt to deliver my package?
A: Typically, UPS will try to deliver a package up to three times. After the third unsuccessful attempt, they might hold the package at a local facility for pick-up or return it to the sender.
Q: Can I change the delivery address once the package is “In Transit”?
A: Some UPS services allow recipients to redirect the package to a different address or UPS Access Point. This can often be managed through the UPS My Choice platform or by contacting UPS directly.
Q: What does “C.O.D. (Cash on Delivery)” mean in my tracking status?
A: “C.O.D.” indicates that the sender has arranged for the recipient to pay for the package’s contents upon delivery. UPS will release the package if the payment is made.
