What Does “In Transit, Arriving on Time” Mean When Shipping With USPS?

With the emergence of e-commerce, shipping has become an integral component of logistics planning for both shippers and recipients. USPS provides multiple shipping statuses to assist in managing expectations and tracking deliveries. 

One of these statuses is “In Transit, Arriving On Time”, which indicates that your package is currently being transported and is expected to be delivered as planned, with no delays to be expected.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what this status means, what activities happen before and after, and also take the time to address some frequently asked questions on this topic.

What Does “In Transit, Arriving On Time” Mean?

When your package’s status shows “In Transit, Arriving On Time”, it indicates that your package is currently being transported within the USPS network. It also means that there are currently no delays to be expected and your package should be arriving as scheduled.

USPS defines “In Transit” as anywhere within its network, meaning that it could be on its way to one of its regional centers where the package may be sorted and processed prior to delivery or undergoing its main transport leg (air, truck, etc.).

USPS defines “Arriving on Time” as arriving as per the intended schedule. This means that your package is anticipated to arrive at its destination without any delays. However, it’s important to note that delays may occur during any of the stages after being in transit, depending on the circumstances.

Once USPS notices a delay, the shipment status will typically change from “In Transit, Arriving On Time” to “In Transit, Arriving Late”.

What Activities Happen Before That?

Several stages occur before your package is en route to the destination location. The activities that take place are as follows:

USPS Shipping Label Created

The shipper prepares your package for transportation by creating a shipping label with the delivery details, such as your name and your delivery address. Subsequently, they pick and pack the products, prepare the relevant shipping documentation, such as shipping labels and invoices, and drop your package off at a USPS facility.

Package Received by USPS

When USPS has your package, the status will be changed to “Received at USPS Facility” if it was dropped off or “Picked Up by USPS” if it was scheduled for pick up, depending on the seller’s shipping arrangements. 

At this point, a tracking number and status are generated, showing that your package is with USPS and will be transported to its final destination.

Departed USPS Regional Facility

Your parcel will subsequently be delivered to a USPS regional facility after being sorted and consolidated by destination. Once the package has departed from the regional facility, it is then in transit to a local facility where the packages are processed for last-mile delivery.

What Activities Happen After That?

There are also various activities that take after your package is in transit and before it’s delivered. Below are some of the key activities that take place during this phase.

Preparing for Delivery 

At this stage, shipments are received and sorted in the destination facility. The package is scanned and processed at the delivery facility before being loaded onto the delivery vehicle. 

Out for Delivery

Once the package is loaded onto the delivery vehicle, its status will be updated to “Out for Delivery”. This indicates that the package has been scheduled for delivery and an attempt will be made to deliver it to you. 

Delivered

Once the package has been delivered successfully, its status will be updated to “Delivered”. This includes a delivery confirmation and an update on the tracking page.

It’s important to note that once a package is either handed over to the recipient, placed in a secure location, or left with a neighbor or building manager, it is deemed delivered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions about this status update. Feel free to write to us, if you would like to have your questions answered and added to the list.

Is There Anything I Need to Do If My Shipment Is In Transit and Scheduled to Arrive on Time?

If your shipment is in transit and is expected to arrive on time, no action on your part is required. In the meantime, you should be prepared or have someone to be available to accept the package and double-check the delivery address to ensure that it is correct. An incorrect or incomplete shipping address may cause the delivery to be unsuccessful.

Could My USPS Package Still Be Delayed?

If the update shows “In Transit, Arriving on Time”, you should not be expecting any delays until the status reflects that. If USPS is expecting any form of delay, due to unforeseen situations, the status should change to “In Transit, Arriving Late”.

Unforeseen circumstances can include adverse weather conditions, traffic congestion, road closures, increased shipping volume, delivery failures, and public health emergencies, affecting deliveries. 

What Should I Do if My USPS Package Doesn’t Arrive on the Expected Delivery Date?

If your shipment does not arrive on the specified delivery date, it’s best to contact USPS customer support. They will assist you in tracking your package and provide you with more information on its status. 

It’s crucial to note that delivery dates are only estimates, and delays can occur due to unforeseen factors like the ones mentioned above. 

Can My USPS Package Arrive Earlier Than the Expected Delivery Date?

Yes, your package may arrive earlier than the expected delivery date. The United States Postal Service provides projected delivery dates, and parcels may arrive earlier due to variables such as efficient handling and transportation or decreased traffic on delivery routes.

The delivery date is subject to vary, so keep an eye on the package’s tracking information. The status will not change to “Arriving Early”, but the date may change, and the message will remain “In Transit, Arriving On Time”.