USPS tracking

What is USPS?

USPS, an acronym for United States Postal Service, is the official postal service of the United States of America. It is an independent agency of the American federal government, responsible for collecting, sorting, transporting and distributing mail and parcels across the entire national territory. Founded in 1775, USPS ranks among the oldest operational postal services in the world, its history being closely tied to that of the American nation itself. Benjamin Franklin was its first Postmaster General, laying the foundations for an institution that would become one of the pillars of communication and commerce in the United States.

Since the postal reform of 1971, USPS operates as an autonomous entity within the executive branch of the federal government. Although it is a public organization, the American postal service operates without direct taxpayer funding for its routine operations. Its revenues come primarily from the sale of stamps, postage and postal services. This particularity makes USPS a self-financed public enterprise, whose universal service mission is guaranteed by the American Constitution and federal legislation.

The American postal service is led by a Postmaster General and supervised by a governance board called the Board of Governors. The organization is directed by a Postmaster General, a position that has seen many notable figures succeed one another over the decades. The organization is also subject to regulations from the Postal Regulatory Commission, which ensures compliance with universal service obligations and regulates certain postal rates. This governance structure aims to ensure that USPS fulfills its public service mission while maintaining economic viability.

• Founding date: 1775, under the initiative of Benjamin Franklin who became the first Postmaster General of the United States
• Legal status: Independent agency of the American federal government since 1971
• Headquarters: Washington D.C., United States
• Workforce: More than 600,000 employees, the majority of whom are permanent
• Annual revenue: More than 80 billion dollars in annual operating revenue
• Delivery points: More than 170 million addresses served daily

USPS represents one of the largest civilian employers in the United States. Its mail carriers and sorting agents process and deliver billions of shipments each year, ensuring a daily presence in the lives of American individuals and businesses. The postal service operates a considerable logistics infrastructure comprising more than 30,000 post offices and contact points across the country, as well as more than 230,000 delivery vehicles forming one of the largest civilian vehicle fleets in the world.

Which countries does USPS deliver to?

USPS's distribution network covers the entire American territory, including the fifty states, the District of Columbia, as well as American territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands. This national coverage represents more than 170 million addresses served daily, from major metropolitan areas to the most isolated rural areas. The postal service is historically committed to distributing mail six days a week, Monday through Saturday, across the entire national territory.

For overseas and remote destinations, USPS offers services adapted to geographical constraints. Hawaii, Alaska and Pacific island territories benefit from regular air connections to guarantee competitive delivery times despite the distance. American military bases abroad are also served through addresses in APO (Army Post Office) and FPO (Fleet Post Office) format, allowing military personnel and their families to receive mail as if it were domestic shipments.

Internationally, USPS ensures the shipment of mail and parcels to more than 180 countries around the world. This global coverage is made possible through Universal Postal Union agreements and partnerships established with national postal operators in each destination country. When a USPS parcel is shipped internationally, it will be taken over by the postal operator of the destination country for final distribution. For example, a shipment to the United Kingdom will pass through Royal Mail, while a parcel destined for Germany will be delivered by Deutsche Post.

• Continental United States: Complete coverage of the 48 contiguous states with delivery six days a week
• Alaska and Hawaii: Complete services with air transport to ensure reasonable delivery times
• American territories: Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa and Northern Mariana Islands
• Military bases: APO/FPO addresses for American military installations worldwide
• International: More than 180 countries and territories served via Priority Mail International, Priority Mail Express International and First-Class Mail International services

International USPS shipments are subject to customs regulations of each destination country. All international commercial shipments must include a six-digit harmonized code on customs declarations, in accordance with Universal Postal Union regulations. This measure aims to facilitate customs clearance and improve merchandise traceability globally. USPS provides online tools to help shippers correctly fill out required customs forms.

What are USPS services and delivery times?

USPS offers a complete range of postal services adapted to the varied needs of individuals and businesses. From economical shipments to guaranteed express deliveries, the American postal service offers solutions for all budgets and all urgencies. Each service is distinguished by its transport times, tracking options and specific guarantees.

Priority Mail is USPS's flagship service for rapid shipments across the nation. This priority service ensures delivery in two to three business days depending on distances, with detailed tracking and basic insurance of $100 included. USPS provides Priority Mail packaging free of charge, including boxes and envelopes at flat rates allowing shipment of parcels at a fixed price regardless of weight, within the limit of 31.75 kg. This Flat Rate option proves particularly advantageous for heavy shipments over short distances.

For the most urgent shipments, Priority Mail Express represents the fastest service offered by USPS for domestic deliveries. This premium service guarantees delivery in one to two business days, often by the next day in metropolitan areas. Priority Mail Express includes a refund guarantee if the promised delivery date is not met, proof of delivery with optional signature and precise tracking of shipment. Delivery is assured seven days a week, including Sundays and holidays in many areas.

• Priority Mail Express: Guaranteed delivery in 1 to 2 days, including weekends, with refund for delays. Rates starting from approximately $30
• Priority Mail: Delivery in 2 to 3 business days, tracking included and $100 insurance. Rates starting from $10.20 at the counter
• USPS Ground Advantage: Economical delivery in 2 to 5 days for parcels up to 31.75 kg. Launched in 2023, this service replaced several older ground services
• First-Class Mail: Basic service for letters and small shipments up to 13 ounces, ideal for everyday correspondence
• Media Mail: Reduced rate for shipping books, CDs, DVDs and other educational materials, with longer delivery times

USPS Ground Advantage, launched in 2023, represents the standard economical solution for parcel shipments across the United States. This service offers delivery in two to five business days for parcels weighing up to 31.75 kg, with tracking included and basic insurance. Ground Advantage replaced several older ground services such as Parcel Select Ground and Retail Ground, thus simplifying USPS's offering for non-urgent shipments. Rates are calculated based on parcel weight and dimensions, with a cubic pricing option for compact but heavy shipments.

For document and small object shipments, First-Class Mail remains the standard service. Economical and reliable, it concerns shipments weighing up to 13 ounces and benefits from priority processing within the postal network. Letters and postcards are generally delivered in two to five business days depending on distance. Media Mail, for its part, offers reduced rates for shipping books, manuscripts, CDs, DVDs and other educational materials, in exchange for longer delivery times that can reach eight business days.

What are USPS rates and maximum dimensions accepted?

USPS pricing is based on several criteria including parcel weight, dimensions, distance to travel and the level of service chosen. The American postal service regularly adjusts its rate charts, with increases generally occurring in January and July of each year. These rate adjustments typically represent increases in the range of 5 to 8% depending on services involved.

The maximum weight allowed for any USPS shipment is 31.75 kg, regardless of the service chosen. This limit applies uniformly to Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express and USPS Ground Advantage. For First-Class Mail shipments, the limit is set at 370 g for parcels and 100 g for simple letters. Shipments exceeding these weights must use an appropriate parcel service.

Regarding dimensions, the general rule states that parcels cannot exceed 274 cm in length and combined girth. For USPS Ground Advantage, this limit is raised to 330 cm combined. Length corresponds to the largest dimension of the parcel, while girth is calculated by measuring the perimeter of the thickest section perpendicular to the length. Minimum dimensions are set at 12.7 cm length, 8.9 cm width and 0.02 cm thickness.

• Maximum weight: 31.75 kg for all USPS parcel services
• Maximum dimensions: 274 cm length plus combined girth (330 cm for Ground Advantage)
• Minimum dimensions: 12.7 cm x 8.9 cm x 0.02 cm for machine-readable shipments
• Priority Mail Flat Rate: Fixed price regardless of weight, as long as the content fits in the free packaging provided
• Dimensional weight: For bulky but lightweight parcels, the rate can be calculated based on dimensional weight (L x W x H / 166)

USPS Flat Rate options offer an interesting alternative for certain types of shipments. With Priority Mail Flat Rate, the shipper pays a fixed price determined by the size of the packaging, regardless of the actual weight of the contents (within the 31.75 kg limit). Standard, legal and padded Flat Rate envelopes are offered at varying rates depending on the format chosen. This option proves particularly advantageous for heavy shipments over long distances.

USPS also applies the concept of dimensional weight for bulky but lightweight parcels. Dimensional weight is calculated by multiplying the length, width and height of the parcel in centimeters, then dividing the result by a standard conversion factor. If the dimensional weight exceeds the actual weight, it is the dimensional weight that will be used to calculate the rate. This method aims to reflect the space occupied by the parcel in transport vehicles and aircraft, rather than its physical weight alone.

What are USPS delivery options?

USPS offers numerous flexible delivery options allowing recipients to receive their parcels according to their preferences and constraints. From standard home delivery to post office pickup, including automated lockers, the American postal service adapts to modern lifestyles and shipping security requirements.

Home delivery constitutes the default distribution method for the vast majority of USPS shipments. Mail carriers conduct their routes six days a week, Monday through Saturday, depositing mail and small parcels directly in the recipient's mailbox. For parcels too large to fit, the mail carrier may place them at the door or in a secure location on the property. In certain high-density urban areas, parcel deliveries are also made on Sunday to absorb large volumes, particularly during holiday periods.

The Hold For Pickup service allows the recipient to have their parcel held at the local post office rather than receive it at home. This option is particularly useful for people who are often away or wish to secure the receipt of a valuable shipment. The parcel is held for a determined period, generally fifteen days, during which the recipient can retrieve it at the counter upon presentation of a valid ID.

• Home delivery: Standard distribution Monday through Saturday, with Sunday delivery in certain areas for parcels
• Hold For Pickup: Parcel held at post office for recipient pickup
• PO Box: Rental of a secure mailbox at a post office, accessible during business hours
• Smart Parcel Locker: Automated lockers available 24/7 in certain areas, with unique pickup code
• Package Intercept: Ability to redirect a parcel in transit to a new address or post office
• Redelivery: Rescheduling delivery after unsuccessful attempt

Mailboxes (PO Box) represent a popular solution for many Americans to receive their mail securely and confidentially. Available in most post offices, these private mailboxes offer different sizes adapted to mail volumes received. A notable advantage is the ability to use a street address (Street Addressing) to receive parcels from other carriers such as FedEx, UPS or Amazon directly in your PO Box, subject to service availability.

USPS Smart Parcel Locker automated lockers represent a recent innovation allowing recipients to retrieve their parcels 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When a parcel is placed in a locker, the recipient receives a unique pickup code via SMS or email. They simply need to go to the locker, enter the code and retrieve their package at their convenience. This service is being gradually rolled out in high-density population areas.

The Package Intercept service allows the shipper or recipient to change the destination of a parcel in transit, provided it has not yet been released for delivery. For a fee of $15.95, it is possible to request the return of the parcel to the shipper or its redirection to a new address or post office. This option proves invaluable in case of address error, change of plans or need to secure an important shipment.

What should I do if my USPS parcel is lost or damaged?

In case of loss or damage affecting a USPS parcel, the American postal service offers a claims procedure allowing for compensation under certain conditions. This procedure, called "indemnity claim," applies to shipments covered by insurance, whether it is the basic insurance included in certain services or additional insurance purchased at the time of shipment.

Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage services automatically include basic insurance covering up to $100 in declared value. For Priority Mail Express, this coverage amounts to $100 as well, while Priority Mail International offers $200 insurance. Beyond these amounts, it is possible to purchase additional insurance at the time of shipment to cover the total value of contents, subject to additional fees calculated according to the insured amount.

A claim for a damaged parcel or missing items must be filed within 60 days from the shipment date. USPS recommends filing the claim as quickly as possible after discovering the problem. For lost parcels, the filing deadline extends from 15 to 60 days after shipping, allowing time for the parcel to reappear in the postal network before concluding to a definitive loss.

• Claim deadline: Between 15 and 60 days after the shipment date depending on the type of problem
• Required documents: Original shipping receipt, proof of value (invoice, transaction receipt), photos of damage if applicable
• Filing method: Online at usps.com or directly at the counter of the local post office
• Processing time: Generally 5 to 10 days to receive a decision
• Compensation payment: 7 to 10 business days after claim approval
• Appeal: Ability to contest a decision within 30 days of notification

To file a claim, the shipper or recipient must provide several supporting documents. The original shipping receipt is the cornerstone of the file, proving the existence of the shipment and its insurance level. You must also provide proof of the value of the contents, which may take the form of a purchase invoice, an online transaction receipt or an estimate from a professional. In case of damage, photos of the parcel and its contents in the condition received are essential. It is important to preserve the original packaging and all items received until the case is closed.

The claim can be filed online on the usps.com website, where a digital form allows uploading of supporting documents in PDF or JPG format. It is also possible to go directly to the local post office to file a claim with a supervisor. USPS typically processes claims within 5 to 10 days and notifies the claimant of its decision by mail or email. If approved, payment occurs within 7 to 10 business days.

If the claim is partially approved or rejected, it is possible to file an appeal within 30 days of receiving the decision. The appeal follows the same process as the initial claim and must be accompanied by additional elements justifying the dispute. A second appeal can be filed in case of new rejection, always within 30 days. USPS customer service can be contacted at 1-800-332-0317 for information on paper claim forms.

Does USPS handle international shipments and customs formalities?

USPS ensures the shipment of mail and parcels to more than 180 countries around the world, offering multiple service levels adapted to shipper needs. From economical shipments to express deliveries with delivery guarantee, the American postal service offers complete solutions for exporting goods and documents internationally. Managing customs formalities is an integral part of these services, although certain obligations fall on the shipper.

First-Class Mail International is the most economical option for sending letters, documents and small lightweight parcels abroad. This service is suitable for shipments not requiring accelerated delivery, with timelines varying depending on destination. Small First-Class International packages are generally limited to approximately 1.8 kg and sometimes benefit from partial tracking to the American border, with tracking in the destination country depending on agreements with the local postal operator.

Priority Mail International addresses larger or faster-delivery international parcels and correspondence. Shipments benefit from full end-to-end tracking and basic insurance of $200. This service covers the vast majority of countries with competitive delivery times, generally between 6 and 10 business days to Western Europe. Priority Mail Express International represents the international express version, offering the shortest delivery times with a refund guarantee for certain destinations in case of timeline exceeding.

• First-Class Mail International: Economical shipping of letters and small parcels up to 1.8 kg, limited tracking depending on destinations
• Priority Mail International: Parcels up to 31.75 kg, complete tracking and $200 insurance included, delivery times of 6 to 10 days depending on destinations
• Priority Mail Express International: Express service with delivery guarantee for certain countries, end-to-end tracking
• Global Express Guaranteed (GXG): Premium service in partnership with FedEx, shortest guaranteed delivery times

All international USPS shipments, with the exception of First-Class letters under 16 ounces containing only documents, require a customs declaration. The shipper must complete the appropriate form, generally PS Form 2976-R, detailing parcel contents, value and origin. All international commercial shipments must mandatorily include a six-digit harmonized code (HS code) for each item, in accordance with Universal Postal Union regulations. This requirement aims to facilitate customs clearance and improve merchandise classification globally.

USPS provides the Click-N-Ship tool to facilitate international shipment preparation. This online platform guides the shipper through the customs form process and automatically generates required shipping labels and declarations. It is crucial to provide detailed and accurate descriptions of contents, as errors can result in delays, additional import fees, or even rejection or confiscation of the parcel by destination country authorities.

Customs fees and import taxes are generally the responsibility of the recipient in the receiving country. USPS does not include prepaid customs clearance service in its standard offerings, unlike some private express carriers. The recipient may thus be contacted by local customs services for payment of duties and taxes before parcel release. For high-value shipments or goods subject to specific regulations, it is recommended to inquire about import formalities in the destination country before shipping.

Understanding tracking statuses

When tracking a USPS parcel online, different statuses may appear to inform you of your shipment's progress through the American postal network. These statuses, generated automatically at each stage of transport, allow you to locate your parcel and anticipate its delivery date. Here are the main USPS tracking statuses and their meaning: