The U.S. Postal Service operates a very well-organized system that serves millions of Americans every day. They ensure that shipments arrive at their destinations as soon as possible. When an item is dispatched for delivery, USPS tracking is updated throughout the day to indicate new developments as they occur. Awaiting Delivery Scan is one of these.
So, let’s take an in-depth look at what Awaiting Delivery Scan Meaning USPS is and what you should know about it.
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What Does “Awaiting Delivery Scan” Mean?
When the USPS tracking tool shows a parcel is “Awaiting Delivery Scan,” it usually means it’s in their possession but hasn’t been delivered yet. The notification may also indicate that the package was delivered but not scanned, or the package got lost en route. However, “Awaiting Delivery Scan” can mean a few things, so let’s find out more!
Why Does My Package Say “Awaiting Delivery Scan”?
If your parcel says “Out For Delivery” in the morning and “Awaiting Delivery Scan” by the afternoon, you may be confused. There are numerous reasons why this happens. The good news is it means the courier has your shipment.
Furthermore, this could indicate that the courier was scanning and updating statuses as they went through the parcels out for delivery. Below are some more reasons why your package is “Awaiting Delivery Scan.”
Read more: USPS Mail Handler
The Package is Awaiting Delivery
Your package may show “Awaiting Delivery Scan” because it is with USPS, but they have not been delivered yet. It means that the courier intends to deliver the package that day, but has not yet arrived at your home.
The Package Was Hidden
Sometimes a package “slipped through the cracks” in the delivery van, getting concealed behind larger parcels or under a seat. In such cases, the “Awaiting Delivery Scan” status may remain unchanged for a few days. Unfortunately, the recipient must wait until the package is found. However, it is comforting to know that it does not necessarily mean your package is lost.
The Package Was Not Updated After Delivery
Occasionally, notifications can be mistakenly assigned to a delivered package. Along their route, couriers scan shipments’ barcodes and manually update their status. Couriers are human like the rest of us, after all, so they might accidentally select the wrong status or overlook the update entirely.
How Long Does USPS Need to Scan Your Package?
The time required for USPS to scan your shipment is determined by various factors, including package volume. Therefore, the more parcels on a delivery truck or in a sorting center, the longer it takes to scan everything. A backlog can cause even bigger delays.
If your package’s status changes from “Out For Delivery” to “Awaiting Delivery Scan,” you’ll have to wait while USPS completes its work. Remember that even if your shipment is delivered, the courier may forget to change the delivery status.
Can USPS Deliver a Package Without Scanning It?
Yes, a package can be delivered without being scanned as “Delivered.” Instead, the parcel may still say “Out For Delivery” or “Awaiting Delivery Scan.” Although USPS attempts to keep package scans up to date, human error is always possible.
If this worries you, know that it could take a few hours. The tracking information for the package should then be changed from “Awaiting Delivery Scan” to “Delivered.”
What Does “Awaiting Item” Mean?
“Awaiting Item” is completely different from “Awaiting Delivery Scan.” This happens at the start of a parcel’s trip to its destination before USPS has even received the package. “Awaiting Item” means a label and tracking number have been assigned to the shipment. However, the sender must still bring the package to the post office to be scanned.
Keep Track Of Your Important Parcel!
Let’s take a look at some interesting facts about USPs starting with What Is USPS Liteblue, what is the difference between USPS Priority Mail vs First Class, How Fast IS USPS First Class, along with What Does Available For Pickup Mean USPS, and What Is USPS Informed Delivery?
If you’re still awaiting your parcel, then check out Does USPS Deliver On Saturdays, When Do USPS Trucks Go Out For Delivery, as well as Does USPS Have First Class Tracking, or if you’ve lost your receipt, Can You Track A USPS Package Without A Tracking Number, and Why Is USPS Tracking Not Updating, to find out the steps to take.
You might also be preparing your parcel and want to know Where Can I Drop off USPS Packages, as well as Can I Use Poly Mailers For USPS, and How Much Is A PO Box At USPS, or perhaps you’ve moved recently and need to know Does USPS Forward IRS And Other Government Mail, and finally, How Long Does USPS Forward Mail for 2023?
Final Thoughts
“Awaiting Delivery Scan” has several meanings, which makes it seem rather vague. But don’t panic. If your package has this status, you can be assured that USPS already has it, and it should arrive soon!
Hope your parcel arrives safe and sound!
