Are you waiting for an important parcel to arrive?
These days, it is fairly easy to keep track of the shipping process. The details are updated fairly regularly as your parcel goes through each stage of the journey. However, it is necessary to understand the different terms that are used by the United States Postal Service. While some of the terms can be easy to figure out, others are a bit more cryptic.
So, let’s find out… What Does Shipping Label Created USPS Awaiting Item Mean?
What Does This Term Mean?
If you see this message, it means that a shipping label has been purchased by the sender. However, the sender has not yet dropped off the item at a post office branch. As a result, the item has not been scanned and has not entered the system.
Although the shipping label has been paid for, it is still waiting for its first ‘in transit’ scan. This means that your parcel is not actually on its way to you yet. Let’s take a look at the reasons why this can happen and what you can do about it.
The parcel hasn’t been dropped off
The sender may have purchased a label and received a tracking number for it. However, they haven’t had time to visit the post office yet. Alternatively, they may be waiting for the parcel to be collected. Once the parcel is dropped off or collected, the tracking information will change. The status should read ‘dropped off’ or ‘in transit.’
The tracking system hasn’t been updated
It can take up to two business days for an employee to update the tracking system. The system can also glitch from time to time. This can mean that your parcel is on its way to you even though the status has not been updated.
The parcel hasn’t been scanned
Even though the seller has dropped off the parcel, it is still waiting to be scanned. It is not unusual to wait a day or even longer for the parcel to be scanned and entered into the system. This can happen if the post office branch is short-staffed due to illness or call-outs.
If nobody is available to scan your parcel for a while, it will not register as being received. While this can make you feel anxious, it is best to just be patient. It is sure to be scanned as soon as a member of staff is available.
The parcel hasn’t been scanned properly
The United States Postal System is known for being very efficient. However, each post office branch handles a large amount of post each day. Although it is unlikely, the parcel could have entered the mail stream without being properly scanned.
If this happens, your parcel will be on its way to you. When you check out the tracking information, it may suddenly appear to skip steps along the journey. In most cases, it is best to just patiently wait for it to arrive.
How Long Does The Stage Last?
The amount of time that passes before the delivery status changes depends on the cause. If the sender already purchased the shipping label, they are sure to be planning to drop it off soon. This means that the tracking status could change within a few hours, or a day at the most.
However, this stage can take much longer if the parcel is waiting to be scanned at the post office. In the weeks before a major holiday, the process could take up to five business days. In most cases, this is not a cause for concern.
Actions You Can Take
In most cases, the issue will resolve itself within a day or two. However, sitting around waiting for an urgent parcel to arrive can be difficult. Here are some things you can do to try and resolve the issue.
Contact the sender
If at least three days have passed, it’s a good idea to reach out to the sender. They will be able to let you know if they have dropped off the parcel. If they haven’t done it yet, this can be a good way to get things moving.
This is the best way to check if the sender has handed over the parcel. If they have, you can be sure that the tracking information will be updated soon. It is better to let the seller know that you are waiting rather than get frustrated.
Contact USPS
If the sender has already dropped off the parcel, the delay is caused by the United States Postal Service. If you are concerned, you can reach out to the company by phone or email. Alternatively, you can stop by your local post office branch.
You can also complete the inquiry form on the United States Postal Service website. You will be guided through the steps to provide detailed information about the issue. This includes providing the tracking number, details about the parcel, the sender’s information, and your contact details.
USPS will do everything to help…
No matter which method you choose, you can be sure that an employee will look into the issue for you. Depending on the situation, they may not be able to provide you with much information. However, they can let you know what you should do next to try and resolve the issue.
How To Know If The Seller Has Shipped The Parcel?
If you have purchased a product from a new seller, it is difficult to know how reliable they are. Some sellers take a very professional approach to this task and complete it as soon as possible. Others see it more as a side hustle and can take a few days to ship products to buyers.
There are also dishonest sellers around who have no intention of shipping products. Although they are happy to take money from buyers, they may not have a product to sell. These sellers are likely to tell you they have already shipped the parcel, even though they only created the label.
If the product has been damaged…
Another scenario is that the seller may have dropped the parcel and damaged the product. If the product has been broken or lost, they may be reluctant to admit it. Unfortunately, this could mean you end up waiting longer for the product to be replaced and sent to you.
The seller could have created a label but not dropped off the parcel. Unfortunately, you have no proof of whether or not this has happened. The best way to resolve the issue is to ask for a copy of the receipt.
Ask for the receipt
The seller will have been given a receipt when they dropped off the parcel at a post office branch. They can easily send you a photo or scan of the receipt as proof. This will also provide you with peace of mind.
The seller may claim that they were not given a receipt or forgot to ask for one. While this could happen, it is unlikely. If the parcel does not arrive within a few days, it is best to request a refund. Even though this could be a genuine oversight, it is unprofessional behavior on the part of the seller.
Why Shipping Steps Are Skipped?
If you are closely monitoring the tracking information, you may notice that steps along the journey seem to get skipped. At the start of the process, you may see the message’ shipping label created, USPS awaiting item’. However, the message could be updated to ‘out for delivery’ just a day later.
Your parcel tracking information is usually updated each time the parcel is scanned. However, the scanner an employee is using may not be working properly. In this case, your parcel will be sent on the next stage of its journey without the tracking information being updated.
How To Avoid The Situation?
If you regularly send products online, you are sure to be aware of the shipping process. It is important to provide your customers with a fast, efficient shipping service. Failing to do this can result in bad reviews, which can have a negative impact on your business.
It is best to drop off your parcel as soon as the shipping label has been created. Watch closely as an employee scans the parcel and make sure you get the receipt. You can then provide the buyer with a copy of the receipt to give them extra peace of mind.
Tracking Your Packages Safely
For your peace of mind when sending off a parcel, find out Does USPS Have First Class Tracking, or Can You Track A USPS Package Without A Tracking Number, or perhaps you need to know What Does Delivered To An Agent Mean USPS and what is the Departed USPS Destination Facility Meaning.
If you weren’t home for your delivery, then you’ll probably be wondering What Is A USPS Parcel Locker, and How Long Does USPS Hold Packages, or how about the steps you need to take when USPS Says Delivered But No Package, or even How To Refuse A Package USPS in 2023.
Alternatively, you could use UPS as a shipping service. We’ve created a few guides on the company, such as How Fast Is UPS 2nd Day Air, along with What Does In Transit Mean At UPS, Can You Drop Off USPS At UPS, and Does UPS Deliver On A Sunday, if you’re awaiting delivery on the weekend.
Final Thoughts
When someone sends you a parcel, it is a good idea to monitor the tracking information on the USPS system. This should let you know roughly where the parcel is and when it will be delivered. However, the message ‘shipping label created, USPS awaiting item’ indicates that your parcel has not been shipped yet.
In most cases, it is best to wait a day or two before checking the tracking information again. If it has not been updated yet, it may be a good idea to reach out to the sender. This will give you a clearer picture of where the parcel is and when it is likely to arrive.
Hope your parcel arrives safely!
