The United States Postal Service (USPS) handles over 130 billion pieces of mail and packages annually, making it the largest postal network in the United States. USPS delivers to every address in the US including PO Boxes and military APO/FPO addresses — something private couriers do not always cover. This guide explains how USPS tracking works and how to get live status for any USPS shipment.
USPS Tracking Number Formats
USPS uses several tracking number formats depending on the service. Priority Mail and Priority Mail Express use 22-digit numbers starting with 94 or 95 (e.g. 9400111899223403411899). First Class Package Service uses numbers starting with 92. Certified Mail starts with 92 and is 20 digits. USPS Retail Ground and Parcel Select also use 22-digit numbers starting with 92 or 94. International USPS shipments use a 13-character format: 2 letters, 8 digits, "US" (e.g. LZ123456789US or EA123456789US). The first two letters indicate the service: EA/EB = Priority Mail Express International, LZ/LX = First Class Package International.
Which USPS Services Include Tracking?
Not all USPS services include tracking. Services with full tracking: Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, First Class Package Service, USPS Retail Ground, Parcel Select, Certified Mail, Registered Mail, and all international services listed above. Services without tracking: standard First Class Mail letters, Marketing Mail (bulk mail), and Media Mail (books, DVDs) typically have limited or no tracking. If tracking is important, always use Priority Mail or a tracked service level.
Where to Find Your USPS Tracking Number
Your USPS tracking number is on: (1) the receipt from the Post Office where the item was mailed, (2) the shipping confirmation email if ordered online — look for "USPS tracking" or "shipment ID", (3) the USPS shipping label on the package itself, (4) your USPS Informed Delivery dashboard if you are enrolled. If an online seller used USPS to ship your order, the tracking number is typically in the dispatch email.
How to Track USPS on Trackora
Paste your USPS tracking number (20 or 22 digits, or the 13-character international format) into the Trackora search box. Trackora auto-detects USPS and displays available events — from "USPS in possession of item" through "In transit to destination" to "Delivered" or "Available for pickup". International USPS packages are handed to the destination country's postal service and may continue to update once in the receiving country.
USPS Tracking Status Messages Explained
"Pre-shipment info sent to USPS" — the seller created a label but has not dropped it off yet. "USPS in possession of item" — the package was accepted at a Post Office or by a carrier. "In transit to next facility" — the package is moving through the USPS network. "Out for delivery" — your local postal carrier has the package today. "Delivered" — the package was delivered to the mailbox, front door, or handed to a resident. "Available for pickup" — the package is at your local Post Office awaiting collection (often due to a missed delivery or size).
Why Is My USPS Package Not Updating?
USPS tracking gaps of 24–48 hours are common, especially for First Class packages in transit between facilities. International packages can show no updates for 1–2 weeks while in transit by sea or air. If your package has not updated for more than 7 days domestically or 4 weeks internationally, USPS considers it "missing in transit" — file a Missing Mail search request at usps.com. Trackora will notify you the moment your USPS tracking status changes.