Have you ever received a “processed through USPS regional facility” update and don’t know what the hell it means? If that’s the case then here, we have provided an in-detail article about the update that will provide you with a good overview of how the USPS uses regional facility processes and transport the packages across the countries.
If you’re interested in knowing more about the update then stick to the article and you are all good to go.
What’s a USPS Regional Facility?
USPS has a wide network of male processing and distribution centers located all across the United States. There are more than twenty such regional distribution centers that serve a defined geographical region. For example, the USPS distribution center in the West handles all the packages and mail flowing in and out of the West Coastal states including the international ones.
These facilities act as a central hub where millions of packages are scanned and processed every single day. Upon scanning the packages are finally transferred to the local post offices via delivery trucks and from there, they finally get delivered to the recipient’s address.
Sometimes interruptions can also cause the package to get delayed beyond its expected delivery time. If you are facing something like that then you are just required to wait for a few extra days and your package will be delivered to you.
What’s the Meaning of “Processed Through Regional Facility”?
If you have got this process to regional facility update it indicates that your package or consignment has been received and processed at the regional distribution facility. After getting sorted the package is finally prepared for further transportation to reach its next destination which can be another regional facility or a local post office.
So there is nothing to worry about if you have got this update, it’s just a standard update indicating that your package is getting closer to getting delivered.
Why Does a Package Go Through Reginal Facilities During Transportation?
If you have got a “processed through regional facility” update it simply means that your package has passed one of these regional distribution centers and is on its way to get delivered.
These are a few reasons why a package goes through regional facilities during its transportation:
- Sorting: Regional facilities are often equipped with advanced sorting machines that help the employees sort the packages based on their destination address. After that, the packages are placed in the warehouse based on their destination which helps in the further transportation of the packages.
- Route Optimization: The USPS Network is designed to optimize the flow of incoming mail and packages. By routing the consignments through strategically located regional facilities USPS can manage transportation logistics more effectively, reducing costs and transit times.
- Consolidation & Distribution: This regional facility also acts as a consolidation point for various packages and consignments before they are finally distributed they are required destinations. This consolidation helped the shipping carrier to optimize the transportation routes and ensure that delivery trucks are being used more efficiently.
What happens with the package when it arrives at the regional facility?
When your package has arrived at the regional distribution centre it undergoes various steps before getting delivered to your home address. Here’s a brief overview of the whole process:
- Unloading: All the collected meals and packages from the local post office are finally delivered to these regional distribution centers via delivery trucks. After being unloaded the packages are finally scanned 10 to the carrier system so that the recipient can track its movement.
- Processing: At this stage, packages are finally sorted based on their zip code and delivery address. During the processing, if some important information is found to be missing then the packages are finally held up and the shipping carrier contacts the sender to retrieve the required information(not always.
- Transportation: At this stage, the packages are finally loaded up into trucks plains, and other vehicles so they can begin their journey to reach the required address within the expected delivery time.
- Reached Local Post Office: It is usually the last stage where packages finally arrive at the local post office and are finally out in the delivery vehicles for the recipient address.
- Out for delivery: It’s the final update for the package journey indicating that if package has been finally out for delivery. Make sure someone is there at the delivery location if you have not updated for signature release option.
What To Do if My Package Takes Way Too Long at the Regional Facility?
If a package seems to be stuck at the regional facility for several days without showing any progress then these are the few steps that you can take:
- Cross-check the tracking number: Make sure you double-check check the tracking number is correct by wasting the USPS website. Look for other indications like timestamps besides just the “processed through regional facility” scan.
- Be Patient: I know it may sound as stupid but sometimes waiting is the best option that you can choose. If the delay is caused by bad weather conditions or some temporary issue then you are only left to wait, as things are beyond carrier control so they can’t really do anything.
- Reach out to Customer Care Service: If a week has already passed and you haven’t noticed any change in the tracking status of your package then you need to contact the customer care service of the shipping carrier and let them know that something is wrong with their package.
- File a missing mail claim: If you think a package has either been lost or stolen then you can file a missing mail claim with the USPS and it will alert them to locate your package and get it delivered to your home address as soon as possible. But if somehow they were unable to locate your package then you are eligible to get full compensation as per the value of your package.