Are you expecting a package from USPS, then you might have seen the “Shipping Label Created, USPS Awaiting Item”. Do you know what it means? Is there anything that you need to do to get your package delivered fast?
If you are confused then about what you should do next, there’s nothing to worry about. Here in this blog post, we have tried to cover all the things related to the ‘Shipping Label Created’ so don’t have to wonder here and there.
What’s the Meaning of “Shipping Label Created, USPS Awaiting Item?”
The “Shipping Label Created, USPS Awaiting Item” means that the shipping label(the one that contains all the information about the package and recipient) for your package has been created successfully but the package hasn’t made its way to the USPS. Once the Package is delivered to the United States Postal Service (USPS), they will scan and process it, which in turn will change the Tracking Status of the package.
The ‘Awaiting Item’ simply means that a shipping label has been created online, but the package has not yet been received by USPS. Once the USPS gets possession of the package they will process it and move it forward for shipping.
This status remains until USPS physically scans the package in their facility, which mostly happens when the package is dropped off at a postal facility or picked up by a mail carrier. Till that time, USPS tracking will show you the status as ‘Awaiting Item’, meaning that they are waiting to receive the package to process and ship.
Why Does the USPS Package Remain stuck on Awaiting Item?
There can be many possible reasons for the tracking status to say Awaiting Item. Here, I have given you a couple of reasons that might be behind the package showing the Issue.
- The package hasn’t been dropped off yet: This mostly happens when the shipping label for the package has been created but the USPS hasn’t received the package yet. Make sure you’ve taken the package to a post office(if you are doing it all by yourself) and drop it off there so that it makes its way to the USPS facility.
- Missed a Scan: This usually happens when the package misses the initial scan at the USPS facility (at the pickup point). This can cause the tracking status to remain stuck on “awaiting item” even though the package is actually moving through the system. Don’t worry, it will be updated with the next scan at a sorting facility or in another distribution center. You just have to wait for a bit.
- Missing or damaged label: In this case, the shipping label might get missed(lost) or damaged, which in turn prevents the USPS from scanning the package and updating the tracking status. If you think this is the cause of the issue, then you can contact USPS customer service for assistance.
Also Read – FedEx International Shipment Release Import
Why is My USPS package stuck on the label created?
I know it’s frustrating to see the tracking status remain stuck on “Shipping Label Created USPS Awaiting Item”, I have personally faced this issue several times.
You might be wondering what’s wrong with my package and why it’s taking so long to update the status. Down below are some of the possible reasons why your Tracking status remains stuck on “Shipping Label Created USPS Awaiting Item”.
- Missed Scan: This is the most common reason when USPS has the label information, but they somehow forget to scan the package physically. The package might be at the post office waiting for pickup, in transit in a facility, or at the sorting facility without an initial scan. You don’t need to worry about anything, it will be updated within a day or two once it gets scanned at the next stage.
- Seller Didn’t Drop Off: Creating a Shipping label doesn’t mean that the package will be delivered to USPS on the very same day. As you know, the shipping label is a kind of postage label that stores all the important data about the package like the address of the recipient, content, and a lot more. If you are still seeing your status stuck on the same issue it simply means the shipper is yet to deliver the Package to USPS.
- System Delay: During the peak time, the USPS tracking system can cause delays which take from a few hours or even 2 working days for the status to update, even if the package is moving along the system.
- Incorrect Label: If the shipping label of the item is incorrect or damaged then it can prevent the USPS from scanning the package properly. This can happen due to a typo in the address, a damaged barcode, or an issue with the printing.
- Bad Weather: Bad weather conditions can also cause the packages to remain stuck in the facility thereby halting the movement of the packages. This causes the tracking status to remain stuck on “Shipping Label Created USPS Awaiting Item” until the weather clears up and the movement of the goods starts again.
- Backlogs: This usually happens when the USPS experiences a high volume of packages and the queue to do the initial scan is quite long. Depending upon the number of packages, it takes from a few hours to even days to process and update the Tracking Status of the package.
- Package is Lost: This happens very rarely when the package is lost dring the transit and the status remains stuck on the same issue. If something like this happens to you then you should contact the USPS by filling out a form or try to contact the shipper.
How long does it take to ship after the label created USPS?
In normal cases, the package will be scanned and shipped by USPS within 1-2 business days after the label is created. After the initial scan, the tracking status will show you the correct status of your package.
But, if the USPS facility is already experiencing backlogs and a high volume of packages then the shipping will be delayed from a few days to even weeks.
In rare cases, if the package somehow misses the initial scan then the Tracking status will remain stuck on the same issue even if the package is on its way to make nearest destination hub.
Also Read – Inbound Out Of Customs Meaning
What Should I Do When the Status Remain Stuck On “Shipping Label Created USPS Awaiting Item?”
- Wait for a few days: When your status is stuck on ‘Shipping Label Created’, the best thing you can do, is to wait for a bit longer after the scheduled delivery date has passed. When the package arrives at the USPS facility it gets scanned and an expected delivery date is provided. If your package has passed the expected delivery date ans still their is no update about it, then you need to contact the USPS.
- Contact the seller: The fastest way to resolve this issue is by contacting the seller. It’s the duty of the sender(seller) that the package is delivered to the recipient on the scheduled date. If you contact them with all the information they can help you to get the packages a bit fast.
- Contact USPS customer service: If you’re still concerned, especially if the package has been stuck for more than a week, then you can also contact USPS customer service. They can investigate the issue and provide more information about your package’s status. However, I will say contacting the seller is a better option than USPS because USPS pays more attention to the sender.