What USPS’s “Moving Through Network” Tracking Update Means

PDF download Download Article
A simple guide for navigating a delayed USPS package
PDF download Download Article

Packages experience a long journey before landing on your doorstep or mailbox. Sometimes, a package may wind up with a "Moving Through Network" update due to a lack of scanners, unexpected weather, or delivery delays. But what does this ambiguous status mean? The good news is your package is slowly making its way to you. This guide will teach you everything you need about this USPS status.

The Meaning of "Moving Through Network" via USPS

The "Moving Through Network" status indicates that your package has been scanned and processed at the initial drop-off location and is now slowly navigating the expansive USPS system to its final destination. Generally, it can take anywhere from 1 to 8 business days for your package to arrive.

Section 1 of 4:

What does “Moving Through Network” mean?

PDF download Download Article
  1. While "Moving Through Network" is vague, rest assured your package is slowly making its way to you. "Network" refers to the expansive USPS distribution hubs and sorting centers before reaching your local post office. It's an umbrella term for the following status updates: [1]
    • In Transit
    • Arrived at USPS Facility
    • Departed USPS Facility
    • Forwarded
    • Forwarded Processed
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

How long should you wait for a USPS package?

PDF download Download Article
  1. When your package arrives depends on the type of USPS service selected. Refer to the guide below for estimated delivery: [2]
    • Priority Mail: 1-3 business days
    • Priority Mail Express: 1-2 days by 6 pm (delivers on Sundays).
    • First Class Mail: 1-5 business days
    • Media Mail: 2-8 business days
    • USPS Ground Advantage: 2-5 business days
    • International shipping services can take 1 to 10 business days, depending on the shipping service and location. [3]
Section 3 of 4:

What to Do if Your Package is Delayed

PDF download Download Article
  1. USPS offers free tracking on a majority of their packages. Visit https://www.usps.com/ and enter the 22-digit tracking number in the search bar to receive the latest updates. [4] Locate your tracking number on a USPS receipt or an order confirmation email from the sender.
  2. Unexpected delays happen, so give your package adequate time to arrive. Similarly, it's not uncommon for packages to be scanned early by accident.
    • If your package hasn’t arrived after this time frame, contact USPS or the sender for support.
  3. For Priority Mail Express, call or email at 6 pm local time on the guaranteed delivery date if your package has yet to arrive. However, for other packages, like Priority Mail, First-Class Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage, you can contact support after 5 or more days from the mailing date. However, you should still give your package at least a week to arrive before reaching out. [5]
    • Parcel Select, Media Mail, Bound Printed Matter, Library Mail, Periodicals, and USPS Marketing should be contacted after 14 or more days from the date of mailing.
    • USPS Ground Advantage should be contacted 14 or more days after mailing if it contains hazardous materials or live animals.
    • Call your local post office if your mail is late or call 1-800-275-8777 for further assistance. [6]
  4. Contact the retailer or sender to inquire about any shipment updates. They may have additional information on their end. If not, refer to their return or refund policies for next steps.
    5. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

Common Causes for USPS Delays

PDF download Download Article
  1. When you first mail a package, it gets scanned into the USPS system to activate its unique tracking number. However, sometimes, as it moves through the network, there can be limited scanners along the route, especially if they're being transferred from truck to truck in between facilities. [7]
  2. Severe weather conditions are a classic way to delay anything. If there's a heavy storm, it can create unsafe driving conditions or even cause damage to USPS facilities. Packages may miss their scheduled delivery date due to these issues, causing limited tracking updates. [8]
  3. During peak holiday seasons, like Christmas, USPS experiences a high volume of packages. While USPS has measures in place—like offering Sunday delivery, pop-up facilities, and extended hours for workers—this may cause packages to sit longer between scans before they make it to their next destination. [9]
  4. Unfortunately, you never know when a conveyor belt or a delivery truck will experience a problem. Transportation or mechanical issues can cause a package to miss its estimated delivery window. [10]
  5. USPS packages have a long journey before reaching you. Packages transfer through different hands and locations, from distribution centers, sorting hubs, your local post office, and your doorstep. Occasionally, a misstep in the process can delay your package. But rest assured, it's still arriving. [11]
  6. A simple typo can derail when your package arrives. In these scenarios, the package may be returned to the sender due to an insufficient address or mailed to the wrong address entirely. Always double-check your address before mailing or ordering a product. [12]
    • If possible, contact the sender for insufficient address issues or have the package resent.
  7. If you’re expecting a package from overseas, you may experience additional delays if your package is held up due to incorrectly filled-out custom forms. Always ensure your paperwork is accurately filled out and filed.
    8. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Address a Letter
      How to
      Know How Many Stamps to Use
      How to
      Address to a PO Box
      How to
      Get a Tracking Number
      Can I Pick Up My USPS Package Before Delivery? Your Questions Answered!
      How to
      Send Certified Mail (USA)
      How to
      Stop Mail for Previous Residents
      How to
      Reactivate a Disabled USPS Account & Why It Was Disabled
      How to
      Contact the United States Postal Service: Customer Support & More
      How to
      Contact FedEx
      A Simple Guide to Getting a Free USPS PO Box
      How to
      Pick a Mailbox Lock
      How to
      Mail a Postcard
      What Does “Acceptance Pending” on a USPS Tracking Page Mean?
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Where-is-my-package
      2. ↑ https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Shipping-Products-and-Services
      3. ↑ https://www.usps.com/international/mail-shipping-services.htm
      4. ↑ https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction_input ?
      5. ↑ https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Delayed-Mail-and-Packages
      6. ↑ https://www.usps.com/help/contact-us.htm
      7. ↑ https://postageguru.com/guides/usps-moving-through-network-meaning-guide/
      8. ↑ https://postageguru.com/guides/usps-moving-through-network-meaning-guide/
      9. ↑ https://about.usps.com/news/electronic-press-kits/holidaynews/2014/pdf/hc2014_faqs.pdf
      1. ↑ https://postageguru.com/guides/usps-moving-through-network-meaning-guide/
      2. ↑ https://postageguru.com/guides/usps-moving-through-network-meaning-guide/
      3. ↑ https://postageguru.com/guides/usps-moving-through-network-meaning-guide/

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 11,536 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement