What Does "Out for Delivery" Mean?

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Yay! You just got a notification that your package is out for delivery, but what does that actually mean? Before you refresh that shipping page again, check out this article—we’ve put together everything you need to know about mailing and shipping lingo, along with delivery timetables for well-known shipping companies. Although this article won’t make your package come any sooner, you'll feel more confident about when it’s arriving on your doorstep.

Section 1 of 7:

What does “out for delivery” mean?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8e\/What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8e\/What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Your shipment has left your local shipping facility and is now sitting in the back of a delivery truck, headed to your home via a delivery route. [1]
    • “Out for delivery” means the same thing for all major carriers, including UPS, USPS, FedEx, Amazon, and DHL.
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 7:

When will my "out for delivery" package arrive?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/61\/What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/61\/What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Your package’s arrival time depends on how close you live to the delivery facility, as well as the length of the delivery route. Still, the vast majority of packages marked as “out for delivery” arrive by the end of the shipping company’s business day. [2] Here’s when each major shipping service ends deliveries:
    • USPS: 6:00 PM [3]
    • UPS: 7:00 PM [4]
    • FedEx: 8:00 PM [5]
    • DHL: 6:00 PM [6]
    • Amazon: 8:00 PM [7]
Section 3 of 7:

Is “out for the delivery” the last step?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ec\/What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ec\/What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    “Out for delivery” means that the package has reached the final mail/shipping facility and is en route to your home. There’s no extra shipping step that comes after this. [8]
    2. Advertisement
Section 4 of 7:

What's the difference between “in transit” and “out for delivery?"

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9f\/What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9f\/What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A package is considered “in transit” as it moves from shipping facility to shipping facility. Only when it is loaded on the delivery truck is your package considered “out for delivery.” [9]
Section 5 of 7:

USPS Shipping Statuses

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/ca\/What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/ca\/What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This means that your package is at your local post office, but it isn’t processed or out for delivery yet. If at least a day passes without any update on the status of your package, feel free to email a service request to get an update.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e1\/What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e1\/What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The mail truck driver arrived at your home with the package, but your mailbox or front porch was completely blocked off. Don’t worry, though—if you see this memo attached to your delivery, you can either schedule a redelivery online or stop by your local post office to grab your package.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/31\/What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/31\/What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

    The mail truck driver tried to drop off your package but wasn’t able to, so they left an official notice at your home. On the following business day, simply bring the notice along with an official form of ID to the post office so you can claim your package. [10]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

    The mail truck driver wasn’t able to drive to your address or get to your home for one reason or another. USPS will automatically try to redeliver your package the next day, but you can also schedule a redelivery over email if the “No Access” status doesn’t update after a day. [11]
    5. Advertisement
Section 6 of 7:

UPS Shipping Statuses

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1a\/What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1a\/What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

    The “Exception” status shows up when your package’s delivery gets delayed for some reason. UPS will update your tracking page as soon as possible so you can get a better idea of when your package is arriving. [12]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/af\/What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/af\/What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

    You’ll only see this memo if the sender submitted a request for your package to be transferred to your local post office. This status update means that your former UPS package has arrived at the post office—it just might take an extra day or 2 before it lands on your doorstep or in your mailbox. [13]
    3. Advertisement
Section 7 of 7:

FedEx Shipping Statuses

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/79\/What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/79\/What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

    This status means that your local FedEx facility may not have gotten your package yet, so they don’t have an accurate delivery date at the ready. [14]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f9\/What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f9\/What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-12.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

    This update means that your package ran into some sort of delay, but that FedEx is working really hard to get it delivered as soon as possible. FedEx officially recommends keeping tabs on your package with the original tracking number when you see this status update. [15]
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-13.jpg\/v4-728px-What-Does-Out-for-Delivery-Mean-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

    This update means that a random delay has unfortunately popped up, preventing your package from being delivered on its expected date. Issues at customs and holidays can lead to delivery exceptions. [16]
    4. 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

      Video

      Tips

      • Some shipping services will occasionally deliver past their normal business hours. For instance, a package shipped via UPS might land on your doorstep at 7:30 PM rather than 7:00. [17]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • If your package seems to be running late, call up the customer service line of the courier that’s transporting your item. You can reach USPS at 1-800-275-8777, UPS at 1-800-742-5877, FedEx at 1-800-463-3339, and DHL at 1-800-225-5345.
        Thanks
        Helpful 4 Not Helpful 4
      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!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Track a Package Without a Tracking Number
      How to
      Contact FedEx
      What Does “In Transit” Mean & How Long Will It Take to Get Your Package?
      What to Do When Your UPS Package Is Missing (But Says Delivered)
      How to
      Measure a Box for Shipping
      How to
      Find a USPS Tracking Number
      How to
      Use a Uline Strapping Tool
      How to
      Ship a Package with UPS
      ​​Tipping Furniture Delivery Workers: Is It the Norm?
      What Does “Package Being Processed at Carrier Facility” Mean?
      How to
      Ship a Cake
      How to
      Contact Postmates
      How to
      Become an Authorized Shipping Outlet for UPS
      What is UPS Mail Innovations Expedited Shipping & How Does it Work?
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.ups.com/us/en/support/tracking-support/where-is-my-package/understanding-tracking-status.page
      2. ↑ https://www.ups.com/us/en/support/tracking-support/where-is-my-package/understanding-tracking-status.page
      3. ↑ https://www.usps.com/ship/mail-shipping-services.htm
      4. ↑ https://ups.com/us/en/support/tracking-support/where-is-my-package/understanding-tracking-status.page
      5. ↑ https://www.fedex.com/en-us/tracking/guide-for-tracking-managing-deliveries.html
      6. ↑ https://www.dhlecommerce.be/en/consumer/support/delivery/delivery-times
      7. ↑ https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GEW3XT9JEMBLTKRV
      8. ↑ https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Where-is-my-package
      9. ↑ https://www.fedex.com/en-us/tracking/guide-for-tracking-managing-deliveries.html
      1. ↑ https://faq.usps.com/s/article/PS-Form-3849-Redelivery-Notice
      2. ↑ https://faq.usps.com/s/article/Where-is-my-package
      3. ↑ https://www.ups.com/us/en/support/tracking-support/where-is-my-package/understanding-tracking-status.page
      4. ↑ https://www.ups.com/us/en/support/tracking-support/where-is-my-package/understanding-tracking-status.page
      5. ↑ https://www.fedex.com/en-us/tracking/guide-for-tracking-managing-deliveries.html
      6. ↑ https://www.fedex.com/en-us/tracking/guide-for-tracking-managing-deliveries.html
      7. ↑ https://www.fedex.com/en-us/tracking/guide-for-tracking-managing-deliveries.html
      8. ↑ https://ups.com/us/en/support/tracking-support/where-is-my-package/understanding-tracking-status.page

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 194,688 times.
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement