USPS "Arrived at Post Office" Explained: What It Means (2025)
Wondering what "USPS Arrived at Post Office" means for your package? Good news—this status indicates your package is at the final USPS location before delivery. This guide explains what this tracking status means, how long until delivery, and what to do if your package seems stuck.
Quick Answer
"Arrived at Post Office" means your package has reached your local post office. This is the last stop before delivery. In most cases:
- • Morning scan: Delivery likely that same day
- • Afternoon/evening scan: Delivery next business day
- • Weekend scan: Delivery Monday (unless you get Saturday delivery)
What "Arrived at Post Office" Means
This tracking status indicates your package has completed its journey through USPS distribution centers and reached the post office responsible for your delivery route. Here's what's happening:
Your Package Has Been Scanned
When you see "Arrived at Post Office," your package was scanned upon arrival at the delivery unit (your local post office). The location shown in tracking should be your city or a nearby city.
Awaiting Route Assignment
Your package is in the queue to be sorted and assigned to a mail carrier's route. This typically happens in the early morning hours before carriers depart.
Next Step: "Out for Delivery"
Once loaded onto the carrier's truck, tracking will update to "Out for Delivery." This scan often happens in the early morning, before carriers leave for their routes.
Typical Timeline After This Status
Package sorted at post office
Assigned to carrier's route
"Out for Delivery" scan
Loaded on carrier's truck
Delivery window
Delivery time depends on your location on the route
Delivery Timing by Arrival Time
| When Package Arrived | Expected Delivery |
|---|---|
| Before sorting begins | Usually same day |
| During early morning sorting | Often same day (if carriers haven't left) |
| After carrier departs | Next business day |
| Friday evening or Saturday | Monday (most areas) |
Exact timing varies by post office. Early morning generally means before carriers load their trucks.
Can I Pick Up My Package at the Post Office?
Yes, Usually
If your package shows "Arrived at Post Office," you can often pick it up instead of waiting for delivery. Here's how:
- Bring your tracking number
- Bring valid government-issued ID
- Visit during business hours
- Ask the clerk for your package
When You Can't Pick Up
- • Already "Out for Delivery": Package is on the truck
- • After carrier departs: You'll need to wait until they return
- • At a different post office: Only available at the location shown in tracking
Why Would a Package Be Stuck at This Status?
1. Arrived After Carrier Left
If your package arrived at the post office after the carrier departed for the day, it will wait until the next business day for delivery.
2. Requires Signature
Packages requiring signature may be held if a previous delivery attempt failed. Check for a notice left or schedule redelivery.
3. Address Issue
If there's a problem with the address (incomplete, incorrect, or undeliverable), the package may be held pending clarification.
4. Customs Clearance Delays (International)
For international mail, customs processing typically happens before packages reach your local post office. If your package shows "Arrived at Post Office" for several days, the delay is usually due to additional handling, security review, or local processing issues. In some cases, earlier customs-related issues or missing documentation can also contribute to the delay.
5. Weekend or Holiday
Mail isn't delivered on Sundays (except Priority Express and Amazon) or federal holidays. Packages arriving Friday evening may not go out until Monday.
What to Do If Your Package Is Stuck
Wait One Full Business Day
If tracking just updated to "Arrived at Post Office," give it until the end of the next business day before contacting USPS.
Check for Notices
Look in your mailbox for PS Form 3849 (peach-colored notice) indicating a delivery attempt or that pickup is required.
Visit or Call Your Post Office
If it's been more than 2 business days, contact the post office shown in tracking. Bring your tracking number and ID.
Request Package Intercept
If you need to pick up the package urgently, you may be able to use USPS Package Intercept to have it held for pickup.
Tip: For time-sensitive documents, consider using Certified Mail which provides detailed tracking and proof of delivery.
Related USPS Tracking Statuses
"Out for Delivery"
Package is on the carrier's truck and will be delivered today. Learn more
"Held at Post Office"
Package is being held for pickup. May require signature or ID. Learn more
"Notice Left"
Delivery attempted but unsuccessful. Check mailbox for redelivery notice. Learn more
"Delivered"
Package was delivered to the specified location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Arrived at Post Office" mean in USPS tracking?
"Arrived at Post Office" means your package has reached your local post office and is being prepared for delivery. This is typically the last stop before your package goes "Out for Delivery." You can usually expect delivery within 1–2 business days of this scan, though exact timing depends on your local post office and route.
How long after "Arrived at Post Office" will my package be delivered?
Most packages are delivered the same day or next business day after showing "Arrived at Post Office." If the scan happens early morning, delivery often occurs that day. If it arrives late in the day, expect delivery the next business day.
Can I pick up my package at the post office after it shows "Arrived"?
Yes, in most cases you can pick up a package that shows "Arrived at Post Office." Bring your tracking number and valid ID. However, if the package is already on the carrier's truck ("Out for Delivery"), you'll need to wait until the carrier returns.
Why is my package stuck at "Arrived at Post Office"?
A package may stay at "Arrived at Post Office" if it arrived after the carrier departed, requires a signature and awaits your redelivery request, has an address issue needing clarification, or is experiencing additional handling or local processing delays (common with international packages). Contact your local post office for status.
Need Reliable Tracking for Important Mail?
Certified Mail provides tracking and proof of delivery or attempted delivery for important documents.