USPS Label Created Not Yet in System: What It Means & What to Do (2025)
Quick Answer
"Label Created, Not Yet in System" means a shipping label was purchased, but USPS hasn't received the physical package yet.
- • The seller printed a label but hasn't dropped off the package
- • Your tracking number is valid but the package isn't moving
- • Normal wait time: 24-48 hours
Skip the Tracking Confusion
When you send mail through The Letter Pilot, tracking starts immediately when we mail it—no waiting for "Label Created" status.
Send Certified Mail OnlineSeeing "Label Created, Not Yet in System" on your USPS tracking? This status can be confusing and frustrating, especially when you're waiting for an important package. This guide explains exactly what this status means, why it happens, and when you should take action. If your package eventually shows "In Transit, Arriving Late", we have a separate guide for that.
Table of Contents
What Does "Label Created Not Yet in System" Mean?
This tracking status indicates that the sender purchased and printed a shipping label, which created a tracking number and transmitted the information to USPS electronically. However, USPS has not physically received or scanned the package.
Think of It Like This:
Buying a shipping label is like making an airline reservation. You have a confirmation number (tracking number), but you haven't actually boarded the plane (package not at USPS) yet. Learn more about how USPS tracking works.
- ✅ Tracking number exists and is valid
- ✅ USPS knows to expect a package
- ❌ Package is NOT in USPS possession
- ❌ Package is NOT in transit
Similar Status Messages
You might see these variations—they all mean the same thing:
- • "Shipping Label Created, USPS Awaiting Item"
- • "Pre-Shipment Info Sent to USPS"
- • "Pre-Shipment"
- • "USPS Awaiting Item"
- • "Origin Post is Preparing Shipment"
How Long Should This Status Last?
Under normal circumstances, "Label Created" should update within 24-48 hours once the seller drops off the package and it gets scanned.
| Time on Label Created | Situation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 24 hours | Normal | No action needed—be patient |
| 24-48 hours | Typical | Check again tomorrow |
| 3-5 days | Concerning | Contact the seller |
| 5-7 days | Problem | Open a dispute |
| 7+ days | Serious issue | Request refund immediately |
Factor in Weekends & Holidays
- • Labels created Friday may not scan until Monday
- • USPS holidays add delays to first scan
- • High-volume periods (Black Friday, holidays) can delay scanning
Label Created vs. Pre-Shipment: What's the Difference?
There is no difference. "Label Created, Not Yet in System" and "Pre-Shipment" are essentially the same status with different wording.
| Aspect | Label Created | Pre-Shipment |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Label purchased, awaiting package | Label purchased, awaiting package |
| USPS has package? | No | No |
| Package in transit? | No | No |
| What to do | Wait 24-48 hrs | Wait 24-48 hrs |
For more details on Pre-Shipment, see our USPS Pre-Shipment Meaning guide.
Why Is My Package Stuck on Label Created?
Several reasons can cause a package to stay on "Label Created" status longer than expected:
1. Seller Hasn't Actually Shipped
Most common reason. Some sellers print labels immediately to show "shipped" status in order systems, but don't actually drop off packages until later.
Common with: eBay sellers, Amazon third-party sellers, Etsy shops, small businesses
2. Awaiting Carrier Pickup
The seller scheduled a USPS pickup instead of dropping off. Carrier pickups can take 1-2 business days, especially in rural areas or during busy periods.
3. Missed Initial Scan
The package was dropped off but USPS didn't scan it at acceptance. This happens during high-volume periods or at drop boxes. The package may be in transit but tracking won't update until the next facility scans it. See our guide on USPS tracking not updating for more details.
4. System Delays
USPS tracking systems occasionally experience delays. The package might be scanned, but the information hasn't propagated to the tracking website yet. This usually resolves within a few hours.
5. Label Never Used
In rare cases, the seller created a label but never shipped the item (out of stock, fraud, etc.). If status doesn't change after 7+ days with no communication, this is likely. If you're trying to reach a seller or prove shipment on your own packages, certified mail provides legal proof of mailing.
What to Do About a Stuck Label Created Status
Action Timeline
- Day 1-2: Wait patiently—this is normal processing time
- Day 3: Check tracking on USPS.com directly
- Day 3-4: Message the seller asking for shipment confirmation
- Day 5: Request proof of drop-off (receipt or scan confirmation)
- Day 6-7: Open a dispute with the marketplace (eBay, Amazon, etc.)
- Day 7+: Request a full refund if no movement
Message Template for Seller
"Hi, my tracking number [XXXXXX] has shown 'Label Created' since [date] with no updates. Can you confirm the package was dropped off at USPS? If you have a drop-off receipt or scan confirmation, please share it. Thank you."
Red Flags
- • Seller ignores messages
- • "It shipped, just wait" without proof
- • Repeated delays and excuses
- • Request to wait past refund window
How to File Disputes
- • eBay: Go to Purchase History → Find Order → Report a Problem
- • Amazon: Your Orders → Problem with Order → Package Not Received
- • PayPal: Resolution Center → Report a Problem → Item Not Received
- • Credit Card: Contact issuer to dispute charge (last resort)
If tracking eventually updates but the package never arrives, see our guide on what to do when USPS says delivered but no package.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Label Created Not Yet in System" mean?
This status means a shipping label was purchased and printed, but USPS has not yet scanned or received the physical package. The tracking number exists, but the package isn't in the USPS network yet.
How long should "Label Created" status last?
Typically 24-48 hours. Most sellers drop off packages within 1-2 business days of creating the label. If it's stuck for more than 3-5 days, contact the seller.
Is "Label Created Not Yet in System" the same as Pre-Shipment?
Yes, essentially. Both statuses mean the shipping label was created electronically but USPS hasn't physically received the package. "Label Created Not Yet in System" and "Pre-Shipment" are used interchangeably.
Why does my tracking say Label Created for a week?
If "Label Created" persists for a week, the seller likely hasn't shipped the package, the first scan was missed, or there's a significant delay. Contact the seller immediately and request proof of shipment.
Can USPS find a package that only shows Label Created?
No. USPS cannot locate a package they haven't received. If tracking shows only "Label Created," the package is still with the sender. Contact the seller, not USPS.
What happens if the label expires?
USPS shipping labels are generally valid for 28 days from purchase. If unused, the label expires and the seller may be refunded. If your tracking still shows "Label Created" after 2+ weeks, the order likely wasn't shipped.
Can a package still arrive if it only ever shows Label Created?
Yes, it's possible but uncommon. If the initial acceptance scan was missed, the package may be in transit without tracking updates. However, it should eventually get scanned at a sorting facility. If you receive the package while tracking still shows "Label Created," the scans were simply never recorded.
Should I contact USPS or the seller for a "Label Created" status?
Contact the seller first. If tracking only shows "Label Created," USPS hasn't received the package yet and cannot help. The seller is responsible for confirming the package was actually dropped off. Only contact USPS if tracking has shown movement (like "Accepted") but then stopped updating.
Need Reliable Tracking From Day One?
When you send mail through The Letter Pilot, your tracking is active immediately—no "Label Created" waiting period.
Send Mail Online NowRelated Tracking Guides
Last updated:
Tags: label created not yet in system, USPS label created, shipping label created, pre-shipment, USPS tracking