USPS Tracking: Understanding Moving Through Network Status

Have you ever experienced the frustration of tracking a package stuck in the USPS system? The tracking info stubbornly displays in transit, moving through the network for an extended period, offering no further insights.

This enigmatic status becomes particularly irksome when you’re eagerly anticipating a delivery. In this article, we’ll delve into the specifics of what it means when your package is labeled as moving through the network with USPS.

The moving-through network status is a simple indicator that your package is somewhere within the USPS system, steadily journeying toward its designated destination. After undergoing an initial acceptance scan, it is currently navigating its way between postal facilities en route to its final delivery point.

While this status may not provide the most detailed information, it does offer assurance that your package is indeed in transit and hasn’t encountered any loss or delays. Nevertheless, the lack of specifics regarding its current location, limited to a vague moving-through network description, leaves much to be desired.

Continue reading to gain a deeper understanding of why packages find themselves in this status limbo and discover proactive steps you can take to address the situation.

Why Does Moving Through Network Happen?

Several key factors could contribute to your package remaining in the moving-through network status for an extended period:

Long Distance Travel

Shipments covering extensive distances, traversing various postal facilities and distribution centers to reach their final destination sort facility, often spend more time moving through network status facilities. Cross-country deliveries, for instance, may take over a week merely to traverse the hundreds of miles between the origin and delivery points.

Limited Scans Along the Route

Despite USPS’s effort to scan packages at each stop in the postal moving through the network, items traveling by truck between facilities might not undergo scanning. The absence of scans results in a lack of tracking updates beyond the initial moving through network scan.

High Package Volumes

During peak seasons, such as holidays, USPS experiences a significant surge in package volume. Increased volume can lead to packages lingering longer between scans as they await sorting and transportation. This delay might cause packages to become stuck in the moving-through network status when there’s an overwhelming number to process efficiently.

Weather or Transportation Issues

Severe weather events, trucking delays, and other transportation challenges can occasionally impede the smooth flow of packages between postal facilities. Packages may miss their scheduled transportation due to these issues, forcing them to wait and resulting in minimal tracking updates.

How Long is Reasonable for Moving Through Network?

Wondering when it’s time to be concerned about a package stuck in transit? Here’s a handy guide:

Within the Same City

• Typically, it should take a maximum of 1-2 days before another local scan occurs.

Within the Same State

• Depending on the locations of the main hubs, it might linger in status for 2-3 days.

Cross Country

• When covering extensive distances between states, anticipate a timeframe of 4-8 days for the journey.

To Alaska or Hawaii

• Given the air/sea transportation, shipments to these locations understandably require more time than cross-country ones.

These are general estimates, and individual packages may differ. In most cases, that elusive moving-through network status should last about a week for long-distance shipments. If your package surpasses these timeframes, it might be worth looking into other potential issues causing the delay.

What to Do If Your Package is Delayed Within The USPS Network?

If you find yourself worried about a package stuck in the moving-through network status for an extended period, consider these steps:

1. Give it Time: Allow a full week for the package to move between major hubs over long distances before becoming overly concerned.
2. Daily Check-ins: Stay vigilant by checking for updates daily. Quick scans may occur, and monitoring closely ensures you don’t miss any crucial information.
3. Address Accuracy: Double-check the delivery address to rule out any mistakes that could significantly hinder the delivery process.
4. Contact the Sender: Reach out to the shipper. They might have additional tracking information that isn’t visible to you or can initiate an inquiry on their end.
5. Contact USPS: If you suspect the package is genuinely lost or delayed, contact USPS. File a claim to prompt them to begin searching for the package.
6. Explore Refund Options: For orders from platforms like eBay or online retailers, inquire about potential refunds if the package experiences significant delays.

The moving through network status itself doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem. It simply signals that your package is still in transit between USPS facilities on its way to final delivery.

Other Common USPS Tracking Statuses

Apart from traversing the network, here are some other standard tracking statuses and their meanings:

Status	Description
Pre-Shipment Info Sent	The label has been generated, and a tracking number assigned. The package is yet to be handed over to USPS.
Arrived at USPS Facility	Delivered to the local post office and officially entered the postal system.
In Transit to Next Facility	Currently moving between USPS facilities on its journey to the final destination.
Out for Delivery	Presently on a delivery truck and scheduled for delivery on the same day.
Delivered	Successfully handed over to the specified address.
In Transit, Arriving Late	A delay has occurred, but the package is still en route.
Returned to Sender	Unsuccessful delivery, and the package is being sent back to the original shipper.

Common Reasons for USPS Post Delivery Delays

While navigating through a network is generally uneventful, encountering actual delays can understandably be quite frustrating. Here are some key reasons your package might experience delays beyond the anticipated delivery date:

• An inaccurate delivery address was entered.
• Extreme weather events or natural disasters.
• Trucking transportation delays.
• Peak holiday shipping overload.
• Customs clearance holdups (for international packages).
• No one is available to sign for signature confirmation.
• Improper packaging leads to damage.
• Wrong postage amount paid.
• Getting lost or misrouted within the USPS system.

Should your package face significant delays beyond the expected transit time, you have the option to file a claim with USPS. This allows them to initiate efforts to locate your package within their system or determine if it is, unfortunately, lost.

Tips for a Better USPS Shipping Experience

To spare yourself the hassle of chasing down delayed packages, consider these tips to ensure your shipments move smoothly:

• Confirm the accuracy of the delivery address when inputting it online.
• Visit the post office counter to have your items scanned; avoid simply dropping them off.
• Opt for express shipping methods such as Priority or Overnight for swift delivery.
• Safeguard your items from damage by packaging them properly according to USPS guidelines.
• Utilize USPS Click-N-Ship to print labels and ensure accurate tracking.
• Add insurance coverage for high-value items to safeguard against potential loss.
• Stay informed about upcoming weather issues along the delivery route.
• Provide the recipient’s phone number to facilitate communication if needed during delivery.

Key Takeaways: Decoding USPS Moving Through Network

If you come across a somewhat unclear status, there’s no need to stress! Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. The status simply indicates that your package is in transit between USPS facilities on its way to the final destination.
2. Longer distances or periods of high shipping volume can result in extended time within this status.
3. For shipments covering considerable distances, give it at least a full week before becoming concerned.
4. Make it a habit to check the tracking information daily to catch any missed updates.
5. If your package is genuinely lost or delayed, don’t hesitate to get in touch with USPS.
6. It’s important to note that the status itself doesn’t necessarily signal a problem.
7. Given the massive volume of packages shipped annually, some delays in transit times are inevitable.

This breakdown aims to demystify the somewhat vague moving-through network status, providing you with a clearer understanding of what to anticipate. Just exercise a bit of patience, and before you know it, your package will make its way to you.