Amazon tracking status

Amazon “Package delayed in transit”: what it means

The short answer

Keep an eye on it

Your package has shipped but will miss its estimated delivery date because of a holdup between facilities or on the route. Amazon says most late packages arrive within 48 hours of the estimated date, and asks you to wait that long before reporting it.

When to act: If 48 hours have passed since the estimated delivery date without delivery, file a complaint and we send it to Amazon.

Also shown as: “Delayed in transit” · “Running late”

What to do now

Open Your Orders, select Track package and note the carrier and tracking number.
If USPS, UPS or FedEx has it, check their tracking for the latest scan; they often show more detail than Amazon.
Wait 48 hours past the estimated delivery date; Amazon says most delays clear within that time.
Take screenshots of the order page, with the estimated or guaranteed delivery date, and of the tracking, and note your order number, for your complaint.
Still not sorted? File your complaint here. We write it with you and send it to Amazon, so you do not have to chase it yourself.

Start my complaint

What does “Package delayed in transit” mean?

Amazon shows Package delayed in transit, or Running late, when a shipped package will not make the promised date. The package is still on its way; it has not been declared lost. If Amazon delivers it, Amazon emails you when it knows about a delay, and the tracking page may show a new estimated date.

Who can tell you more depends on the carrier. If Amazon Logistics delivers it, Amazon's own tracking is the most detailed. If USPS, UPS or FedEx has it, Amazon simplifies their updates and says the carrier has the latest information, so check the carrier's site with the tracking number from Track package.

Why does Amazon show it?

Bad weather on the route
Heavy traffic or a vehicle breakdown
High demand in peak periods such as the weeks before Christmas
A missed connection at a sort center or carrier facility
Customs checks on international orders
A delay inside USPS, UPS or FedEx's network

How long does it last?

Amazon says most late packages arrive within 48 hours of the estimated delivery date, and the tracking may switch to a new date or to Out for delivery.

Other Amazon statuses

Delayed, not yet shippedKeep an eye on it
Arriving todayNormal
Shipped, no tracking updatesKeep an eye on it
Out for deliveryNormal
Delivery attemptedTake action
UndeliverableTake action
Delivered, but not receivedTake action

All Amazon statuses →

Who is responsible for a late or missing package from Amazon?

Bought it on Amazon? Then Amazon or the seller is usually responsible until the package is delivered. Amazon handles late, missing and undeliverable packages for orders it ships, including Amazon Logistics deliveries and Prime items from other sellers. For items sold and shipped by a third-party seller, the seller is responsible first, and Amazon backs those orders with its A-to-z Guarantee.

When USPS, UPS or FedEx delivers an Amazon order, the carrier's customer is Amazon or the seller, not you, so a refund or replacement still comes from Amazon or the seller. Amazon does not publish a cover limit; for items it sold, it refunds an undeliverable package automatically once the package is back at Amazon.

Questions about “Package delayed in transit”

What does package delayed in transit mean on Amazon?

The package has shipped but is running behind its estimated delivery date. It is still on its way. Amazon asks you to allow 48 hours past the estimated date before reporting it.

Will Amazon compensate me if my package is late?

Amazon's published rule covers only a missed guaranteed delivery date: if no delivery attempt was made by that date, Amazon refunds the shipping fees when you ask. Delays outside Amazon's control, such as a strike, natural disaster or severe winter storm, are excluded. Other late orders have no set compensation; if the package never arrives, file a complaint on Complain.biz and we send it to Amazon.

Can I get compensation for a delayed Amazon Prime delivery?

Amazon's help pages list none beyond the shipping fee refund for a missed guaranteed date, and Prime One-Day and Two-Day Delivery carry no delivery fee for members, so there is usually nothing to refund. Amazon itself handles late Prime orders, including Prime items from third-party sellers.

Why is my Amazon package running late with no tracking?

Often the carrier has not scanned it yet; Amazon notes that packages processed in bulk may not be acknowledged until their first scan. The tracking catches up once the carrier scans it.

Does running late mean my Amazon package is lost?

No. Running late means the delivery estimate has moved, not that the package is lost. Treat it as missing only if it has not arrived 48 hours after the estimated delivery date.

Based on

Amazon Help: Late Deliveries
Amazon Help: Tracking your package
Amazon Help: Missing Tracking Information
Amazon Help: Cancel Items and Orders
Amazon Help: Delivery Guarantees
Amazon Help: A-to-z Guarantee
Amazon Help: Guaranteed Delivery Terms and Conditions
Amazon Help: Amazon Prime Delivery Benefits
Amazon Help: How Long Does Amazon Delivery Take?
Amazon Help: Undeliverable Packages
Amazon Help: Contact a Carrier