UPS tracking status

UPS “On the way”: what it means

The short answer

Normal

UPS has your package and it is moving through the UPS network toward you, with a scheduled delivery date. It can stay in this status for days, and on long trips UPS may not scan it again until it reaches the destination hub.

When to act: If the scheduled delivery date passes with no delivery and no new date, or a short trip goes several business days without a scan, file a complaint and we send it to UPS.

Also shown as: “Shipped” · “In Transit: On Time” · “Your package is on the way” · “We Have Your Package” · “Arrived at Facility” · “Departed from Facility” · “Processing at UPS Facility”

What to do now

Check the scheduled delivery date. If it has not passed and the package is still getting scans, you do not need to do anything.
Look at the last facility scan to see roughly where your package is.
If you want to change where or when it arrives, check UPS My Choice. Some changes cost extra, and some shippers block them.
If the date passes with no update, save a screenshot of the tracking with the last scan and the scheduled date.
Still not sorted? File your complaint here. We write it with you and send it to UPS, so you do not have to chase it yourself.

Start my complaint

What does “On the way” mean?

UPS says 'Shipped/On the Way' means it has received the shipment, the package is moving through its network and it now has a scheduled delivery date. Packages can stay in this status until they go out for final delivery.

The lines underneath show the journey: 'We Have Your Package' (the first scan), 'Arrived at Facility', 'Departed from Facility' and 'Processing at UPS Facility'. Gaps of a day or more between them are normal on long truck legs, because scans mostly happen at facilities.

Why does UPS show it?

A long distance between hubs, often by truck
The package is waiting at a hub for its next connection
A weekend or holiday, when fewer packages move
Heavy volume, especially before holidays
A delay that has not been scanned yet

How long does it last?

On the day of delivery the status usually changes to 'Out for Delivery'. Until then, expect a scan each time the package arrives at or leaves a UPS facility, sometimes with gaps of a day or more.

Other UPS statuses

Label createdNormal
DelayKeep an eye on it
Delivered but not receivedTake action
Out for deliveryNormal
ExceptionKeep an eye on it
Delivery attemptedTake action
Address information requiredTake action
Clearance in progressKeep an eye on it
Warehouse scanKeep an eye on it

All UPS statuses →

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

If you bought it online from a business, the seller is usually responsible until the package is delivered to you. The seller chose UPS, paid for the shipping and is the one UPS pays on a claim, so a late, lost or damaged order is in most cases for the seller to put right, with a replacement or a refund.

If you sent the package yourself, your contract is with UPS, under the UPS Tariff/Terms and Conditions of Service. UPS's liability is limited to $100 per package unless you declared a higher value and paid for it when shipping, and UPS is not liable for late delivery except on services sold with its service guarantee.

Questions about “On the way”

What is the difference between On the Way and Out for Delivery?

'On the Way' means the package is moving through the UPS network. 'Out for Delivery' means your local UPS facility has dispatched it to a driver for delivery that day.

Why has my UPS package been On the Way for days without an update?

UPS says packages traveling long distances often are not scanned again until they reach the destination hub. Several days without a scan can be normal on a cross-country trip. On a long trip, worry only if the delivery date passes.

What does 'We Have Your Package' mean?

UPS has picked up or received the package and scanned it into its network. The next scans show it moving between facilities.

What does On the Way with a delay mean?

The package is in the network but behind schedule. Read the reason line in the tracking details. Most delays clear within a few days and come with a new delivery date.

Based on

UPS: What does my UPS tracking status mean?
UPS: Where is my package?
Paketda: UPS status 'In Transit: On Time' (German)
UPS Tariff/Terms and Conditions of Service, United States (PDF)
UPS: File a claim