UPS tracking status

UPS “Out for delivery”: what it means

The short answer

Normal

Your package is at your local UPS facility and on, or about to go on, today's delivery truck. UPS says homes typically get deliveries between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., and drivers can deliver as late as 9 p.m., later in the holiday season.

When to act: If the package was out for delivery but shows no delivery and no new date by the next morning, file a complaint and we send it to UPS.

Also shown as: “Out For Delivery Today” · “Loaded on Delivery Vehicle” · “On Vehicle for Delivery Today” · “Preparing for Delivery” · “Destination Scan” · “Processing for Delivery”

What to do now

Check the delivery window in tracking. With UPS My Choice, the Follow My Delivery map can appear about an hour before your window.
If a signature is needed, make sure someone is home, or use the options on the UPS InfoNotice if one is left.
Wait until about 9 p.m. before worrying. UPS drivers can deliver that late, and later in the holiday season.
If the package does not arrive, check tracking the next morning for a new date or an exception line, and save a screenshot of what it shows.
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 “Out for delivery” mean?

UPS says 'Out for Delivery' means the local UPS facility has received the package and dispatched it to a driver for final delivery. 'Loaded on Delivery Vehicle' is the scan made when it goes onto the truck. 'Preparing for Delivery', 'Destination Scan' or 'Processing for Delivery' means it is at the local facility being sorted for a route.

Seeing 'Loaded on Delivery Vehicle' without 'Out for Delivery' is common early in the morning, because trucks are loaded before they leave. Business addresses are generally delivered by close of business, unless the sender paid for a time-definite air service.

Why does UPS show it?

A long route with many stops
Heavy volume, especially before holidays
The driver ran out of time before your stop
A signature is needed and nobody is home
Access problems such as a gate or a locked lobby
Weather or traffic on the route

How long does it last?

Most packages are delivered the same day, often by early evening. If UPS cannot deliver a package that shows 'Out for Delivery', it says it will try again on the next business day, and tracking shows a new date.

Other UPS statuses

Label createdNormal
DelayKeep an eye on it
Delivered but not receivedTake action
On the wayNormal
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 “Out for delivery”

What time will UPS deliver if it says Out for Delivery?

UPS says homes typically get deliveries between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., and drivers can deliver as late as 9 p.m., later in the holiday season. Businesses are generally delivered by close of business.

What is the difference between Loaded on Delivery Vehicle and Out for Delivery?

'Loaded on Delivery Vehicle' is the scan when your package goes onto the truck. 'Out for Delivery' means it has been dispatched to the driver for delivery. Both usually mean delivery that day.

What happens if UPS doesn't deliver a package that is out for delivery?

UPS says it will try again on the next business day. Tracking usually shows a reason line and a new delivery date by the next morning.

Why does UPS still say On the Way on my delivery day?

The package may still be on its last leg or waiting to be sorted at your local facility. It can still arrive that day, and the status often changes to 'Out for Delivery' once the truck leaves.

Based on

UPS: What does my UPS tracking status mean?
UPS: Tracking support FAQ
UPS: Where is my package?
Paketda: UPS status 'Out For Delivery Today' (German)
UPS: File a claim
UPS Tariff/Terms and Conditions of Service, United States (PDF)