USPS tracking status

USPS “Awaiting delivery scan”: what it means

The short answer

Keep an eye on it

Your package went out for delivery, but no delivery scan was recorded by the evening. USPS now expects to deliver it the next business day. Sometimes it was delivered and the scan was simply missed.

When to act: If more than 1 full postal business day has passed since this status and nothing has been delivered, file a complaint and we send it to USPS.

Also shown as: “Delivery Status Not Updated”

What to do now

Check your mailbox, porch, other doors, your parcel locker key and with neighbors, in case it was delivered without a scan.
Wait 1 full postal business day; USPS expects to deliver it then.
Turn on text or email updates on the tracking page so you see the next Out for Delivery or Delivered scan.
If it still has not come, take a screenshot of the tracking with the Out for Delivery and Awaiting Delivery Scan lines and their times for your complaint.
Still not sorted? File your complaint here. We write it with you and send it to USPS, so you do not have to chase it yourself.

Start my complaint

What does “Awaiting delivery scan” mean?

USPS sets this status automatically. Its help page says it appears when no Delivered status was recorded by 9 pm local time on the day of the Out for Delivery scan; its internal scan list describes it as no delivery, notice or other attempt within 18 hours of Out for Delivery. The tracking text reads: we now anticipate delivery of your package the next business day.

Usually one of two things happened. The carrier ran out of time and the package went back to the post office for the next day's route. Or it was delivered, but the carrier did not scan it at your door, so the system never received the Delivered event. USPS itself says a missing delivery scan does not always mean the item was not delivered.

Why does USPS show it?

The route ran long and the carrier brought the package back
The package was delivered but the scan was missed or did not upload
Bad weather or a vehicle problem cut the route short
Heavy package volume, with extra delivery runs that did not finish
The package was loaded on the wrong route

How long does it last?

In most cases the package goes out again the next business day and then shows Delivered. If it was already delivered without a scan, the status may stay as it is.

Other USPS statuses

Label created, USPS awaiting itemKeep an eye on it
Moving through networkNormal
Tracking not updatingKeep an eye on it
In transit, arriving lateKeep an eye on it
Alert: delivery exceptionKeep an eye on it
Origin Post is Preparing ShipmentKeep an eye on it
Arrived at Post OfficeNormal
Out for DeliveryNormal
No access to delivery locationKeep an eye on it
Notice leftTake action
Held at post officeTake action
Insufficient addressTake action
ForwardedKeep an eye on it
Delivered, but not receivedTake action

All USPS statuses →

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

Bought it online from a business? Then the seller is usually responsible until the package is delivered. The seller chose USPS, bought the label and holds the mailing record that USPS needs for a lost package, so a late, lost or damaged order is in most cases the seller's to put right with a replacement or a refund.

Sent it yourself? Then your contract is with USPS, under the mailing rules in its Domestic Mail Manual. Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express and USPS Ground Advantage include insurance of up to $100 for merchandise on most shipments; without insurance USPS pays nothing for loss or damage. Insurance does not cover delay, or a package lost or taken after delivery.

Questions about “Awaiting delivery scan”

What does Awaiting Delivery Scan mean on USPS?

The package was out for delivery, but USPS has no record of delivery by the evening. USPS now expects to deliver it the next business day.

Was my package delivered if it says Awaiting Delivery Scan?

Possibly. USPS says a missing delivery scan does not always mean the item was not delivered. Check around your home first, then wait one business day.

Why does USPS say out for delivery but it was not delivered?

Carriers sometimes cannot finish all deliveries, especially on heavy days. Unfinished packages go back to the post office and usually go out the next business day. Awaiting Delivery Scan appears the same evening, when no delivery was recorded by 9 pm local time on the Out for Delivery day.

How long can Awaiting Delivery Scan last?

Usually one business day. If more than 1 full postal business day passes without delivery, file a complaint on Complain.biz and we send it to USPS.

Based on

USPS FAQ: Where is my package? Tracking Status Help
USPS PostalPro: Domestic Tracking Scan Events (event codes and tracking texts)
USPS FAQ: USPS Tracking, The Basics
USPS Domestic Mail Manual 609: Filing Indemnity Claims for Loss or Damage
USPS FAQ: Domestic Claims, The Basics