If you’re eagerly waiting for a package, chances are that your eyes are glued to your tracking information. When looking, you might see updates like “In Transit,” “Departed USPS Regional Facility,” or the coveted “Out For Delivery.”
All of these are pretty easy to figure out, but what does “Arrived at Hub” mean? If you’d like to find out, keep reading this article to learn what it means for your package!
What Does “Arrived at Hub” Mean at USPS In [currentyear]?
USPS’ mail delivery network is made up of a series of regional facilities, sometimes called Hubs. These facilities sort mail based on its final destination, and prepare it for the next part of the delivery process. An “Arrived At Hub” status on tracking information means that a package has reached one of USPS’ distribution centers in [currentyear].
If you want to know more about packages marked “Arrived At Hub,” then make sure you read until the end for more useful facts and information!
What Is a USPS Hub?
Before getting into the tracking updates you may receive from USPS Hubs, it’s important to know what Hubs are and what they’re used for.
In the simplest terms, a Hub is a central postal facility responsible for transporting mail to the smaller facilities that it services.
Directing mail through Hubs, whether they’re Network Distribution Centers (NDCs), Area Distribution Centers (ADCs), or Sectional Center Facilities (SCFs), allows USPS to get mail to its final destination as quickly and as inexpensively as possible.
What Does “Arrived at Hub” Mean at USPS?
Seeing “Arrived At Hub” on your tracking information means that your package has reached one of USPS’ mail processing centers.
These facilities are responsible for unloading pallets of mail, scanning packages, and sorting them based on their destination.
Given everything that goes on when a package reaches one of USPS’ Hubs, the “Arrived at Hub” update is unfortunately rather vague.
For example, it could mean that your package has been processed and is ready to go out for delivery within hours.
Or, it could mean that your package still needs to be sorted, a process that could take days, depending on mail volume and employee attendance.
That being said, if your package is from Amazon or was sent via Priority Mail, there’s a decent chance that you’ll receive it the same day you see “Arrived at Hub” on your tracking.
How Long Will My Package Stay at a USPS Hub?
In most cases, your package shouldn’t stay at a USPS Hub for more than a day or two.
That being said, there are some horror stories about people waiting weeks or months for their package to move on.
Still, the actual amount of time it stays depends on a number of factors.
One factor is the type of mail service your package was sent with.
If your item was sent via Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, or through Amazon, you can be confident that your package will be out for delivery within a day or two.
If your package was sent with a non-priority service, it could take a few more days for USPS employees to get around to sorting it.
Another factor impacting how long your package stays at a Hub is the amount of work a particular Hub is burdened with.
Hubs that have a large backlog of packages to get through, or that are understaffed, will understandably take longer to sort packages.
This is also true during the busy holiday season when mail volume increases.
How Long Does It Take for a Package to Deliver After It Has Arrived at the Hub?
Given all of the factors impacting packages at USPS Hubs (e.g. mail class, workload, or employee absences), it’s impossible to say exactly how long it will take your package to get from a Hub to your mailbox.
If your package is at a Hub in your state or town (sometimes called a Destination Hub), then there’s a good chance that you’ll receive your package the same day or the following day.
If, however, your package is at a Hub halfway across the country, then it could be several more days before you receive your package.
Where Will My Package Go After It Arrives at a USPS Hub?
Where your package goes after being processed through a USPS Hub depends on where the Hub is located, in relation to the delivery address.
If the Hub is located close to your address, then your package will typically go to your local post office, which will then pass it to a mail carrier.
If the Hub is farther away, then it will likely go to another sorting facility.
Can I Pick up a Package From a USPS Hub?
While it may be tempting to pick up your package from a USPS Hub (especially if it’s close by), it’s not possible.
Not only are these facilities closed to the public, but they’re also not set up for mail pickup.
These centers are responsible for sorting thousands of packages, using barcodes and other mechanical methods.
Trying to find a single package here would be like trying to find a needle in a haystack.
Therefore, if you want to prevent your package from going out for delivery, you can ask your local post office to hold it for you, using the Package Intercept tool.
What Should I Do If My Package Is Stuck at a Hub?
As mentioned above, packages usually spend about a day or two at a Hub, depending on their mail class.
If your package hasn’t moved for 3 or more days after entering a Hub, it’s worth your while to contact USPS for further information.
The company may be able to tell you that your package has moved, even though the tracking information hasn’t been updated.
Similarly, starting an inquiry could speed up the process if your package is stuck in limbo.
Try calling USPS customer service at 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777).
To learn more, you can also read our posts on what does “in transit” mean at USPS, what does “destination scan” mean at USPS, and what does “out for delivery” mean at USPS.
Conclusion
Seeing “Arrived At Hub” could mean a lot of things, so it’s best to be patient if that’s what your tracking information is indicating. Your package will likely arrive a few days after seeing this update. If it does not, however, contact USPS for more information.
