When a package is on the move toward you, you can’t help but check the USPS Tracking every other hour (or minute).
But if you aren’t familiar with Postal Service lingo, lines like “In Transit to Destination” can leave you bewildered as to what is actually going on.
So, what does In Transit to Destination mean on the USPS Tracking tool? Here is your answer below!
What Does USPS in Transit To Destination Mean?
A package whose current status via the United States Postal Service’s tracking tool online shows up as “In Transit to Destination” is currently traveling on the road or in the air. It is between distribution centers or between distribution and final destination facilities.
Let’s take a closer look at how In Transit to Destination is different from Out for Delivery, what Parcel Stuck In Transit means, and even if you can intercept a package while it’s in transit. Keep reading for the details!
What Does “In-Transit To Destination” vs. “Out For Delivery” Mean?
One of the things I personally enjoy about the USPS Tracking tool is how it registers every barcode scan as a parcel moves from point A to point B.
In-Transit to Destination is a good sign for the recipient, as it means the package in question is on the move.
It might still be hundreds of miles away, but the distance is literally in the process of closing between you and your package.
(If only we could know if our packages were “in transit” via air or highway!)
While it’s common not to know what the next destination is, if you live anywhere for a decent amount of time and receive shipments, you can probably guess as it gets closer.
As exciting as it can be to see an item is in transit, Out for Delivery is even better.
This means the package is no longer traveling along the network of distribution centers; it’s practically in your backyard, on the mail carrier’s truck, and heading to you that very day.
What Does USPS “Parcel Stuck in Transit” Mean?
In very rare cases, USPS.com Tracking might update and show your package as Parcel Stuck In Transit.
Yes, this means that your package is probably going to be delayed, and there are quite a few reasons why this could have happened.
- Weather: If a random surprise snowstorm hits the highway where your package is traveling along to the next distribution facility, delivery will slow.
Who knows what could be happening – roads could be impassible both from snow or accidents, employees unable to make it in to work, etc.
- Damaged label: If the label, namely the barcode, got smeared or smudged and can no longer be read, it must be manually pulled from sorting.
Postal employees will then have to do a bit of sleuthing to figure out where the parcel is intended to go. This takes time.
- Prohibited goods: Did you try to mail alcohol? Huge no-no. The stuck parcel is the least of your worries if a bottle breaks and you’re caught out.
Not only is your package not making it to the destination, but you just technically committed a felony.
How Long Until You Get Your Package If USPS In Transit To Destination?
The best way to determine how much longer you have to wait while your package is In Transit is to refer to the USPS.com Tracking tool’s Estimated Delivery Date.
That’s because there is really no way of knowing when it will arrive, especially if the parcel is far from you still.
If you’re in California and your package is in Kansas, chances are good it’s going to make at least a few more stops along the way (especially if it wasn’t sent Priority or Priority Express).
Certainly, the closer your package gets to you, the more accurate the Estimate Delivery Date may be.
Most people start to get a good idea of where the last In Transit to Destination stop will be for their area, too.
(I personally have two typically, and they’re both about 90 miles away from my city.)
Can You Pick Up a Package From USPS in Transit?
Some USPS shipments allow for USPS Package Intercept, where both the sender or recipient can have the parcel held at the distribution facility of their choice for them to come retrieve.
This can be done while the package is In Transit; in fact, that is the preferable time to do it because when it is Out for Delivery or has already been delivered, it’s too late.
To learn more about USPS delivery services, you can also see our posts on USPS delivery instructions, USPS delivers to door, and if you can use duct tape on USPS packages.
