If you ordered something from another country or have a friend living abroad, then you’ve probably given some thought to international mailing.
International mailing isn’t USPS’ area of expertise, but the company does a good job of getting packages where they need to go.
One way USPS does this is through international distribution centers, including the one in Jamaica, New York. If you see this on your tracking information and have questions, then check out our article for more facts on this subject!
What Is the Jamaica NY International Distribution Center In [currentyear]?
USPS’ International Distribution Center in Jamaica, New York is a mail processing facility for incoming and outgoing international mail in [currentyear]. It’s located at 8840 164th Street in Queens, New York. Incoming packages usually spend about 4 days here before being dispatched to their next destination. For more information about the status of your package, call 718-990-1090.
You probably have a lot more questions about this center and what it means for your package, so read on for more useful facts and tips!
What Is the Jamaica NY International Distribution Center?
USPS’ International Distribution Center in Jamaica, New York is a mail processing facility responsible for processing and sorting mail coming into and going out of the United States.
After getting clearance from the Customs and Border Patrol, incoming international mail is then handed over to USPS for distribution throughout the United States.
Where Is the Jamaica NY International Distribution Center?
This international distribution center is located at:
8840 164th St.
Queens, NY 11432
Why Is My Package at the Jamaica NY International Distribution Center?
If your package is coming from another country, then it will invariably pass through one of USPS’ international distribution centers.
These centers are responsible for processing, sorting, and distributing mail after it has passed through customs inspection.
Why your package ends up at one location or another isn’t always clear. However, the reason is likely because that’s the most efficient route for your package to take, as determined by USPS.
Why Would a Domestic Package Be at the Jamaica NY International Distribution Center?
Although most of the packages at international distribution centers are coming from abroad, it’s not uncommon for these locations to process domestic mail as well.
While it can’t be said for sure, your domestic package may pass through one of these locations because it makes logistical sense for USPS.
What Does “Processed Through Jamaica NY International Distribution Center” Mean?
If you’re keeping a close eye on your tracking information, you may see the status “Processed Through Jamaica NY International Distribution Center.”
This means that your item has likely finished USPS processing and is awaiting shipment.
In other words, the distribution center has cleared the package, but it hasn’t left the building yet.
You may see this status for several hours or days, because Standard (i.e. non-express) USPS shipping is on a first-come, first-served basis, and there are likely packages ahead of yours.
Therefore, be patient, and your package will be dispatched soon.
You will know that your package has been dispatched when you see “Departed Jamaica NY International Distribution Center” on your tracking information.
How Long Does a Package Stay at the Jamaica NY International Distribution Center?
It’s tough to say exactly how long your package will stay at an international distribution center.
This is because a number of factors including mail volume, time of the year, and staffing have an impact on the workflow.
Storing mail is incredibly inefficient, so USPS aims for a 24-hour turnaround time. If everything is going right, then this is an attainable goal.
Unfortunately, things are rarely perfect, so packages spend an average of 4 days at the international distribution center before being dispatched.
At a minimum, your package will spend at least an hour at the center, but a few days is more likely.
Can Items Be Held at the Jamaica NY International Distribution Center?
It’s possible for your package to be held at the Jamaica, New York International Distribution Center.
In most cases, items are held due to a customs issue. If that’s the case, the customs service may try to contact you to resolve the issue.
How Do I Contact the Jamaica NY International Distribution Center?
If you’re having problems locating a package or just have a question, you can contact the Jamaica NY International Distribution Center by calling:
718-990-1090 or toll-free at 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777).
Additionally, if you’re nearby, you can make an in-person visit.
Retail hours are between 9:00 AM and 5:30 PM Monday through Friday and 9:00 AM to 3:00 on Saturdays. This location is closed on Sundays.
You can also visit during lobby hours. These hours are between 7:00 AM and 5:30 PM Monday through Friday, and 7:00 AM through 3:00 PM on Saturdays. However, it’s closed on Sundays.
If you are looking to learn more, you can also read our posts on USPS regional facility, USPS sorting facility, and if USPS First Class have tracking.
Conclusion
It can be weird, frustrating or annoying (or all three) to see Jamaica, NY International Distribution Center on your tracking information. That’s especially true if your item seems stuck in a holding pattern.
Unfortunately, you can’t do much more than practice patience and wait a few days. If your item still hasn’t moved after a week or more, feel free to call the distribution center for updates.
