Waiting for a package to arrive is like the adult version of Christmas. Luckily, unlike Christmas where you’re forced to snoop around and guess where presents are hidden, ordering something online gives you a tracking number that tells you exactly where your item is.
Tracking numbers provide all kinds of information, but occasionally they’re a letdown. That’s especially true when you see “Label Created USPS Awaiting Item.” If you don’t know what that means and want to, then be sure to check out this article for more information!
What Does Shipping Label Created USPS Awaiting Item Mean In 2024?
Shipping Label Created USPS Awaiting Item is the tracking term USPS uses to indicate that a shipping label has been purchased, but has not yet been scanned into the USPS system in 2024. Seeing this designation could mean that your item hasn’t been dropped off yet or that the post office has a large backlog of packages to deal with.
You’ve probably still got questions about this frustrating tracking term, so be sure to keep reading for more facts and tips!
Why Does My Package Say Shipping Label Created?
If you’ve recently dropped off a package or have placed an order online, your tracking information may say “Shipping Label Created USPS Awaiting Item.”
This means that the shipping label has been paid for and is awaiting its first “In Transit” scan by USPS.
There are a few reasons you may see this on your tracking information, one reason being that the sender has already purchased a label and has received a tracking number for the package.
However, they either haven’t dropped off the package at the post office yet, or they’re waiting for pickup.
This tracking designation could also mean that the sender has already purchased the label and dropped off the package, but it hasn’t been scanned into the USPS system yet.
Having to wait a day or more for a package to get scanned into the USPS system is not uncommon, especially during busy periods like Christmas.
It’s also possible (however less likely) that the package has entered the USPS mail stream without getting properly scanned.
If that’s the case, your tracking information may appear to “skip steps.” In other words, you may not see any updates for days, then all of a sudden you’ll see that your package is “In Transit.”
Should I Be Worried When Seeing “Shipping Label Created?”
In most cases, seeing “Shipping Label Created USPS Awaiting Item” on your tracking information is no reason for concern, which is especially true if it’s only been a few days.
If your tracking information hasn’t been updated and it’s been 3 days or more, there’s still no reason to worry.
However, it may be time to get in touch with the seller or USPS to find out what’s going on.
From staffing shortages to slow shippers, there are all kinds of reasons why your tracking hasn’t updated just yet. Therefore, have a bit of patience and things should work out.
How Long Does a Label Stay on “Shipping Label Created USPS Awaiting Item?”
It’s tough to say exactly how long a tracking status reading “Label Created” will stay before receiving its first scan, because scanning packages and getting tracking updates is completely dependent on how much work USPS employees have at a given time.
However, in most cases, you should see your tracking number updated in 1 to 2 business days after the sender has dropped off the package.
That being said, there are reports of packages staying on “Label Created” for 5 days or more.
What Should I Do If My Parcel Stays on “Label Created?”
As annoying as it may be (especially if you’re eagerly awaiting something), the first thing you should do when you see this on your tracking information is to wait a few days.
Within a few days, USPS’ system should update, either when the tracking information catches up or when the postal service employees do.
If you’ve been waiting for 3 days or more, then it’s time to contact the sender and verify that they’ve actually dropped off the package.
In some cases, senders buy and print a shipping label, but don’t immediately drop off orders, so a gentle reminder may be all that your sender needs to get to the post office in a timely manner.
However, if the sender has already dropped off the package, then try getting in touch with USPS to find out what the delay is.
You can contact USPS via phone at 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777), through email or by going to your local post office.
The USPS workers may not have much information for you, but at the very least, they can let you know which steps to take next.
Can I Avoid Seeing “Label Created USPS Awaiting Item?”
In some cases, it’s possible to avoid this annoying package way station, which is especially true if you’re the sender.
If you’re the one sending a package and want to provide an excellent shipping experience for your recipient, try getting your packages to the post office as soon as possible after creating the shipping label.
Even better, wait in line at the post office and make sure that your package gets scanned into the system right then and there. Following these practices means that your recipient won’t be left wondering where their package has ended up.
If you’re the recipient, you obviously have less control over the situation, but there may be a few things you can do. When making an urgent purchase, elect express shipping and/or inform the seller that you’d appreciate speedy delivery.
Depending on the workload your local USPS has, the employees present may be able to get the package out faster or make sure the package gets scanned ASAP.
What Happens After the “Label Created” Step?
Once your package makes it in front of a scanner, you should see the tracking information updated to “Accepted.”
“Accepted” means the mailpiece has been physically scanned and has now entered the mailstream.
To know more, you can also see our posts on whether or not USPS shipping labels expire, how fast is USPS expedited shipping, and what are USPS shipping zones.
Conclusion
Seeing “Shipping Label Created USPS Awaiting Item” can be a pain, especially if you’re in a hurry to unbox your order. While it may take a few days for your tracking information to update, rest assured that your package will arrive shortly.
