Unlock the Mystery: What Does Pre-Shipment Mean at USPS?

In the world of online shopping and e-commerce, understanding the term “pre-shipment” is essential for both buyers and sellers.

Pre-shipment refers to the period when a shipping label has been created, but the package is still in the hands of the seller and has not yet been handed over to the carrier, such as USPS.

This status can lead to confusion and concern as it suggests the item is ready for shipping but is still awaiting collection or further processing by the postal service.

By comprehending the intricacies of pre-shipment, including its typical duration and how to handle potential delays, you can better manage your shipping expectations and ensure a more efficient delivery process.

What Does “Pre-shipment” Status Mean for USPS Packages?

When you see the pre-shipment status on your tracking information, it signifies that the shipping label has been created and package information has been submitted to USPS, but the item has not yet been received by the post office.

This can often lead to confusion, especially if you’re eagerly waiting for your package.

From my experience as an e-commerce seller, I can tell you that this status usually means the seller has printed the label but hasn’t yet handed the package to the postal service.

It could still be in the seller’s possession or at their facilities, waiting for collection by USPS.

As someone who deals with shipping regularly, I know that the package might still be at the seller’s location or even in transit to a local post office.

This is a normal part of the shipping process, especially during busy times. USPS is simply waiting to receive the parcel from the shipper.

Essentially, the pre-shipment status means the process has started, but your item is still making its way from the seller to the post office.

It has not been picked up or scanned into the USPS system yet, which is why you might see a delay in updates.

Why hasn’t the seller brought my package to USPS yet?

Batching Orders

There are a few reasons why a seller might print a label but not immediately drop off the package at USPS. One common reason is the practice of batching orders.

Many sellers print labels for multiple orders at once but only make 1-2 trips to the post office per day. If your order was placed after their last batch, it may sit in pre-shipment until the next batch is taken to USPS.

Weekends and Holidays

Additionally, weekends and holidays can affect the shipping process. If you bought an item on Friday, the seller might not get it shipped until Monday.

USPS does not do residential pickups on Sundays, and post offices are also closed on Sundays and holidays, so no packages can enter the USPS network on those days.

Custom Order Processing and Volume of Orders

Another factor is custom order processing. For made-to-order and customized items, the pre-shipment phase also includes the seller actually creating your item.

This additional production and processing time means it takes longer for the order to be ready to hand over to USPS.

During peak sales times like holidays, some sellers get overwhelmed with orders. If they are backed up with hundreds of shipments to get out the door, your package may be awaiting its turn for a USPS scan.

Check this out: Package Acceptance Pending

How long does “pre-shipment” last?

Typical Pre-Shipment Duration

Most orders should move past pre-shipment within 2-3 business days if you are located in the United States.

For international orders, it may take 3-7 days to move forward. However, there are a few circumstances where an order may get stuck in pre-shipment for longer.

Reasons for Extended Pre-Shipment

If your package stays in pre-shipment for many days, there could be several reasons. A severely backordered seller can be one issue.

If the seller is very behind on orders, it may take longer for yours to ship out. Check their processing time and contact them if it has been significantly exceeded.

Sometimes inventory issues occur, where sellers realize they are actually out of inventory after selling an item, causing a delay in fulfillment while they wait for more stock.

Complications Impacting Shipment

Other issues might include damaged goods. If your item was damaged or had missing pieces, the seller will need to repair or replace it before shipping.

There is also a slight chance of a lost package between the seller’s location and USPS pickup, requiring the seller to resend it.

An invalid address due to a typo in the shipping address can result in the package being returned to the seller as undeliverable.

External Factors and Delays

Various other factors such as severe weather, customs delays for international orders, and other unforeseen factors could delay pickup or scanning.

If your tracking has shown pre-shipment for more than 5 business days with no update, it’s time to investigate further.

Read Also: Shipment Has Been Given A Release Status By Customs

What to Do if Your USPS Package Stays in Pre Shipment

If your package seems to be stuck in pre-shipment purgatory, there are several steps you can take. First, check the estimated processing and shipping times on the product page to see if this time has been exceeded.

If it has, contact the seller through the platform you ordered on and ask politely if there are any delays or issues with your order.

Next, compare the shipping address you provided with your actual address to ensure there are no typos that could delay delivery.

Look up the seller’s policies on their shop site regarding processing times and communication. Adhere to their policies as you attempt to reach out to them.

If the seller is unresponsive after multiple attempts over several days, you may need to consider canceling the order and requesting a refund through the platform.

For expensive or critical items, you can file a missing mail search request with USPS after a certain period of time. This step can help locate your package if it has been lost in transit.

As a last resort for non-delivery, you can make a complaint to the platform or payment processor. This usually requires messaging the seller first to give them a chance to resolve the issue.

While pre-shipment delays of a couple of weeks are not unheard of, most issues can be resolved by maintaining polite and understanding communication with the seller.

Remember to keep interactions respectful to facilitate a smoother resolution process.

Get A Scoop On This : Shein Order Stuck In Transit

Key Takeaways:

• Label was created but USPS does not have the package yet.
• Package is still with the seller, awaiting handoff to USPS.
• Should move past pre-shipment within 2-5 days in most cases.
• If it takes longer, kindly contact the seller for updates or next steps.
• With cooperative communication, most pre-shipment issues can be resolved quickly.

Conclusion

In summary, “pre-shipment” refers to the period when a shipping label has been created, but the package is still with the seller, awaiting handoff to USPS.

This phase typically lasts 2-5 days, but can sometimes extend longer due to various factors.

Effective and cooperative communication with the seller can help resolve any delays swiftly, ensuring that your package moves through the shipping process smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my package lost in the pre-shipment phase?

It’s unlikely your package is fully “lost” in pre-shipment unless confirmed to be lost or damaged before USPS acceptance. It may simply be delayed at the seller’s location or en route to a postal facility.

Will pre-shipment delay my delivery date?

Yes, pre-shipment typically takes 1-5 days before USPS scans the package upon acceptance. This delay will push back the estimated delivery date by at least the time spent in pre-shipment.

Can I pick up my package from a post office instead of pre-shipment?

No, you cannot retrieve a package from a post office until it has been scanned by USPS. The initial acceptance scan is required for the package to enter the USPS system and become eligible for pickup.

If a package is express or priority mail, will it get out of pre-shipment faster?

Not necessarily. The speed of pre-shipment depends more on the seller’s processing and USPS pickup schedule than on the service level like Priority or Express.

These services expedite transit only after the package is accepted by USPS.

Does pre-shipment mean the label was created but the order hasn’t shipped?

Yes, pre-shipment means the seller has created the label, but the package has not yet been handed over to USPS and is still awaiting shipment.