What Does Available For Pickup Mean Usps? + Other Faqs
The USPS tracking feature is easily one of the most convenient parts of shipping with USPS, and it comes with a range of notifications to help you understand where your package is.
What is the USPS’s definition of “available for pickup”?
USPS “available-for-pickup” notifications mean that your package is available to be picked up at your location. When a delivery attempt fails or a courier loses the package, this is called “available for pickup”.
How Long Do I Have To Pick Up My Package?
You have full control of where and how you choose to pick up your parcel.
A typical rule of thumb is that the postoffice will store packages until they are ready to be picked up. After this time, it returns them to the sender.
Why does my USPS Tracking tool say available for pickup?
These are the main reasons why a package arrives at your doorstep rather than being delivered.
The first, and most common, reason a package is listed as available for pickup is because there was a failed delivery attempt made.
When a courier attempts to deliver a package that needs a signature, and the recipient isn’t present or home at the time of delivery, the courier will not be allowed to leave it on the doorstep. They must return the package to the postal office.
Sometimes your package may not be available until multiple delivery attempts are made. However, packages that arrive during Christmas or any other busy season will likely be moved by the post office to make them pickable sooner.
The second reason a package may be listed as being available for pickup is because whatever your package is, it’s too valuable to be left on the doorstep.
Sometimes merchants will choose this option when sending a package containing precious metals.
This is an option you choose at time of shipment that asks the post office to keep the item in its possession until the pickup can take place.
A third reason, although less likely but still possible for packages to be available for pickup is human error.
USPS sends out hundreds of millions pieces of mail each day.
In the event that a courier misplaces your package in the mail while on his way to deliver it, the post office may have listed the package as “available for pick up” to avoid any delays or bogging the courier.
This is most common at Christmas because there are so many packages. Pushing the packages up until the next morning could lead to serious problems for courier productivity.
How can I get a USPS Package?
When your package appears as being available to be picked up, then the next obvious question is: How do you get it from the Post Office and what are you looking for?
In case the courier needs to confirm your identity, be sure to bring a photo ID and your tracking number.
You can also visit the post office to let the clerk or postal worker know that you have an item available for collection.
For security purposes, they’ll ask you for your name (or ID) and your tracking number.
You can read more information about USPS delivery services by reading our posts. These include whether you are able to pick up packages from USPS and if USPS delivers at nights. We also discuss whether USPS charges for weight.
The available for pickup notification from USPS means that the package will not be delivered to your door by USPS and that you are now responsible for coming to get the package from your local post office.
It can be due to failed delivery attempts or a parcel being left on the doorstep that is too expensive to deliver, or a courier leaving your package unattended.
It is important that you note when you receive this notification that your package will be returned to sender within 15 days.
Your ID and tracking number are required to collect your package from the postal office. This will allow them to confirm your identity.
.What Does Available For Pickup Mean Usps? + Other Faqs
