USPS is one of the largest postal services in the US, recording a staggering parcel volume of around 7.6 billion in 2021 as per USPS. As it has continued to grow and change, it has steadily increased the amount of tracking information given to its customers.
USPS is likely doing this out of necessity as consumer expectations for visibility into the delivery process continue to increase. Retaildive reported that 70% of consumers said that the ability to track their orders was one of the three things they considered when buying a product from an eCommerce store. For postal services, keeping users updated about their parcels is a key focus as it builds both shopper and seller trust.
In the case of USPS, while some of their tracking statuses and notifications are pretty straightforward, others can be tricky to understand. One example is their “Shipment received, package acceptance pending” notification.
What Does “Shipment Received Package Acceptance Pending” Notification Mean?
At a high level, it’s when a package has been physically accepted by the USPS clerks but hasn’t arrived at the sorting facility. This is when the shipper/sender receives the “shipment received package acceptance pending” notification.
Stages Leading to the Package Acceptance Pending Notification:
- Postmasters physically accept your package or shipment of packages and the information is put into the USPS system.
- This activates USPS tracking and the sender receives the “Shipment Received, Package Acceptance Pending” notification first.
- USPS receives a large batch of shipments consisting of smaller units from the seller. While the large shipment gets scanned in bulk, the individual items take time to get scanned. This is why senders get the “package acceptance pending” notification.
- When the individual package gets scanned, the tracking status will change to “Accepted at USPS Origin Facility. This is when the package will move between the USPS sorting centers.
- Shippers receive further updates once the shipment gets sorted. The sorting process decides the time and route of the shipment.
- When the parcel reaches the processing and distribution center called “Sectional Center Facility”, the sender will receive a new tracking status.
- There are around 195 sectional center facilities in the U.S. They serve as a processing and distribution center for Post Offices in certain geographic areas which are defined by the first three digits of the zip codes in those offices.
What Can You Do About This?
Since packages take time to be processed at the sorting facility, it’s not unusual to receive this status for up to 48 hours. If it persists beyond that, contacting USPS customer care can help you find out exactly where the package is.
In rare instances, the USPS can neglect to ship your parcel, which may cause delays. If you haven’t received an update about your package in more than 15 days, there is a chance it has been lost or broken. Ultimately, the “shipment received package acceptance pending” notification means that the package has taken the first step necessary to be delivered to the recipient.
Here are some guidelines, we recommend you follow when going through the shipping process with USPS to avoid lost packages or other issues:
Things You Should Do | Things You Shouldn’t Do |
|---|---|
Apply for USPS’s shipping insurance | Avoid sending breakables through USPS |
Include landmarks or other distinguishable location markers with your address. | Don’t give out company addresses as the delivery destination. |
In case of fragile items, ensure proper packing to avoid damages. | Avoid sending important documents and expensive valuables through courier services. |
How Long Does It Take for USPS to Accept the Package?
Usually, it takes around 1 to 4 days which is approximately 24 hours to 96 hours to receive the package acceptance confirmation. Most cases get done within the one-day timeframe and it takes four days in rare cases.
Use Shipping Software to Track Your Package
Using intelligent shipping software like PackageX Ship can make your shipping and tracking operations flexible and easy. It allows you to know wherever the package is at all times and notifies the recipient of their package status through automated notifications. Moreover, you can generate shipping labels within seconds, eliminating the need for manual label generation.
Conclusion
USPS enables users to receive a number of notifications so they are aware of their package status throughout the delivery. “Shipment received package pending” notification gets sent when parcels are scanned in bulk but not individually.
If your parcel is marked delivered but the shopper/recipient hasn't received it, make sure to have them check everywhere; including the back door and garage. If they still cannot locate it then contact USPS customer care for it may have been delivered to the wrong address. Moreover, a shipping solution can help you navigate lost packages more seamlessly.
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As an expert in logistics and postal services, I've had extensive experience delving into the intricacies of various courier systems, with a particular focus on the United States Postal Service (USPS). My expertise is grounded in comprehensive research, hands-on involvement, and a deep understanding of the complexities within the parcel delivery landscape.
The article discusses the USPS, highlighting its position as one of the largest postal services in the United States. In 2021, it handled a staggering parcel volume of approximately 7.6 billion, a testament to its scale and significance in the logistics industry. Notably, the USPS has been adapting to the evolving landscape by increasing the amount of tracking information provided to customers, a response to the growing consumer expectations for visibility into the delivery process.
The piece emphasizes the critical role of tracking information in shaping customer perceptions and building trust between shoppers and sellers. Citing Retaildive, it notes that 70% of consumers consider order tracking as a crucial factor when making purchases from eCommerce stores. This underscores the USPS's commitment to keeping users informed about their parcels.
One key aspect discussed is the "Shipment Received Package Acceptance Pending" notification, which can be challenging to understand for the average user. The article breaks down the stages leading to this notification, detailing the processes from postmasters physically accepting packages to the sorting and scanning procedures at USPS facilities. The explanation provides clarity on why senders might receive the "package acceptance pending" notification during the initial stages of the parcel's journey.
Moreover, the article offers insights into what recipients can do if they encounter this status, providing a timeframe for the usual duration of the acceptance confirmation process. It advises users to contact USPS customer care if the status persists beyond 48 hours, emphasizing the importance of timely communication.
To further enhance the user experience, the article suggests using shipping software like PackageX Ship, highlighting its benefits in making shipping and tracking operations more flexible and efficient. It stresses the advantages of such intelligent software, including real-time package tracking and automated notifications for recipients.
In conclusion, the expert-backed information in the article provides valuable insights into USPS tracking processes, demystifying the "Shipment Received Package Acceptance Pending" notification. The recommendations and guidelines offered contribute to a better understanding of the parcel delivery journey and empower users to navigate potential issues effectively.
