Tracking Status Meanings: In Transit, Out for Delivery, Exception and More

Carriers describe the same moments in dozens of different ways. Here is what the common statuses mean, and which ones need action from you.

Short answer

Label Created or Info Received means the seller made a label but the carrier may not have the parcel yet. In Transit means it is moving between facilities. Out for Delivery means it is on the delivery vehicle today. Delivered means the carrier recorded a delivery. Exception or Alert means something is stopping delivery, such as a wrong address, customs or a failed attempt, and usually needs action. 24hTrack shows each carrier's wording converted into one of these standard statuses, with the carrier's original text kept in the scan history.

Statuses and what they mean

  • Label Created / Info Received / Pre-Shipment: the seller registered the shipment. The parcel may still be at the seller.
  • Accepted / Picked Up: the carrier has the parcel.
  • In Transit: moving between facilities. Normal, even without updates for several days on international routes.
  • Arrived at Destination Country / Customs Clearance: the parcel landed and is being processed by customs.
  • Out for Delivery: on the vehicle for delivery today.
  • Delivery Attempted / Notice Left: the driver could not deliver. Follow the notice to rearrange or collect it.
  • Available for Pickup / Held at Post Office: waiting for you at a pickup point, usually for a limited number of days.
  • Delivered: the carrier recorded delivery. If you do not have it, see our guide on packages marked delivered but not received.
  • Exception / Alert: a problem such as a damaged label, wrong address, unpaid duties or weather delay.
  • Return to Sender: the parcel is going back to the seller, often after failed delivery or an unclaimed pickup.

Statuses that need action

Delivery Attempted, Available for Pickup, Held at Customs, Exception and Return to Sender usually need you or the seller to do something. Pickup points and customs holds have time limits, after which the parcel goes back to the sender.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does In Transit mean?

The parcel is moving through the carrier's network between facilities. On international shipments it can show In Transit for several days without a new scan.

What does a tracking exception mean?

Something is stopping normal delivery, such as a wrong address, a damaged label, unpaid customs duties or weather. Check the scan details and contact the seller or carrier if action is needed.

What is the difference between Label Created and Shipped?

Label Created means the seller made a shipping label. The carrier may not have received the parcel yet; the first real scan appears when it is picked up or dropped off.

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