If USPS hasn’t scanned a package that’s supposed to be delivered to you, first give it a little time—tracking can lag behind the physical movement of the mail, and USPS says to use the tracking number and submit a service request if the package still hasn’t arrived after 1 full postal business day past the relevant scan or expected update.

What to do

  1. Double-check the tracking number for any typo or missing digit.
  2. Check the USPS tracking page/app directly, since third-party tracking can lag.
  3. If it’s been several days with no scan, contact your local post office and ask them to look into the package.
  4. File a missing mail search request if the package still isn’t moving.
  5. If the issue continues, call USPS customer support at 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777) and ask for help tracing it.

What’s normal

A missing scan does not always mean the package is lost. USPS-related guidance and shipping support sources both note that packages can move without an immediate tracking update, and many scans show up later than expected. Community reports also suggest some packages don’t start tracking until later in the route or even close to delivery.

When to escalate

Escalate sooner if:

  • It has been more than a few days with no update.
  • The package should already be out for delivery.
  • The tracking shows no movement at all after being accepted.
  • You need the item urgently and want USPS to investigate quickly.

Simple message to use

You can say:

“Hi, I’m expecting a package and the tracking hasn’t been scanned yet. Can you check whether it’s in transit or help locate it?”

If you want, I can turn this into a short forum-style reply or a cleaner step- by-step post.