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.

But what does the “available for pickup” notification mean, and what do you do about it? What did I discover?

What does USPS 2022’s Available for Pickup Look Like?

USPS’s “available to pickup” notification indicates that the package has been delivered by USPS to your nearest post office. The post office won’t deliver it directly to your home, so you will need to go to their office to collect it. This happens when a delivery attempt has failed, when a package is very valuable, or when a courier forgets to grab the package.

If you want to save yourself time and effort when dealing with a package that’s available for pickup, be sure to keep reading to learn more!

How long do I need to collect my package?

A package can be either moved or made available for pickup. This gives you complete control over where and when you pick it up.

Important to remember is that your package will not be kept by the Post Office forever.

The post office typically holds packages for pick up for 15 days, before returning them back to their sender.

Why is my USPS Tracking Device indicating that it’s available for pick up?

There are three main reasons that a package becomes available for pickup rather than being delivered to your door, which are listed below from most to least common.

This is often the reason your package has been listed for pickup.

You are not permitted to accept a courier’s delivery of a package that has to be signed for and they cannot leave it at your home.

Sometimes, multiple deliveries will be made before your package arrives at the destination. If it is Christmas or another busy time, however, the Post Office will pick up packages much quicker.

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 choose this option for shipping packages with precious metals or gemstones.

This option is available at shipping and asks that you hold the item until it arrives for pick-up.

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.

It’s possible for a courier to accidentally leave your parcel at the Post Office while they are on their way. This will prevent you from bumming down your courier or delaying your shipment further.

This is especially common during the busy season of Christmas, when there are so many packages to deliver that pushing packages off until the following day could do serious damage to the productivity of the courier.

You can pick your package up no matter what reason. This gives you control over when the package arrives and keeps it safe.

What is the best way to pick up a package from USPS?

Once you have received your package, it is now time to find out how you are going to get it.

Most of the time, it is easy to pick up your package.

Make sure you have your tracking number and proof of identification in case they need to check your identity.

Next, visit your local post office and talk to the postal worker or clerk behind the counter and let them know you have a package available for pickup.

You will be asked for your name, ID and tracking number to verify that you are who you say they are.

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.

Conclusion

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.

These are usually due to unsuccessful delivery attempts, too precious packages being left at doorsteps, or the courier forgetting your parcel.

Important: The notification will notify you that the post office has not been authorized to hold onto your package. They usually hold it for 15 business days and then return it to the sender.

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