Understanding “Awaiting Delivery Scan” and USPS Notifications
Updated on June 26, 2026
TL;DR
“Awaiting Delivery Scan” is a status given by USPS that is used when the package has been sent out for delivery, but, as of 9 pm local time, there has not been an update. This status does not mean that the package has been delayed; it just reflects that there hasn’t been a recent update.
If you’ve sent or received a package through USPS, it’s probable you’ve seen the status of “Awaiting Delivery Scan.” What does it mean? Whether you’re a customer waiting to receive an important item or you’re an ecommerce business looking to fulfill an order, this status may be a cause of confusion and anxiety.
In this article, we’ll explain what “Awaiting Deliver Scan” means and what you can do to make everything flow correctly.
What Does “Awaiting Delivery Scan” Mean?
According to the USPS official status list, “Awaiting Delivery Scan” means that your order has been out for delivery that same day, as of 9 pm of your local time, but there hasn’t been any update, it was not delivered, nor has any delivery attempt been recorded.
It does not mean that your package won’t be delivered or that there was a problem, but that there is no update at the time when it should have been delivered. This is probably because of the workload from the delivery units or unexpected events.
USPS states that they expect the delivery to be completed or attempted during the next business day.
What to do if you see “Awaiting Delivery Scan”?
If your package was updated to “Awaiting Delivery Scan” and you didn’t receive it, it means that there are no updates. USPS suggests waiting for at least one more business day. It’s important to be realistic, and recognize that unexpected events and accidents can happen.
However, if this status is not updated in 24 hours, then you should submit an inquiry to your local post office. They should be able to give more information about the status of your order.
How Does USPS Handle the Delivery Process?
USPS’s delivery process involves multiple stages, from receiving the shipment to the final delivery scan. During these stages, the package is scanned, and statuses are updated.
Throughout the process, we can see other common stages like “Arrived at Facility”, which means that the package has arrived at an official Postal Service distribution center, or “On Transit”, which means the package is moving through facilities before being out for delivery.
Of course, every step of this process is crucial, not only to track the package’s journey but to ensure it arrives safely and swiftly at its final destination.
How to Understand the Expected Delivery Date
The expected delivery date is an important element to take into consideration when waiting for your package. This is an estimate of when your order should be delivered. While USPS strives to meet these dates, various factors like weather conditions, high volume, or logistical challenges can lead to changes.
Knowing that the expected delivery date is an estimate rather than a guarantee helps in setting reasonable expectations. If your package delivery date changes, the USPS system will typically update this information, allowing you to stay informed about the new estimated arrival time.
What do USPS Notifications Alerts Mean?
USPS provides real-time updates and notification alerts to keep customers informed about their packages’ status. These alerts are important for customers to track their shipments and estimated delivery times.
Regular tracking updates help both senders and recipients stay informed about the shipment’s progress. As a customer, you may receive these updates through the USPS website, email, or SMS notifications.
Ecommerce and the “Awaiting Delivery Scan” Status
For ecommerce businesses, understanding the “Awaiting Delivery Scan” status is essential for managing customer expectations.
This status can sometimes lead to confusion or concern from customers, especially if the delivery is delayed or the scan is missed. Clear communication and tracking updates are key to maintaining customer satisfaction.
Ecommerce merchants can rely on an order fulfillment partner who can take charge efficiently of the logistics process and can provide accurate and real-time updates about the status of the package.
Final Thoughts on the “Awaiting Delivery Scan”
The “Awaiting Delivery Scan” status in the USPS tracking system is a common and typically non-alarming part of the delivery process; it just means that there hasn’t been an update. Understanding that this status can represent various stages of a package’s journey, from being en route to potentially already delivered but not scanned, can bring us peace of mind and adjust our expectations for when our package is supposed to arrive.
If you’re an ecommerce merchant, you should get in touch with Phase V today for accurate and efficient order tracking and fulfillment.
FAQs
Not necessarily. While there are many common causes for this status, it may just be traffic, a high-volume route or day, or even bad weather. Whichever it is, it does not mean there is anything to be worried about. You should check the status and confirm that there was no change in the estimated delivery date, as USPS expects delivery confirmation to occur within the next business day. The expected delivery date is, like its name implies, the specific day on which USPS considers it will be possible for them to deliver your package. This is important because it helps set realistic expectations for when your package should arrive. However, it is an estimate and may change due to weather, traffic, or other unpredictable circumstances.
