USPS Delivery Attempt Tracking Statuses
Packages sent via USPS are scanned at each stage of their journey, allowing senders and recipients to track their delivery status using the tracking number. Once a package is delivered to the recipient, the tracking status changes to “Delivered”. However, there are several tracking statuses that indicate an unsuccessful delivery attempt. What does each of these statuses mean?
Insufficient Address / No Such Number. The “Insufficient Address” tracking status means that the package could not be delivered because some part of the delivery address is incorrect, incomplete, or missing. “No Such Number” means that the package could not be delivered because the house or building number provided in the address is incorrect or does not exist for that street.
Packages that cannot be delivered due to an incorrect or incomplete address are returned to the sender. Once returned, the sender can then reship the package with the correct address and new postage. However, there is a short window of time before the package is sent back to the sender when the recipient can contact their local post office or USPS customer service and either request delivery to the correct address or ask to pick up the package at the post office.
No Access to Delivery Location. This tracking status means that the mail carrier could not access a secure place to leave the package (e.g., mailbox, porch, garage), which can occur for a number of reasons: vehicle blocking the way, loose dog in the yard, address in a locked building or gated community that the mail carrier did not have access to, public utility employees or first responders working in the neighborhood, etc.
In such cases, the mail carrier will make another delivery attempt the next business day. If more than 24 hours have passed since the “No Access to Delivery Location” status was issued and the package still hasn’t been delivered, the recipient can submit a package inquiry request via the USPS website.
Notice Left (No Secure Location Available). If the carrier cannot find a secure place to leave the package, they will return it to the post office. There will be no second delivery attempt, and a PS Form 3849 Redelivery Notice will be left. In this case, the recipient has three options:
- Schedule a redelivery via the USPS website using the tracking or barcode number on the PS Form 3849.
- Pick up the package from the post office listed on the Redelivery Notice (a valid photo ID is required).
- Use the Redelivery app to request return to the sender.
If the recipient does not schedule a redelivery or pick up the package within the specified time limit, the package will be returned to the sender.
Notice Left (No Authorized Recipient Available). If the package requires a signature, your mail carrier cannot leave it in your mailbox or on your porch. If no one is home during the delivery attempt, the mail carrier will leave a PS Form 3849 Redelivery Notice indicating that a delivery attempt was made, but no one was available to sign for the package. The recipient has the same three options as in the previous situation.
Once the recipient schedules a redelivery, the package status should change to “Redelivery Scheduled”. If the recipient fails to do so, the status will change to “Reminder to Schedule Redelivery of Your Item”.
Available for Pickup. This status means that the package cannot be delivered to your address and redelivery cannot be scheduled, so you must pick it up from your local post office the next business day (valid photo ID required). You may also request that it be returned to the sender.