Parcel Tracking Statuses Explained — What Each Status Means

Every carrier tracking system uses slightly different language — and the same underlying event can appear as “In transit”, “Shipment in progress”, or “On the way” depending on the carrier. This guide decodes all major tracking statuses and tells you exactly what to do (or not do) for each one.

1. Status dictionary — universal states

Pre-transit / Label created

The carrier has received a booking and generated a tracking number, but has not yet physically picked up or scanned the parcel. This status can last anywhere from a few hours (same-day pickup) to 1–2 days (if the sender prints the label but delays dropping off the parcel).

What to do: Nothing. Wait for the first physical scan.

In transit / Shipment in progress / On the way

The parcel has been scanned and is moving through the carrier’s network — between depots, sorting centres, or vehicles. For international shipments, this may include air freight where no mid-flight scans occur.

What to do: Nothing. This is the normal state for most of a parcel’s journey.

At depot / Sorting facility / In processing

The parcel has arrived at a hub and is being sorted for the next leg of its journey. This typically takes 4–12 hours; for international hubs (Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Louisville), it can be 12–24 hours.

What to do: Nothing. Normal stage.

Awaiting customs clearance / In customs

The parcel has crossed a border and is waiting for customs inspection. For non-EU imports, this is completely normal:

• EU imports from non-EU: 1–5 days is typical; DHL Express typically clears in 1–2 days, postal services up to 5 days
• US imports from EU: USPS typically 1–3 days; CBP can hold for up to 10 days for detailed inspection
• Imports into Australia: 3–14 days for biosecurity inspection

What to do: Nothing, unless you receive a request for payment. If the carrier contacts you about customs duties, pay promptly to release the parcel.

Customs charge / Duties due / Payment required

The customs authority has assessed a duty or VAT charge and the carrier is notifying you (as recipient) to pay before release. This is expected for:

• Non-EU shipments over €150 (customs duty) and over €1 (import VAT) — see the customs guide
• UK recipients receiving parcels from EU (post-Brexit): UK VAT (20%) applies from £1; customs duty above £135

What to do: Pay the charge promptly via the carrier’s online portal or the link in their notification. Delays mean the parcel sits in a customs warehouse accumulating storage fees.

Out for delivery / With the courier

The parcel is on the delivery vehicle today and will be delivered during the carrier’s delivery window (typically 8am–8pm, or a narrower window notified by SMS/app).

What to do: Be available. If you cannot be present, check whether the carrier allows you to set a safe drop location, redirect to a Pickup point, or authorise a neighbour in advance.

Delivered

The carrier’s system records a successful delivery. This means a signature was obtained, a photo was taken, or the parcel was left at the designated location.

If you didn’t receive it: Check all accessible areas first (porch, letterbox, with a neighbour, at the building reception). If genuinely absent, contact the carrier immediately — “delivered” status with no parcel found must be reported quickly, as CCTV footage has a limited retention window.

Delivery failed / Delivery attempt unsuccessful

The courier arrived but could not complete delivery — most commonly because no one was home for a signature-required parcel, or access to the address was impossible.

What to do:

• Check for a calling card (physical or digital) with redelivery instructions
• Use the carrier’s app or website to schedule a new delivery time or redirect to a Pickup point
• Most carriers make 2–3 delivery attempts before returning to sender

Exception / Delay / Undeliverable

A non-standard event has occurred — address not found, packaging damaged in transit, incorrect customs declaration, prohibited item identified. The carrier is flagging a problem that requires resolution.

What to do: Contact the carrier directly with the tracking number. The carrier will explain the specific issue and the resolution path (corrected address, return, additional documentation).

Returned to sender

All delivery attempts have been exhausted, or the parcel cannot be delivered for a specific reason (invalid address, uncollected customs, refused by recipient, prohibited contents). The parcel is now heading back to the sender.

What to do: Contact the sender. If you were the sender, expect the parcel back within the same number of transit days as the original journey. For reshipping, correct the issue (address, customs form, restricted item) before sending again.

2. How long to wait before acting

If tracking is silent beyond these windows, contact the sender. Only the sender can file a claim — recipients cannot initiate carrier investigations directly.

3. Carrier-specific status wording comparison

Summary

Most tracking “problems” are not problems at all — they are normal stages in the shipping process. “In transit” and “at depot” require no action. “Awaiting customs” means wait (and pay promptly if charged). “Delivery failed” means reschedule. “Returned to sender” means contact the sender. Only escalate after the normal waiting window for your route has passed — 7 days (EU), 14 days (international), 30 days (China or Australia imports).