What Does Available For Pickup Mean Usps? + Other Faqs

USPS tracking features are one of our most useful and convenient shipping options. They also come with various notifications to assist you in understanding where your package is.

So what exactly does “available to pickup” actually mean? And what can you do about it. This is what I found!

What Does Available For Pickup Mean USPS In 2022?

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 can happen when delivery has been unsuccessful, when packages are very expensive, and when a courier forgot to get the package.

Keep reading to discover how to cut down on time and effort in arranging for a pickup of a shipment.

How Long Do I Have To Pick Up My Package?

You have full control of where and how you choose to pick up your parcel.

It’s important to know, however that you package won’t be held by the post office forever.

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

What is the reason why my USPS tracking tool says available for pick-up

The main reason a package is available for pick up rather than delivery to your home are the three listed below.

Failure to deliver a package on delivery is usually the first reason why a package becomes available 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 delivery attempts will be required before your package can become available for collection. But, during busy times like Christmas and other seasons, the post offices will usually pick packages up much faster.

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 will choose this option when sending a package containing precious metals.

Either way, this is an option selected at the time of shipping that requests that the post office hold the item for pickup to avoid the item being lost or stolen.

The third, and the least common (but still possible) reason that your package has been listed as available for pickup is human error.

USPS handles hundreds of millions of pieces of mail a day, and this leaves plenty of room for a few pieces of mail to get forgotten about.

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 most common at Christmas because there are so many packages. Pushing the packages up until the next morning could lead to serious problems for courier productivity.

The reason you package was made available for pick-up is irrelevant. You have full control of when and where to go. Also, it keeps your package safe and secure from loss or theft.

How Do I Pick Up A Package From USPS?

The next question is how to pick your package up at the postoffice and what information you require.

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

In case the courier needs to confirm your identity, be sure to bring a photo ID and your tracking number.

You can also visit the post office to let the clerk or postal worker know that you have an item available for collection.

For security purposes, they’ll ask you for your name (or ID) and your tracking number.

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

USPS is not delivering the package and you will have to go to the post office in order to pickup it.

Failure to deliver a package, the value of the package, and/or a lost courier can all cause this.

You will receive notification from the postal service. The post office won’t keep your package indefinitely. They typically return it within 15 days.

In case you are asked to prove your identity, bring your passport and tracking numbers to the postoffice.

.What Does Available For Pickup Mean Usps? + Other Faqs