One of the most frequent tracking statuses when shipping packages by courier or having orders delivered from online stores is “parcel still in transit” but what does it mean when a package is in transit? Find out what are the reasons for delays in transit times and what to do when your package is stuck in transit.
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Most of the courier companies will show the status “package in transit” when the package you are tracking is moving along its delivery route. “In transit” can both mean that the package has just left the collection warehouse, is in between two hubs, or is already on its way to your address. In summary, if your parcel or order is “in transit”, this just means that everything is as it should be, and you should receive it soon.
You may also be interested in:
- Parcel tracking status – Explained
- Guide to customs clearance
- Customs procedures after Brexit
What does “package stuck in transit” mean?
While the status “in transit” means your parcel is moving, sometimes your package may no longer be progressing towards its destination, and it is either kept in one of the courier company’s depots for further checks or stuck in customs.
But don’t worry! In most cases, the parcel is released, and it continues its transit. Have you shipped with Eurosender and want to check the status of your parcel?
Is my parcel still in transit?
What if a package from Aliexpress is still in transit?
Shipments from China are increasingly popular and courier companies do their best to avoid delays in transit times as much as possible. However sometimes you may see a status like “parcel is still in transit, no worries, we will delivery it to you as soon as possible”: this is a common tracking status from Aliexpress and it simply means that your order transit is progressing as usual and that your parcel is still on its way to you.
Have in mind that with the new regulations about shipments from outside they EU valid since July 2021, all parcels are now subject to the payment of VAT so keep following your package from Aliexpress to make sure it doesn’t get “stuck in transit” due to customs delays.
Read more about
- International courier companies
- Deliveries from online stores
- Estimated delivery times
Why is my shipment still in transit when it was supposed to be already delivered?
Many situations can justify a delay in transit times, especially for overseas shipments. See what it can mean to have a shipment still in transit when it was already supposed to be delivered:
- Customs clearance – In general, items shipped between countries in the EU, do not need special documentation, unless the shipment is a matter of state monopoly or contains prohibited and restricted items. However, if the package is shipped from/to a country outside of the EU, then the customs declaration should be provided. Failure to provide the necessary documentation will have your shipment further stuck in transit.
Solution: Contact the courier company to tell you all the details and needed documentation to finalize the customs clearance. - The package is oversized/overweight – Packages may be measured in the warehouse of the courier company. Therefore, if they notice that it is heavier than stated, then they could either return it to the sender or have you pay additional surcharges (this depends on the courier company).
Solution: If you know that the package is overweight or oversized, it is better to contact the courier company and see if you can add additional kilos to the order. But once the shipment is in transit, you can just wait for additional information from the courier. - Changes in the order – If you have asked the company to change the destination address, then this could be another indicator of why your shipment is stuck in transit.
Solution: It might take a while for the change to be processed, especially if the package was already in transit. Therefore, we advise you to wait for the updates in the tracking system and contact the courier company is the status hasn’t changed to “in transit” within a couple of days. - Undeliverable shipment– Have you shipped some items that are on the list of prohibited and restricted items from shipping? Courier companies scan the shipments at different depots therefore, we advise you not to ship any forbidden items as in some cases, they can be easily detected.
Solution: Unfortunately, the courier will either destroy the package or return it to the shipper. - Improper packaging – This does not only apply for the safety of the goods, but also for the safety of the staff taking care of your package. Therefore, if your package shows any signs of leaking or sharp items inside, the courier will most likely stop its transit.
Solution: If the parcel shows any signs of leaking, it will be further inspected. Unfortunately, if the courier finds any items that are non-recommended for shipping, it will be either returned to the sender or destroyed. - Wrong or incomplete address – This is the most common cause for undeliverable shipments. You should always double-check if your address has all the necessary details for it to be transported.
Solution: Contact the courier company once you have realized that your order has some incomplete or wrong details written. - Weather conditions or traffic – It is not so rare that during busy periods, such as holidays, or heavy snow, the transit times can be extended, and your parcel may take longer to arrive at its destination.
Solution: We understand it might be difficult, but in such cases, it is best to just wait for the package to arrive. - Lost package This is something you would not want to hear. But unfortunately, it is something that could indeed happen.
Solution: You can start a claim procedure if your package is lost and ask for a refund.
Read more about
- How long will my package be stuck in transit?
- Why was my package stuck in transit?
- Check the tracking status
Why is my shipment still in transit when it was supposed to be already delivered?
As long as the tracking system is getting regularly updated and no strange status has appeared, you parcel should still be in transit and on its way to you. If the parcel has not moved for some time now, then most likely some of the above-mentioned reasons have occurred.
It is important to note that the tracking statuses can sometimes take up to 24-48 hours to be updated, so do not panic yet if your parcel has not changed its status yet.
How long will my parcel stay in transit?
It is important to keep in mind that the estimated delivery time is exactly that, an estimation. It is an average calculated based on the time it usually takes to a given courier company to bring a package to its destination.
The estimated delivery time depends on the distance and the type of service you have booked.
- If you have booked a standard shipping service, specific transit times cannot be generalized.
- If you have booked a freight or express shipment, you will get a specific delivery time, depending on the location, volume and type of shipment.
Am I entitled to a reimbursem*nt in case my parcel was stuck in transit?
If you have followed the courier’s instruction for shipping, you are entitled to reimbursem*nt. However, if the reason that your parcel is stuck in transit is that you have missed some of the courier’s guidelines, whether that be the packaging, the content, required documentation or anything else, then, unfortunately, you are not entitled to reimbursem*nt.
Have you shipped with Eurosender and your parcel got stuck in transit? Contact us and our agents will see the reason why it is stuck in transit, as well as the steps to be taken afterwards.
Help me locate my parcel!
This article was written in collaboration with Annalieke Muelders.
FAQs
“In transit” can both mean that the package has just left the collection warehouse, is in between two hubs, or is already on its way to your address. In summary, if your parcel or order is “in transit”, this just means that everything is as it should be, and you should receive it soon.
How long does it take to receive a package once it's in transit? ›
First Class Mail: 1 to 5 business days. First Class Package Services: 1 to 3 business days. Priority Mail: 1, 2, or 3 business days. Priority Mail Express: 1 to 2 calendar days (this delivery standard is guaranteed for Priority Mail Express)
Can a package be delivered when it says in transit? ›
“In transit” meaning that your package is on its way to the recipient's address. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that your package is in a moving delivery truck or ship— it can be in any of the courier company's depots waiting for the next scan.
How long can a package sit in transit? ›
First-Class Mail — 1 to 3 business days. Priority Mail — 1, 2, or 3 business days. Priority Mail Express — 1 to 2 calendar days. USPS Retail Ground — 2 to 8 business days.
How fast is Eurosender? ›
The average delivery time is between 1-7 business days, depending on the route. Regular delivery times for Standard shipments are from Monday-Friday between 9am and 6pm, with possible exceptions.
How many days does a transit take? ›
Freight shipping transit time is impacted by factors including distance, shipping mode, route, and season. In very rough estimates: express can take as little as 1-3 days, air freight is typically 5-10 days, and sea shipping can range anywhere from 20-45 days or more.
Is in transit the same as out for delivery? ›
The tracking status of a package can say a lot about where it is and how soon it will be delivered. “In transit” means that your package is on its way to the destination post office. “Out for delivery” means that your package has left the post office and is now in the process of being delivered to the address.
Why is my package in transit but not out for delivery? ›
Your package could be stuck in transit for many reasons: loss, damage, or even a USPS tracking system failure. More likely, though, the short-staffed US Post Office has misplaced, mislabelled, or simply overlooked your package. This means it can be located easily enough once you call attention to its absence.
Does in transit mean it will arrive today? ›
'In transit' means that your package is on its way to its final destination.
How long does USPS stay in transit? ›
| MAIL CLASS | DELIVERY STANDARD |
|---|
| Priority Mail Express® | 1-2 calendar days (guaranteed) |
| Priority Mail® | 1, 2, or 3 business days (not guaranteed) |
| First-Class Mail® | 1-5 business days (not guaranteed) |
| First-Class Package Service® | 1-5 business days (not guaranteed) |
6 more rows“Out for delivery” means that your package has left the final pickup point and is on its way to your doorstep. So, your package will be delivered either that same day or the next day. Before the tracking status changes to “out for delivery,” it'll show “in transit.” These two are not the same.
Is it normal for a package to be in transit for 3 days? ›
This happens all the time, especially with cheaper services like media mail. It may have been temporarily lost along the way or may not see a scan even if it is headed in your direction. If it doesn't move for a full week and it's an insured package you could contact someone but it still might not do any good.
How fast is fast shipping? ›
Delivery options that take three days or less would be considered expedited. This includes two-day, next-day, and same-day deliveries. Do not confuse expedited shipping with express shipping. While both take less time than standard shipping, express shipping usually means a two-day or next-day delivery.
How long does it take to send a package in Europe? ›
Delivery times vary, depending on the destination of the parcel. Within Europe, parcels are usually delivered 2–5 days after being handed in. Delivery to the door is also included in certain countries. Calculate the time it takes for the parcel to arrive at the recipient.
How much faster is fast shipping? ›
Express shipping is faster and costs more than expedited shipping. Usually express shipping (which is sometimes called overnight shipping) delivers in one or two days. Expedited shipping takes somewhat longer, usually about two to three days.
What is transit time in shipping condition? ›
What is transit time in shipping? Transit time is the amount of time spent moving goods from one point to another. It measures the interval of time between cargo getting picked up from the departure point and arriving to where it is to be delivered. Transit time applies to any mode of transport used to ship goods.
What does in transit mean when you order something? ›
To put it simply, “In Transit” as a status message on your shipping information means exactly what you would think it means – that your package is currently in transit and moving from one location to the next within the shipping infrastructure.
Why has my package been in transit for so long? ›
A package could have become stuck in transit because it was stopped at a border crossing, in a vehicle accident, because a blizzard has stopped traffic, or any number of other things which would slow down the movement of the courier vehicle. Usually, the tracking system indicates if the package is stuck in transit.
Does in transit mean out for delivery UPS? ›
Your package is moving within the UPS network and is going to be delivered on the scheduled delivery date. A package can remain in this status until delivery. Packages moving long distances are often not scanned again between origin and destination.
Does USPS deliver on Sunday? ›
Yes, depending on the mail class used and the metro area you live in, the U.S. Postal Service does deliver packages on Sundays.
Does in transit arriving late mean lost? ›
If you receive an “In Transit Arriving Late” status message from USPS, it usually means that your package is running late and may not be delivered on time. Usually, there is no need to worry, as your parcel will most likely still arrive on time.
How often does USPS update tracking? ›
The USPS typically updates your status within 24-48 hours. When tracking your package, you should have your tracking information ready. To understand how often USPS tracking updates, let us look at how USPS shipment tracking works.
When transit comes to end? ›
(2) If the buyer or his agent in that behalf obtains delivery of the goods before their arrival at the appointed destination, the transit is at an end.
Does USPS deliver at 8pm? ›
Mail is delivered by letter carriers who walk their routes all day long, from 9 am well into the late afternoon or early evening.
How do I know if USPS lost my package? ›
To request a search for your missing mailpiece, go to MissingMail.USPS.com and sign in or register. Complete your search request form by providing all the required information and select submit. You will receive confirmation that your search request has been submitted.
Can a package be in transit overnight? ›
The package is transported to an overnight delivery hub.
Overnight orders are, like the name suggests, shipped overnight via ground or air transit in order to make it to the customer on the next business day.
What is the difference between transit time and delivery time? ›
Transit time is the interval needed for a shipment to be delivered once it has been picked up from the point of departure. Basically, it is the amount of time spent when moving goods from one point to another. The transit time vary according to route and the mode of transportation used.
Why has my order been in transit for 4 days? ›
It means it is traveling on any means necessary to get to its destination. In other words it is still in that between time before it's next scan at its next transport terminal or delivery office.
Can I ask USPS to expedite my package? ›
If eligible, you can submit your request online after logging in with your USPS.com account. After submitting your request, you'll be provided an estimated total (intercept fee plus estimated Priority Mail® postage, if applicable).
Yes, USPS delivers on Sunday too. But the thing is that it delivers only Amazon Packages and Priority Mail Packages on this day.
What does 2 days in transit mean? ›
Time in transit is the time it takes for a shipment to be transported and delivered once it has been picked up from the point of departure. Basically, it is the amount of time spent shipping and delivering products from a merchant's warehouse to the consumer.
How long is my Shein package in transit? ›
When you place an order with SHEIN we will have to process the order first. Processing usually takes 1-3 business days. Shipping time will be 6-8 working days by standard shipping and 2-4 working days by express shipping.
Is it normal for a package to be in transit for 4 days? ›
Tracking statuses may take 24-48 hours to update. Refer to your estimated delivery time. If you've shipped via Overnight and it's a day late, maybe wait a day. But if it's been four days, something is most definitely amiss.
How long does in transit and out for delivery take? ›
Usually, yes, out for delivery means the last mile carrier or delivery provider will arrive with the package that day. Normally, because the term implies that a package has left the final pickup point headed to the recipient, out for delivery means it will be delivered on the same day.
Why is my package still in transit? ›
“In transit” can both mean that the package has just left the collection warehouse, is in between two hubs, or is already on its way to your address. In summary, if your parcel or order is “in transit”, this just means that everything is as it should be, and you should receive it soon.
How accurate is Shein tracking? ›
Tracking your SHEIN order is usually accurate as the delivery is usually on time. In some rare cases, it could be delayed as there could be some factors that would affect the delivery. Factors like inclement weather, global pandemics, or road blockages are some that could affect the delivery time of your SHEIN order.
