What Does "Origin Post is Preparing Shipment" Really Mean? A 2023 Shipping Guide

The dreaded "Origin Post is Preparing Shipment." You‘ve been anxiously awaiting a package delivery only to see this cryptic, unhelpful tracking message that tells you nothing about where your package actually is.

I‘ve been there too. Refreshing the tracking page countless times hoping for a new scan, getting progressively more frustrated by the day. I know how irritating and confusing these non-update updates can be.

But I‘ve also done some digging to better understand what‘s going on behind the scenes when you see this message. And I‘m here to share what I‘ve learned to help you decipher your USPS tracking limbo.

In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll break down:

• What exactly "Origin Post is Preparing Shipment" means
• Why it happens and when you can expect to see it
• How long it typically takes to move past it
• What you can do if it persists too long
• Tips to proactively track and receive your packages faster

Let‘s start by demystifying this common but perplexing tracking status.

What Does "Origin Post is Preparing Shipment" Actually Mean?

This message indicates that the shipping provider has received your package and captured basic tracking data, but has not yet handed it over to USPS for transit.

Specifically:

• The package is still at the shipper‘s location or origin postal facility.
• The shipping provider has logged the package into their system and tracking was created.
• The package is undergoing pre-shipment processing like labeling, customs clearance, sorting, etc.
• The package has NOT been inducted into the USPS system yet.

Unfortunately, USPS has limited visibility on packages until the origin carrier tenders it to them. So this status doesn‘t pinpoint where exactly your package is in the process.

How "Origin Post is Preparing Shipment" Compares to Other Common USPS Tracking Statuses

So in essence, you‘re in USPS tracking limbo – just waiting for that first magical USPS scan.

Why You See "Origin Post is Preparing Shipment"

There are several reasons why your tracking may be stuck at this stage:

• Initial Tracking Scan: The message appears after the origin carrier‘s first tracking scan when they receive the package. For many international packages, this is the first tracking event.

• Pre-Transit Processing Time: The package is undergoing sorting, customs clearance, labeling, and other activities before it can be dispatched. This can take 2-4 days in some cases.

• Handoff Delays: The handoff from the origin carrier to USPS may be delayed due to weather, capacity issues, holidays, or other factors. This leads to packages sitting in facilities longer.

• Capacity Challenges: With USPS package volumes rising each year, facilities and systems are overwhelmed, leading to processing delays.

• Global Events: COVID-related slowdowns, labor shortages, and airport congestion continue to constrain shipping. This applies to both domestic and international mail.

So in summary, you‘re seeing this status because of typical pre-shipment activities and delays in the handoff to USPS.

How Long Does "Origin Post is Preparing Shipment" Last?

For most packages, this status remains for 2-4 business days before moving to the next tracking event. However, it varies based on origin and destination:

• Domestic packages usually only show this for 1-2 days before USPS takes possession.
• International packages often stay at "Origin Post is Preparing Shipment" for 4-7+ days.
• During peak holiday periods, packages may sit at this stage for a week or more.

According to USPS data, about 92% of inbound international packages complete this origin preparation phase within 6 days.

So it‘s not too concerning if you see this status persist for 3-5 days. But once you get past 7-10 days with no change, it‘s time to take action.

What to Do if You‘ve Been Stuck Here Too Long

If you‘ve been seeing this status for over a week with no progress, here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Contact USPS: Speak with a representative to see if they have any updates or information on your delayed package. Sometimes additional scans may have occurred that are not visible to you.

• Follow up with the shipper: See if the seller/shipper has dropped off your item yet, or if they can contact their local post to get status details.

• Look for indirect tracking clues: Check the foreign postal service‘s website for more scans. See if the credit card charge is still pending, indicating it may not have shipped.

• Be patient a little longer: Give it a few more business days in case there are delays out of the shipper‘s control.

• Plan for the worst: If there are no changes after 2 weeks, you may have to request a reshipment or refund.

I know it‘s annoying when a package seems stuck in limbo, but try not to stress excessively until it has been over 7-10 days since the initial "Origin Post" scan. USPS processes millions of packages every day – there are bound to be some hiccups.

Pro Tip: How to Track Packages Proactively

To get ahead of any future shipping delays or issues, I recommend being proactive with your package tracking. Here are some good habits:

• Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery to receive daily email previews of your incoming mail. This gives you visibility on what should be arriving soon.

• Enable text/email alerts so you get shipping updates automatically without checking manually.

• Use package tracking apps like Aftership to monitor all carriers in one dashboard.

• For expensive items, consider using USPS Signature Confirmation. This requires someone to be present to sign for the package.

• Inspect the packaging when you receive it. Photograph any damage immediately to document it.

• Communicate actively with the seller so they‘re aware of any delays or issues on their end.

Being proactive removes some anxiety from the out-of-your-control waiting and guessing game during shipping!

Don‘t Despair! How to Survive USPS Tracking Limbo

Waiting endlessly for that first USPS tracking scan can be frustrating. But in most cases, "Origin Post is Preparing Shipment" is a routine event that resolves itself within a week as your package enters the USPS workflow.

However, I hope this guide gave you a deeper understanding of what‘s happening behind the scenes, why you may see this status longer than expected, and what you can do to stay proactive.

The next time your tracking hits a standstill, remember to stay calm, give it at least a week before worrying, and utilize the tips above. Before you know it, you‘ll see that delightful "Out for Delivery" update and have your package in hand!