Every day, the USPS processes 23.8 million packages; when you add other mail services’ totals on top of that, the packages you send out and receive are basically needles in haystacks. It’s only natural to worry about them, especially if you’re dealing with something important and/or expensive.
The best way to get peace of mind is to check your package’s status. But it can be hard to decipher the terms. For example, what does “in transit” mean?
In this article, we’ll discuss what the term means in detail. We’ll also show you how to get more flexibility if you’re always on the go.
What Does “In Transit” Mean?
“In transit” is a general term used to indicate that a shipment or package is on its way from the sender to the recipient. More specifically, it means that it’s currently in the process of being transported or delivered, but it hasn’t reached its final destination yet.
Because “in transit” is such a broad term, your package can be in a wide variety of stages. For example, it might be in the first stage of loading onto a transportation vehicle. Or it might be in the middle of transport, or even awaiting customs clearance if you’re dealing with international shipping.
Typically, shipping carriers will change the status from “in transit” to something else once the package arrives at its destination. Then, they’ll update it again when it’s out for delivery, and again after it’s been delivered.
What Does “In Transit” Mean for USPS?
The USPS will use the term “in transit” for most of its packages, even if you’re only sending something within your city.
When you see this label on your shipment, it means that it’s between USPS locations. It can be on a trailer truck, train car, or airfreight, all of which fall under USPS’s fleet.
Other terms USPS will use include:
- Electronic shipping info received
- Acceptance
- Processed through sort facility
- Departed from the USPS facility
- Arrival at unit
- Out for delivery
- Delivered
What Does “In Transit” Mean for UPS?
Like USPS, “in transit” with UPS means that your package is moving within the UPS infrastructure. You can count on this update to mean that a shipment’s moving between UPS locations, whether that’s by ground or air services.
Other terms you might find on your UPS tracking page are:
- Arrival scan
- Clearance completed
- Departure scan
- On vehicle for delivery
- Out for delivery
- Delivered
What Does “In Transit” Mean for FedEx?
FedEx’s “in transit” label doesn’t always mean that your package is within their infrastructure.
For instance, it may be still sitting at one of their facilities and hasn’t been moved yet. Or it may have left an origination facility and is moving between FedEx locations. “In transit” can also mean that your package is about to be dropped off at its destination.
Other terms that FedEx use include:
- New
- Delivered
- Delivery exception
What Does “In Transit” Mean for SHEIN?
SHEIN was downloaded 200 million times in 2022, and it has an estimated 74.7 million active shoppers. So there’s a good chance that you’re a SHEIN user, or are considering becoming one. Either way, knowing their shipping terms can provide extra security, especially during your first purchase.
When you see “in transit” on SHEIN, it means that your order has left the warehouse or storage facility. It’ll be on its way to your local delivery location. The total time for the “in transit” label will vary; some customers only have to wait a few days, while others wait for a week or more.
How to Get More Flexibility if You Have a Shipment in Transit
Waiting for a package can be tedious, not to mention inconvenient as well if you frequently travel. Every day, you’re looking at the “in transit” sign, waiting for it to change so you can sigh in relief.
To avoid this issue, you can leave a note on your door or on the shipping carrier’s portal or app. Or you can put down a trusted person’s address so they receive your package for you.
However, the above aren’t convenient nor are they fantastic long-term solutions. So instead, you should get a virtual mailbox. This is a physical address you can use, and the provider will receive and forward both mail and packages.
How to Get a Virtual Mailbox With Business Anywhere
If you’re interested in getting a virtual mailbox, then you should choose Business Anywhere. Not only do we have the best prices around, but we also have other useful services too, such as business registration, registered agent service, and online notary services.
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You should follow these steps to get package forwarding to anywhere in the world.
Get a Business Anywhere Account
It’s free to sign up for a Business Anywhere account, so there’s no harm in getting one, as you can always change your mind. You don’t have to worry about hidden fees with any of our services either, as we’re completely transparent about what we charge.
You’ll need to provide your full name, email address, and password.
Choose Your Location and Plan
We offer virtual mailboxes in Arizona, Florida, New Mexico, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming. Choose the location you prefer, then the plan you want (basic, premium, or advanced).
On the final screen, you’ll pay through a secure page.
Upload Your Completed Postal Authorization Form
For us to legally receive your mail, you’ll need to authorize us. You can do so by filling out a postal authorization form, which we can notarize.
Once we’ve received everything, we’ll then set up your digital mailbox and send you a notification that it’s ready for use.
Get Peace of Mind for Your Packages
Now you know the answer to the question, “What does ‘in transit’ mean?” In general, it indicates that a shipment has left the sender and is on its way to the recipient, and this rings true for the majority of parcel handlers.
If you plan on ordering anything that takes a while to arrive, then consider getting a virtual mailbox. This service will receive your packages, then forward them wherever you wish, so you’re not tied down to a single address.
If you want a virtual mailbox with Business Anywhere, then sign up for an account today. We’ve got an intuitive dashboard that allows you to add other services if needed.
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