What Does “Package Being Processed at Carrier Facility” Mean?

Delicke

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posted on 8 months ago — updated on 1 second ago

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Nowadays, when you order goods online, you hope for a smooth and seamless delivery experience. While thousands of packages are scanned, processed, sorted, and delivered each day successfully, now and then, a new status update can catch you by surprise. Fortunately, a "package being processed at a carrier facility" update isn't bad news. It just means it's being prepared before transit! Refer to this guide to learn how the biggest four carrier facilities handle your packages.

What to Know About Carrier Facility Updates

Meaning of “Package Being Processed at Carrier Facility”

Packages at a carrier facility indicate they're being processed for transit. When a merchant first ships a package, the unique tracking code is scanned into the shipping company's system. This code lets customers get the latest updates on items as they move through the company's network before landing at your doorstep. However, packages are sometimes transferred to smaller carrier facilities closer to your home, where they get scanned before being moved to a delivery truck or another facility. This status is a normal part of shipping, so don't fret! Your package is still on its way to you.

What is a carrier facility?

Carrier facilities receive, sort, process, and dispatch packages. Carrier facilities come in all shapes and sizes. Consider an Amazon fulfillment center—one massive hub transfers your package to a smaller, closer carrier facility before it makes it onto a local delivery truck to your house. Many moving parts are taking place in these hubs to ensure your goods are delivered on time and with care. Carrier facilities handle package intake, sorting and scanning, inspection and documentation, transportation, dispatch and delivery, returns, and customer support.

Amazon Carrier Facility

Amazon packages take a few hours to 2 days to get processed. One of the biggest selling points for Amazon orders is the company's speedy delivery. Generally, packages are processed within a few hours. However, it can take up to 2 days, so if you're still staring at a processing status update, don't worry. Your package is still waiting to be processed. Processing timeframe: 1-2 days. Pickup option: No pickup options available. Contact information: Visit amazon.com or call 1-888-280-4331 24/7.

United States Postal Service Carrier Facility

USPS packages are processed and delivered based on mail class. USPS mail classes refer to the shipping services they provide. For example, First-Class Mail is processed and delivered between 1 to 5 days, while Marketing Mail can take 2 to 10 days. However, you should wait an additional three business days for an update before contacting USPS. Processing timeframe: 1-10 business days depending on mail class. Priority Mail Express: Next-Day to 2-Day guarantee by 6 pm. Priority Mail: 1 to 3 business days. USPS Ground Advantage: 2 to 5 business days. First-Class Mail: 1 to 5 business days. Media Mail: 2 to 8 business days. Pickup option: Pay a $17.50 fee to intercept your package and pick it up at another USPS location. Contact information: Visit usps.com or call 1-800-275-8777 on weekdays between 8 am to 8:30 pm or Saturdays between 8 am to 6 pm ET.

UPS Carrier Facility

UPS packages are processed and delivered within 3 business days. UPS prides itself on delivering 90% of its Ground packages within 3 days or less. However, it can take up to 5 days. They also offer two-, three-, and next-day delivery options for an additional cost. If your package still says "processing," it's still being prepared for the next leg of its journey. So, give it some time! It's on its way. Processing timeframe: 1-3 days. Pickup option: Use UPS Delivery intercept to update or redirect the package to a preferred UPS Access Point or UPS retail location. Contact information: Visit UPS.com or call 1-800-742-5877 7 days a week between 6 am and 1 am EST.

FedEx Carrier Facility

FedEx packages are processed and delivered within 5 business days. FedEx packages are processed quickly. However, it's common for a shipment to go more than 24 hours without a tracking update. This can be due to a lack of scanners along the route—especially if a package has a long journey. But rest assured; your package is still coming. If you see "We have your package," the shipment has been dropped off at a FedEx office location and processed. Processing timeframe: 1-5 days. Pickup option: Use FedEx Hold for Pickup to retrieve a package at a FedEx retail location. Contact information: Visit FedEx.com or call 1-800-463-3339 on weekdays between 7 am and 9 pm or Saturdays between 7 am and 3 pm CT.

Why do packages sit in carrier facilities?

Packages can sit for longer periods during peak shipping seasons. Unfortunately, high-volume orders, lack of staffing, severe weather conditions, and other unforeseen circumstances can cause a package to sit in the farrier facility longer than normal. Each package should be accounted for to make it onto the correct truck. International packages can sit longer while undergoing custom clearance and documentation. In these scenarios, customs may contact you for any issues or fees related to your package.

Will your package be delayed?

Generally, packages are processed quickly, but there can be a delay. For many online shoppers, packages are processed and shipped within a few hours or up to 2 days. So, it's not likely you'll end up with this vague status update. But it's not impossible. Give your package at least a week for it to arrive before contacting your carrier's customer service team for further assistance. Additionally, refer to your item's tracking number for its last known location and look up the area's latest news. Severe weather conditions may cause delays.