The United State Postal Service (USPS) is the most popular delivery service in the United States. It is no surprise they handle millions of mails for both individuals and businesses daily.
Occasionally, customers have questions about the tracking updates they come across. “Departed USPS regional destination facility” is one status update that has always drawn questions.
Did you come across the “departed USPS regional destination facility” message and want to know what it means? If yes, then this article is for you.
What is a USPS regional facility?
Before understanding what the “departed USPS regional destination facility” message means, you must know what a USPS regional facility is.
When packages are delivered, both locally and internationally, they move from one facility to another. This regional facility, sometimes called a hub, is a warehouse where packages are sorted and redistributed.
The USPS has over 200 regional facilities where packages are sorted and redistributed in an onward journey toward the delivery destination.
What does “departed USPS regional destination facility” mean?
The departed USPS regional destination facility is the second to last step before a package is delivered. This message simply implies that your package has departed a regional facility and is on its way to the next destination.
This means that the package is being sent to the post office that services the recipient’s area.
How long after departing USPS regional destination facility till you receive your package?
The time it takes till you receive your package depends on a number of factors. The first and obvious is the distance from the final destination.
If the final destination is close to the regional facility, then delivery should take around 24 hours. And in cases where the regional facility is not close or in another state, then it could take several days.
It could also depend on the USPS service used. Fast-speed USPS service is usually faster, and it reduces the number of regional facilities the package has to go through.
Normal delivery service tends to be slower as it has to move from facility to facility until it arrives at one closer to the recipient’s address.
So, in general, it could take anywhere from a day to 3 days after receiving this message till you receive your package.
Why is your package’s tracking status stuck on “departed USPS regional destination facility”?
In most cases, packages may be stuck on departed USPS regional destination facility if your package missed a scan. If this is the case, chances are the status will be updated once it reaches the next location.
That being said, packages can remain stuck on departed USPS regional facility for other reasons too. Some of these include;
- Item lost or temporarily misplaced in a sorting facility
- Technical or staffing issues which cause a back-log in the facility
- Minor issues causing the item from being sorted for onward dispatch
What should you do about it?
Well, I recommend waiting for at least five working days. Chances are the package is already in transit, but since it was not scanned, it is yet to be updated.
However, if after five working days, the tracking status remains the same, then further actions may be required. You should contact USPS via 1-800-275-8777 or visit a local facility for inquiries.
USPS branches operate from Mondays through to Fridays, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Central Time.
FAQs
Where do USPS packages go after departing a regional destination facility?
After departing the regional destination facility, the package is sent to the local post office. Afterward, from the local post office, it is sent to the receiver’s address.
How many USPS regional facilities are there?
There are 250 USPS regional facilities located across various states in the United States.
How long does a package stay at a USPS regional facility?
Some facilities spend hours sorting and distributing packages, while others spend a day or two due to the large number of packages being handled. So it depends on the regional facility.
What happens at the USPS regional destination facility?
Packages are sorted based on the zip codes, and afterward, they are dispatched to the local post offices.
Conclusion: Departed USPS regional destination facility
Basically, the departed USPS regional destination facility message means your package is on the way. It is a standard USPS status update that signifies your package is moving as it should.
If all go well, you should receive your package in less than two days, that is, if the regional facility is in your state. And if it is not in your state, it could take longer than a day before you receive your package.
If your tracking update is stuck on “departed USPS regional destination facility,” it shouldn’t cause any panic. Simply contact USPS via 1-800-275-8777 or visit a local facility for inquiries.
I hope you found this article helpful, if you did, you should also see what the USPS “Awaiting Delivery Scan” message means.
Thanks for reading.
