Decoding "Scheduled Delivery Is Now Pending," "Awaiting Delivery Scan," and Other Cryptic Tracking Statuses

Two tracking statuses cause most of the confusion, and they come from different carriers. "Awaiting Delivery Scan" is a USPS status that appears after a package has already been out for delivery. "Delivery now pending" is the FedEx status that appears when a delay has changed the delivery time. In both cases the carrier still expects to deliver the package. This page covers what each one means, how long to wait, and when to act.

"Awaiting Delivery Scan" (USPS)

USPS lists "Awaiting Delivery Scan" and "Delivery Status Not Updated" under Out for Delivery in its tracking status FAQ. The package went out for delivery, but no Delivered scan was recorded by 9 p.m. local time that day, so USPS now expects to deliver it the next business day. So the package isn't stuck before shipping. It's on the last leg of its trip.

If more than one full postal business day has passed since this status and the package still hasn't arrived, USPS says to submit a service request to your local Post Office with the tracking number.

"Label Created" or "Pre-Shipment" (USPS)

These statuses sit at the opposite end of the trip. "Shipping Label Created, USPS Awaiting Item" and "Pre-Shipment, USPS Awaiting Item" mean a label exists but the package hasn't been handed to USPS yet, according to the same USPS FAQ. USPS gives no wait time for this stage and tells recipients to contact the shipper. If you're the seller, check whether the order has actually left your shelf, or your 3PL's dock.

"Delivery Now Pending" or "Scheduled Delivery Is Now Pending" (FedEx)

FedEx's U.S. tracking FAQ calls this the "delivery now pending" status and says it means FedEx changed the delivery time because of a delay. FedEx Canada's help page words it as "scheduled delivery is now pending" and explains that delivery commitments change based on the type of delay. Check tracking or FedEx Delivery Manager for the updated date. If a U.S. delivery is delayed by at least one day, FedEx says you can start a support ticket.

If you searched for "scheduled delivery pending" or "estimated delivery date pending," this FedEx status is most likely what your tracking shows. Our FedEx tracking guide covers the rest of FedEx's statuses.

"In Transit" and "Arrived at USPS Facility"

These mean the package is moving through the carrier's network. USPS uses "Arrived at USPS Facility" and "Departed USPS Facility" as a package passes through its sorting facilities, and groups them under Moving Through Network in its status FAQ. For every USPS status and what it means, see what the USPS tracking status updates mean.

When a status really is a problem

For USPS, a package that has been lost, late, or missing for 7 days or more qualifies for a Missing Mail search, according to USPS Missing Mail basics. Our walkthrough shows how to file the request. Either the sender or the recipient can file a USPS claim for a missing or damaged package (USPS domestic claims), and this guide covers what to do if USPS lost your package.

For FedEx, a U.S. delivery delayed by at least one day is enough to start a support ticket.

If USPS tracking shows "Delivered" but nothing arrived, USPS suggests checking the garage, the porch, the mailbox later in the day (packages can come separately from regular mail), and with others in the household. If more than one postal business day passes and the package still hasn't turned up, USPS says to submit a service request to the local Post Office.

If Simpl ships your orders and a customer asks about a stuck tracking number, email your account manager with the tracking number. Every Simpl client has a dedicated account manager who answers email the same day.