When I began helping customers track parcels from different carriers, the status that caused the most confusion was “In Transit.” People weren’t sure whether their package was stuck, lost, or simply moving through the system. Each carrier—USPS, FedEx, Shein—uses “In Transit” slightly differently, but the basic meaning is the same.

“In Transit” means your package has left the origin facility and is moving through the carrier’s network toward the final delivery address.

This status does not mean the parcel is lost—it simply shows it's still on its way.

Why does the “In Transit” status matter?

Customers often panic when they see “In Transit” for several days. But understanding it helps avoid unnecessary worry.

The “In Transit” status matters because it tells you the shipment is still moving, even if it hasn’t reached the final delivery facility yet.

Why this status confuses buyers

Common concerns I hear:

• “It’s been in transit for 5 days—is it stuck?”
• “There are no new scans—did the parcel disappear?”
• “Why is USPS slower than FedEx?”
• “Shein shows In Transit but no movement for a week.”

These are normal situations, especially for long-distance or cross-border shipments.

How I help

I interpret the tracking data, check carrier scan patterns, and contact the carrier if the package shows unusually long delays.

What does “In Transit” mean in USPS tracking?

USPS uses “In Transit” broadly, covering multiple transportation stages.

For USPS, “In Transit” means the package is being transported between USPS facilities and moving toward the destination.

What USPS “In Transit” includes

1. Moving between cities or states

Ground and air transport.

2. Waiting for the next facility scan

Some hubs do not scan every step.

3. Being transferred between trucks, planes, or sorting centers

Movement often happens without visible updates.

Common USPS messages connected to “In Transit”

• “In Transit to Next Facility”
• “Departed USPS Regional Facility”
• “Arrived at USPS Regional Facility”
• “Processed Through USPS Facility”

Why USPS shows long gaps

USPS may take 24–72 hours between scans depending on distance. This is normal.

How I help USPS customers

I check route patterns and estimate the next scan based on typical USPS transit times.

What does “In Transit” mean in FedEx tracking?

FedEx tracking is more detailed than USPS, but the meaning is similar.

**For FedEx, “In Transit” means your package is actively moving through the FedEx network and may be in a vehicle, plane, or sorting hub.

FedEx “In Transit” can include:

1. Moving between FedEx hubs

FedEx has many regional sorting centers.

2. Processing at hubs

FedEx scans packages more frequently than USPS.

3. On the way to destination city

Air and ground transport.

4. Possible delays due to weather or load

FedEx will keep the status as “In Transit” during delays.

Related FedEx tracking messages

• “Departed FedEx Location”
• “At Destination Sort Facility”
• “In Transit: Arrived at FedEx Location”

How I help with FedEx tracking

I match the scan history to FedEx’s network to see whether the package is moving normally or needs support.

What does “In Transit” mean in Shein tracking?

Shein uses third-party carriers, so tracking updates vary widely.

For Shein, “In Transit” means the order has left the origin warehouse, passed export processing, and is moving internationally toward your country.

Shein “In Transit” often refers to:

1. Leaving the warehouse

Order packed and picked up.

2. Export transit from China

Before leaving the country.

3. International shipping

Movement by air or sea.

4. Arrival at destination customs

May still show “In Transit” while pending clearance.

Why Shein updates are slow

Shein consolidates shipments, so you may not see updates for 3–8 days. This is normal.

How I help with Shein shipments

I compare timestamps and shipping methods to estimate when customs clearance and final delivery will happen.

Why does “In Transit” sometimes last for days or weeks?

Many buyers assume long “In Transit” periods mean something is wrong.

**“In Transit” can last a long time due to long distances, customs processing, weather issues, routing delays, or slow scanning at hubs.

Reasons for long “In Transit” periods

1. No scans during transportation

Carriers don’t scan every mile.

2. Customs backlog

Especially with cross-border shipments.

3. Consolidated shipping

Common with low-cost carriers like Shein.

4. Weather or seasonal traffic

Holiday seasons slow down transit.

5. Address issues

Sometimes the parcel is rerouted internally.

When I investigate

If a package stays “In Transit” more than expected, I contact the carrier, verify location, and check if customs needs documents.

What should you do if your package stays “In Transit” too long?

Your actions depend on how long the delay is and which carrier is handling the package.

If your package stays “In Transit” longer than normal, check tracking history, contact the carrier, confirm the address, or request an investigation.

Steps to follow

1. Check tracking updates carefully

Look for signs of movement.

2. Contact the carrier (FedEx/USPS)

They can confirm the parcel’s location.

3. For Shein, contact customer service

They often extend buyer protection or resend items.

4. Verify your address

Mistyped addresses slow down delivery.

5. Check customs requirements

Sometimes tax payment is pending.

How I help

I check logs, speak to carriers, handle customs questions, and guide the buyer through each step.

When does “In Transit” change to “Out for Delivery”?

This is the moment most customers wait for.

Your package changes from “In Transit” to “Out for Delivery” once it reaches the last-mile delivery facility in your city.

The steps before “Out for Delivery”

For USPS

• arrival at local post office → out for delivery

For FedEx

• arrival at destination station → loaded on vehicle

For Shein

• handed to domestic partner → local delivery begins

I help by

Monitoring the last scans and informing customers when to expect the courier.

Conclusion

“In Transit” simply means your package is moving through the carrier’s network—even if scans are not frequent. USPS shows fewer updates, FedEx provides more detailed scans, and Shein often consolidates shipments, causing longer gaps between updates. By understanding how each carrier works, you can track your package with confidence. My team helps interpret tracking statuses, estimate delivery times, and resolve delays so your shipment arrives smoothly. If you need help reading your tracking history, I’m always here to support you.