Out for Delivery, Expected Delivery by 9:00pm

What this status means

The parcel has left your local USPS delivery unit and is on a carrier's vehicle or route. The carrier is working through today's stops, and the 9:00pm time is the latest point by which USPS expects to deliver it.

Is my package delayed?

No. This message by itself is normal and is one of the last steps before delivery. The 9:00pm time is a deadline for the day, not a set delivery time, so the parcel may arrive earlier. A problem only arises if the parcel is not delivered by the end of the day and the tracking shows no further update.

What happens next

Usually the next update is "Delivered", with details such as front door, mailbox or reception. If the carrier cannot deliver, for example because no one is available to sign or the parcel does not fit in the mailbox, the status may change to a delivery attempt with a notice left. If the carrier runs out of time, the parcel may stay in the delivery process and be updated the next day.

What you can do

• Wait until the evening and check the tracking again. Look in your mailbox, at your door and with neighbors or reception.
• Make sure someone can accept the parcel if a signature is needed.
• If it is not delivered and the status has not changed by the next day, contact your local post office with your tracking number.
• If the parcel is marked delivered but is missing, contact USPS, and then the seller, with your tracking number and order details.