You’re expecting a delivery from UPS and have received a “Package Transferred to Post Office“ tracking update.
What does this mean exactly? Why has your package been transferred and is there anything you need to do?
Let’s take a look…

Summary: Package Transferred to Post Office
This status alert from UPS means that the carrier has handed the package over to the post office in the destination country to complete the final delivery. In the USA this would be USPS, in the UK it would be Royal Mail, etc.
Package Transferred to Post Office – Guide

This update means that UPS has transferred the package to the post office service to complete the final delivery.
This is standard procedure with the UPS SurePost service that is designed to be more cost-effective by utilizing the reach of USPS to deliver to all areas of the USA.
In other words, if your package is shipped using UPS SurePost, UPS will take care of the shipment up until the moment it reaches the area for the recipient.
At this point, it is handed over to the local post office where it will be sorted and go out for delivery with USPS.
- Related Content: “Departure Scan” – UPS Tracking Guide
But Mine Isn’t a UPS SurePost Shipment!?

Sometimes UPS will use the local post office to complete delivery where it makes sense to do so.
Examples include it not being economical for UPS to send a truck out to a specific location, the carrier not having coverage in a particular destination, or simply logistical issues meaning a 3rd party (i.e. the Post Office) needs to be used.
The fact the post office is being used will make no difference in terms of you receiving the package.
This transfer simply means that instead of a UPS delivery driver arriving at your door, it will be the friendly face of your local post office worker. 🙂
- Related Content: Why Does UPS Take So Long?
“Package Transferred to Post Office” – What do I need to Do?

When you receive this status alert there is very little you need to do.
The transfer has automatically been carried out by UPS and you will be able to continue tracking your item through your UPS tracking page.
That being said, if you experience a delay in your item reaching you after it has been transferred to the post office, you can also try searching for the tracking number on the tracking page of the service now responsible for delivery.
In situations where the UPS tracking system is slow in updating, the source so to speak (i.e. post office tracking) can often reveal the details that you need.
- Related Content: UPS: “Due to Operating Conditions, Your Package May be Delayed”
Tracking Stuck on the Update

You may well have reached this article because you have received this update and then experienced “radio silence” on the progress of your package for a number of days.
First off, it is important to understand that once the package has been transferred to the post office it can end up stuck amongst a large pile of packages awaiting to be sorted.
This was a big problem during the pandemic.

From the point of view of the post office, a package that started life as a shipment made through UPS has little priority.
During times of high package volumes flowing through the post office sorting facility, packages and mail shipped using the post office delivery network will be given higher priority.
This can mean that your UPS package may end up on the bottom of the pile, and take a while to move through the sorting center and onto a truck for final delivery.
On the plus side, the fact that the item is in the post office facility in the destination area does mean “out for delivery” will be the next step.
- Related Content: Does UPS Reuse Tracking Numbers – Full Guide
So How Long Should I Wait?

Taking the above into account, I recommend that you wait between 3 to 5 days before contacting UPS or the post office as to the whereabouts of your package.
This allows time for the item to be sorted and processed through a facility that may be experiencing package volume-induced delays.
In the rare case that an expedited UPS service has been handed over to the post office for final delivery, you can understandably make inquiries earlier if the stated delivery window is reaching an end.
Final Words

Overall the “Package Transferred to Post Office” status alert from UPS is nothing to worry about.
It simply means that the local postal service now has the package and will complete the final delivery.
You can still track your package via UPS or choose to use the post office tracking service.
Sometimes the item may experience delay due to it being a lower priority in the eyes of the postal service.
However, this only really happens when the infrastructure of the service is stretched.
Simply put, your package is normally just a day or two away from delivery when you receive this update.
- Related Content: What is a UPS Access Point? All You Need to Know
I’m a 25 year veteran of USPS. I’m retired now, but as the editor of Mailbox Master, I can’t quite remove myself from the carrier industry just yet. 🙂
Our USPS here is so bad that mail is miss-delivered, or just gets lost. I hate ups which is most dependable turns packages over to usps!!!!
This info is incomplete. If you dont have a mailbox at your house, the package will remain at the local post office, AND if you dont have a PO Box at said post office (not primary residence), USPS will return package to sender!
So, for some people (myself!) there IS something to Worry About. It would be good if this site info could be updated to reflect this.