USPS Delivery Attempted Meaning

"Delivery Attempted" is USPS's notification that your carrier arrived at your address with your package but could not complete the delivery according to USPS delivery procedures. This differs from Out for Delivery, which indicates the package is still on the truck making its way to you.

This status means the carrier physically came to your address, something prevented delivery completion, the package returned to the post office, a delivery notice was likely left (PS Form 3849), and you'll get another delivery attempt.

Common reasons for attempted delivery include signature required when nobody was home (the most frequent cause), package too large for mailbox with no secure location to leave it, no secure location where the carrier determined your porch or doorstep isn't safe, inaccessible address due to locked gates or aggressive animals, incorrect or unclear address, business closed during carrier hours, or weather and safety concerns.

The tracking scan happens when the carrier uses their handheld scanner to record the failed delivery attempt. After a failed attempt, packages typically show In Transit back to your local post office.

Delivery attempts fail for operational, security, and safety reasons:

Signature requirements protect high-value items — USPS requires signatures for Priority Mail Express, packages with insurance over certain amounts, and items the sender specifically requested signatures for. This prevents theft and confirms delivery.

Carriers follow delivery safety protocols — USPS trains carriers not to leave packages in locations where they could be easily stolen or damaged. If your porch is visible from the street or exposed to weather, carriers may attempt delivery but not leave packages unattended.

Access restrictions are common — Locked gates, apartment building security, gated communities, and similar barriers frequently cause delivery attempts. Carriers can't trespass or bypass security to deliver packages.

Time constraints affect delivery decisions — Carriers have limited time to complete routes. If finding a recipient or resolving an address issue would take too long, they mark the delivery as attempted and move on.

Package characteristics matter — Large, heavy, or obviously valuable packages are more likely to require in-person delivery rather than being left unattended.

Address issues create confusion — Missing apartment numbers, unclear suite designations, or confusing building layouts cause carriers to attempt delivery but fail to locate the correct recipient.

Rural delivery challenges — In rural areas with long driveways, aggressive dogs, or difficult terrain, carriers may not be able to safely reach the delivery location.

USPS carriers make judgment calls constantly. Two different carriers might handle the same delivery differently—one might leave a package while another attempts delivery and leaves a notice. This depends on their assessment of security, weather, and specific circumstances.

During peak holiday seasons, carriers face higher volumes and tighter schedules, which can lead to more delivery attempts rather than spending extra time finding recipients or navigating access issues.

After an attempted delivery, here's the typical timeline:

Day 1, Afternoon: Carrier attempts delivery, leaves notice

Day 1, Evening: Package returns to post office, tracking updates to "Delivery Attempted"

Day 2, Morning: Package is loaded for automatic redelivery attempt

Day 2, Afternoon: Second delivery attempt (if you haven't scheduled pickup)

Automatic redelivery attempts:

First attempt: USPS automatically attempts delivery again the next business day

Second attempt: If the second try fails, USPS may attempt once more the following day

Third attempt: After 2-3 failed attempts, USPS typically holds the package at the post office for pickup

The number of attempts varies:

Signature-required packages: Usually 2-3 attempts over consecutive business days

Large packages: May get only 1-2 attempts before being held for pickup

Standard packages: Typically 2 attempts before requiring pickup

Express mail: Usually only 1 attempt due to time-sensitive nature, then held for pickup

Hold period at post office:

Initial hold: 5-10 business days after the final delivery attempt

Notice sent: USPS sends a final notice telling you to pick up the package

Return to sender: If not picked up within the hold period, the package is returned to the sender

You can bypass automatic redelivery by:

• Scheduling a specific redelivery date at usps.com/redelivery
• Requesting to hold the package at the post office for pickup
• Authorizing the carrier to leave the package without a signature (if permitted)

Weekend deliveries (for Sunday Amazon or Priority Mail Express) follow the same pattern—failed attempts on Sunday will be reattempted Monday.

If you do nothing after receiving the delivery notice, USPS will make automatic attempts, but after the final attempt, you'll need to pick up the package at your local post office within the hold window.

"Delivery Attempted" is a common status that's usually easily resolved. You should pay attention if:

You didn't receive a delivery notice — Carriers are supposed to leave PS Form 3849 notices explaining the situation. If you see the attempted delivery scan but have no notice, check your door, mailbox, and ask neighbors if it blew away.

The package requires a signature you can't provide — If you work during carrier hours and live alone, you may never be home to sign. You'll need to arrange pickup or authorize someone else to sign.

The reason for the attempt isn't clear — Sometimes notices don't clearly explain why delivery failed. This makes it hard to fix the issue for the next attempt.

Multiple delivery attempts have failed — After 2-3 failed attempts, you're at risk of the package being returned to sender, which can cause delays or additional shipping charges.

You have time-sensitive items — If your package contains items needed by a specific date, failed delivery attempts can jeopardize your timeline.

The package is being held at a distant post office — Sometimes packages are held at facilities far from your address, making pickup inconvenient.

Access issues can't be quickly resolved — If the problem is a locked gate code you don't have access to, or an aggressive dog you can't secure, repeated attempts will keep failing.

Most delivery attempts are resolved on the second try once you:

• Are home to receive the package
• Fix the address issue
• Provide gate codes or access instructions
• Authorize leaving the package unsigned

Timing concerns:

Not urgent: Standard packages with multiple attempts available and a 10-day hold period give you flexibility

Moderately urgent: Packages you need within a week require proactive scheduling or pickup

Very urgent: Same-day or next-day needs require immediate action—pick up the package at the post office rather than waiting for redelivery

Remember that carriers usually deliver at similar times each day. If the first attempt was at 2 PM when you're at work, the second attempt will likely also be at 2 PM when you're still at work. This pattern means you may need to change your approach rather than waiting for automatic redelivery.

After a delivery attempt, take these actions:

1. Find and read the delivery notice

Locate the PS Form 3849 notice the carrier left. It explains:

• Why delivery wasn't completed
• What you need to do
• Where the package is being held
• How to schedule redelivery or pickup

Check your door, mailbox, door frame, and nearby areas if you don't immediately see it.

2. Schedule redelivery online

Go to redelivery.usps.com and enter:

• Your tracking number or the number from the notice
• Your address
• Your preferred redelivery date

You can schedule redelivery for a specific day when you'll be home, giving you control over timing.

3. Authorize delivery without signature

On the delivery notice, you can sign to authorize the carrier to leave the package without requiring you to be present. This only works if:

• The sender didn't specifically require a signature
• The package value allows it
• Your carrier accepts these authorizations (some don't due to theft concerns)

4. Request hold for pickup

You can ask USPS to hold the package at your local post office instead of attempting more deliveries. This works well if:

• You won't be home during delivery hours
• Access issues can't be quickly resolved
• You want the package immediately

To request pickup, use the notice form, call your local post office, or use USPS.com.

5. Provide delivery instructions

If the attempt failed due to access issues:

• Call your local post office with gate codes
• Leave a note for the carrier with specific instructions
• Temporarily secure pets during delivery hours
• Clear blocked access points

6. Fix address issues

If the notice indicates address problems:

• Verify your address is correct and complete
• Add or clarify apartment/unit numbers
• Post visible address numbers on your building
• Contact the sender to update the shipping label if needed

7. Arrange for someone else to receive it

If you can't be home:

• Authorize a family member, neighbor, or roommate to sign
• Provide their name on the authorization section of the notice
• Ensure they'll be present during delivery hours

8. Pick up at the post office

The fastest solution is often picking it up yourself:

• Wait until after 4 PM on the day of the attempted delivery (to ensure it's back from the carrier)
• Bring photo ID matching the delivery address
• Bring the delivery notice or tracking number
• Check your post office's hours—many close at 5 PM

9. Call your local post office

For complex issues, call directly:

• Find your post office number at tools.usps.com/find-location.htm
• Ask to speak with a supervisor
• Explain your situation and ask for guidance
• Confirm the package is available for pickup

10. Monitor for the next attempt

If you schedule redelivery or do nothing, watch your tracking for:

• Updated delivery date
• Second delivery attempt
• Final notice to pick up

Contact USPS in these specific situations: after 9 PM on the delivery day if your package still shows "Out for Delivery," when tracking shows delivered but you didn't receive it (wait 24 hours first), after 2 consecutive days showing Out for Delivery, if you see an attempted delivery notice but weren't home, for high-value or time-sensitive packages, or when weather or emergencies may have suspended service.

You can schedule redelivery online at USPS Redelivery or call 1-800-ASK-USPS (1-800-275-8777). When calling, always have your tracking number ready and know the exact address where the package should be delivered.

If you have repeated delivery problems, consider using USPS Hold for Pickup or updating your delivery instructions through Informed Delivery.