Shipping Label Created, USPS Awaiting Item Meaning + Fixes

Learn what to do with a stuck USPS package

Co-authored by Fahim and Seema Mojawalla and Rain Kengly

Last Updated: December 11, 2025 Fact Checked

What It Means

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What You Can Do

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Is your package stuck on "Label Created"? If it's only been a day, the seller may not have had a chance to drop off your package at USPS. If it's been a few days or over a week, it may be an issue with USPS itself. Here's everything you need to know about the "Shipping Label Created, USPS Awaiting Item" message and what you can do to fix it.

What Label Created, USPS Awaiting Item Means

This means your item's shipping label has been created, but the post office has yet to receive it. The seller must drop off the item, and USPS must scan the package to update this message in the system.

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Shipping Label Created, USPS Awaiting Item Meaning

"Shipping Label Created, USPS Awaiting Item" means the label was created, but the seller hasn't dropped off the item. Typically, this means the seller paid for and created the label. Whether they attached the label to the item and sent it off for shipping depends on the individual seller's packaging process. The second part of the notification indicates that USPS has not yet received the item. When you see this message, you're most likely waiting for the seller to complete the drop-off.^{[1]
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- In some cases, USPS may be backed up on packages and may not have scanned your package yet, even if it was dropped off. Give it a few days for the seller or USPS to update their system.
- If your package has been stuck on "Shipping Label, USPS Awaiting Item" for more than a few days, see the next section for what you can do to speed up the process.

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How to Fix USPS Tracking Error

If the seller claims they already dropped off the package, ask if they can email you a copy of the receipt. The receipt should have the drop-off date and time of your package. This also confirms that the package is now in USPS's hands.
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Contact USPS. If you confirmed the seller dropped off the item, you can try to contact USPS for help with your package. You may be asked to supply a tracking number or address. You can contact your local USPS office for any information on incoming packages.
- Find your local USPS with the official website.^{[2]
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Some post offices may not scan certain packages, which won't update the status in the early stages of delivery. In this case, wait until the expected shipping date comes and check if the status updates with the "Out for delivery" message.