The United States Postal Service (USPS) provides two services for early pickup: Package Intercept and Hold for Pickup.

If you want to pick up a USPS package before it is delivered, there are several options available. First, you can opt for the "Hold for Pickup" service when mailing the package. This ensures that once the package arrives at your local post office, it will be held there for you to pick up. If the package is already in transit, you can use the "USPS Package Intercept" service to redirect the package to a post office for pickup, though this service typically comes with an additional fee. If you miss the delivery and the package is marked as delivered, you can still visit your local post office with valid ID and your tracking number to retrieve the package. Additionally, if you subscribe to USPS Informed Delivery, you can track your packages in real-time and, in some cases, request that the package be held at the post office for pickup. Regardless of the option, it's important to check the relevant policies and fees before making a request.

What Does "In Transit" Actually Mean?

"In Transit" doesn't mean your package is lost or delayed—it simply means it's on the move between locations or awaiting the next leg of its journey. Depending on the carrier and shipping method, this status can remain unchanged for several days.

Package Intercept

What It DoesRedirects or holds your package at a Post Office of your choice before it goes out for final delivery.

Eligibility & Restrictions Available for domestic packages with valid tracking numbers that haven’t reached the final delivery stage.

Tip: If your package appears missing, use usps.missing mail search to track its status before deciding to intercept or file a claim.

Hold for Pickup

What It DoesHolds your incoming package at your local Post Office for you to pick up, pausing delivery to your address.

How to Use Online: Submit a request via the USPS “Hold for Pickup” page.
In-Person: Inform a clerk at your local Post Office and complete the required form.
Pickup Notice: USPS will leave PS Form 3849 at your door or mailbox when your package arrives at the Post Office.
Pick Up: Bring the PS Form 3849 and a government-issued photo ID matching the recipient name to the Post Office counter. This service is free.

Reference the USPS Zone Chart

To estimate shipping costs accurately, use the latest usps zone chart USPS to determine the distance zone for your ZIP code pair.

How to Use Visit: Go to the USPS Domestic Zone Chart tool online.
Enter ZIP Codes: In the “Get Zone for ZIP Code Pair” section, input the origin and destination ZIP codes along with the ship date.
Get Zone: Click “Get Zone” to retrieve the zone number and associated rates.

Requirements & Documentation

Photo ID: A government-issued photo ID matching the recipient’s name.

Tracking Number or Notice: Provide the tracking number for intercept or PS Form 3849 for pickup.

Fees:Package Intercept charges only on successful requests; Hold for Pickup is free.

Tips for a Smooth Early Pickup

Call Ahead:Contact your local Post Office to confirm that your package has arrived and is available for early pickup.

Time Your Visit: Arrive before your carrier’s usual delivery window to intercept at the counter.

Consider PO Box or General Delivery:For frequent early pickups, rent a PO Box or use the General Delivery service.

Alternatives & Considerations

Other Carriers: FedEx and UPS offer similar services (“Hold at Location” or “Access Point”) with different rules and fees.

Avoid Scams:Only use official USPS channels for alerts and tracking; beware of phishing attempts.