If you’ve ever ordered something overseas, you’ve probably seen the tracking update: “Origin Post is Preparing Shipment.”

The first time I came across it, I had no idea what it meant. I just kept refreshing the page and wondering if my package was lost. If you’re in the same spot, don’t worry.

This status is completely normal, and it doesn’t mean your order has disappeared.

Here’s what I’ll share with you: what this tracking status actually means, what’s happening to your package during this stage, how long it usually lasts, and what you can do if it seems stuck.

By the end, you’ll know exactly when it’s time to take action. So let’s break it down.

What Does “Origin Post is Preparing Shipment” Mean?

If you’re seeing this message on your tracking page, don’t panic. I’ve run into it plenty of times myself. It simply means your package is still in the country it was sent from. At this point, it hasn’t made its way to USPS yet.

Here’s what’s really going on: the origin country’s postal service has your package, and they’re getting it ready for export.

That usually includes scanning it into their system, sorting it with other outgoing mail, and clearing it through their local customs.

Once that’s done, it will be handed over for international transport, and only then will USPS pick it up on their side.

What Happens During This Stage

When you see “Origin Post is Preparing Shipment” in your USPS tracking, you might wonder, What does preparing shipment mean?

In this context. It’s basically the set of steps your package goes through before it can leave the origin country.

Scanning and manifesting (1–3 days): The local postal service scans your package and adds it to a list (or manifest) of items heading to the destination country. Think of it like checking in luggage at the airport; it gets tagged and logged before it can move.

Customs clearance (2–7 days, sometimes longer): For international shipments, the package has to clear customs in the origin country. Officials review paperwork, taxes, and restrictions before giving it the green light. If anything’s missing or flagged, this stage can drag on.

Preparing for export (1–5 days): After clearance, the package waits for space on a plane or ship. Depending on how busy things are, it may sit until the next available transport. At this point, it’s still with the origin post and hasn’t entered USPS yet.

Altogether, this stage is about getting your package logged, cleared, and ready to leave its starting point. It may feel slow, but it’s a normal part of international shipping.

How Long Does This Status Last?

One of the most common worries with this status is how long it should stay there. I’ve seen it change quickly for some shipments, while others seem stuck for weeks.

• Typical timeframe (5–10 days): For most packages, the status updates within a week or so once customs clear and transport is arranged.
• Longer delays (2–3 weeks): It’s not unusual for packages, especially from places like China, to sit in this stage for a couple of weeks due to customs backlogs or waiting for flight space.
• Rare cases (4+ weeks): If it’s been a month or more, something may be holding it up. That’s when it’s worth contacting the seller or opening a USPS inquiry.

In short, this status is usually temporary. It just takes time for customs and transport to line up, so a delay doesn’t always mean your package is lost.

Why Your Package Might Be Stuck

It’s normal to feel frustrated when the status doesn’t change for days. I’ve been there myself, checking the tracking page over and over. Most of the time, though, the delay comes down to a few common issues.

One big reason is customs inspections. Packages can be pulled aside for random checks or because of missing details on the paperwork. This can easily stretch the wait by several days.

Another cause is shipment consolidation. Carriers often hold packages until they have enough to fill a plane or container, so yours may just be waiting for the next batch to move.

Delays can also happen when the seller makes a mistake with documentation, which takes time to fix. And of course, there are postal backlogs, especially during holidays or busy shopping seasons, when facilities struggle to keep up.

In most cases, this doesn’t mean your package is lost; it just means it’s stuck in the queue.

What You Can Do If Your Package is Stuck

If your package has been sitting at “Origin Post is Preparing Shipment” for a while, don’t panic. There are steps you can take depending on how long it’s been stuck.

In the First Week

The best thing to do is wait. I know that’s hard, but most packages clear customs and get shipped out within several days.

Tracking often doesn’t update in real time, so you may not see movement until it’s already in transit.

Checking the origin country’s postal website sometimes gives you more detailed updates than USPS, so it’s worth trying that.

At the Two-Week Mark

This is a good time to get proactive. Contact the seller or the online store where you placed the order. Ask them to open an inquiry with the origin postal service.

Sellers often have more leverage with their local carriers than you do, and they can confirm whether your package has cleared customs or is still waiting.

After Three to Four Weeks

It’s time to involve USPS. You can file a Missing Mail Search request through their website. This creates a formal record of your case and signals USPS to trace the package.

In some cases, it also triggers communication between USPS and the origin post to track down where things stand.

Beyond a Month

Reach back out to the seller about a possible refund or replacement. Many online marketplaces, like eBay or Amazon, have buyer protection policies that cover items delayed or lost in transit.

Always keep a copy of your order details and tracking history. They make claims much easier to process.

The key is matching your actions to the timeline: wait in the early days, involve the seller after two weeks, and escalate with USPS if it stretches past three or four. That way, you’re not stuck just refreshing the tracking page without a plan.

Common Myths and Misunderstandings

When you see “Origin Post is Preparing Shipment,” it’s easy to jump to conclusions. I’ve done it myself. But many of the worries people have aren’t actually true. Here are some common myths cleared up:

“My Package is Lost”

Most of the time, your package isn’t lost, it’s just waiting in line. Tracking often doesn’t update until the package moves to the next stage, so long gaps can make it look worse than it is.

“It’s Already with USPS”

This status means your package is still in the origin country. USPS won’t have it until the tracking updates to show it’s been received in the U.S. If it says “origin post,” it hasn’t entered the USPS system yet.

“Nothing is Happening”

Even if the tracking hasn’t changed, your package is usually being processed in the background. Customs checks, sorting, and shipping arrangements can take time, and they don’t always show up as new scans.

“I Can Speed It Up Myself”

Unfortunately, once the package is with the origin post, you can’t directly speed it up. The best step is contacting the seller, since they can check with their local carrier.

Conclusion

I know how stressful it feels when your tracking sits at “Origin Post is Preparing Shipment” with no updates.

Most of the time, your package is just being scanned, cleared, or waiting for transport at the origin country’s postal service. I’ve seen orders move in a week, while others take a few weeks longer.

The important part is knowing when to be patient and when to step in. Check with the seller after two weeks, file an inquiry around the three-week mark, and push for a refund if it drags past a month.

If this helped clear things up, you might like my other blogs on shipping and delivery tips. Give them a read, you’ll find answers before the worry sets in.