Seeing “tendered to delivery service provider” on your tracking update? Don’t worry—your package isn’t lost.
This status simply means your original carrier (UPS, FedEx, or DHL) handed your package to a local delivery service for final delivery. It’s a completely normal part of the shipping process that happens millions of times daily.
Your package should arrive within several business days. This handoff system is actually faster and more efficient than having each carrier build separate delivery networks to every address in America.
Here’s everything you need to know about what this status means, when to expect delivery, and what to do if your package seems delayed.
Quick definition
“Tendered to delivery service provider” means your original shipping carrier—such as UPS, FedEx, or DHL—has handed the package to a local delivery service provider, usually the United States Postal Service, for the last mile delivery of its trip. It’s a normal delivery process handoff, and your parcel should arrive within several business days.
This delivery status appears when your package completes its long-distance journey and enters the final delivery phase. The receiving delivery service provider—typically the postal service—now handles getting your package to your final delivery address.
NOTE: This last-mile delivery service handoff system delivers packages successfully the vast majority of the time. Your package isn’t lost or delayed—it’s simply changing hands between different carriers through the standard delivery process.
Your package is just steps away from delivery
Understanding where “tendered for delivery” fits in your package’s journey helps set realistic delivery timelines and reduces anxiety about delivery timing.
The complete shipping process timeline
Your package follows this delivery process sequence from purchase to complete delivery:
Order placed – Purchase confirmed and payment processed
Shipped – Package enters the original shipping carrier’s network
In transit – Package moves through sorting facilities and transportation hubs
Tendered to delivery service provider – Last mile delivery transfer to local delivery partner
Out for delivery – Package loaded on delivery vehicle for your delivery location
Delivered – Package reaches your final delivery address
The “tendered for delivery” status means you’re in the final stage. Your package has completed the complex long-distance portion and now just needs the last-mile delivery service completion. This process mirrors the sophisticated ecommerce fulfillment systems that businesses use to manage thousands of orders efficiently.
Why shipping carriers hand off your package (and why that’s actually good)
Major shipping carriers use delivery partner networks because they create faster, more affordable delivery to every address in America. Without this last-mile delivery service system, shipping costs would be significantly higher.
The economics behind last-mile delivery handoffs
Last-mile delivery represents the most expensive part of the shipping process, accounting for a substantial portion of total transportation costs. Shipping carriers face enormous costs delivering to every residential delivery destination, especially in rural areas where a single delivery truck might serve vast geographic areas.
This delivery service partnership benefits include:
Lower shipping costs and discounted shipping rates for consumers
Faster delivery to remote delivery locations
More comprehensive coverage nationwide through local delivery services
Reduced packaging waste and environmental impact through shared delivery routes
Understanding these cost dynamics is crucial for businesses evaluating their shipping strategies, which is why many companies explore 3PL pricing models that can optimize their logistics expenses through volume discounts and efficient networks.
USPS handles more final delivery addresses than anyone else
The United States Postal Service operates an extensive fleet of delivery vehicles and serves millions of addresses daily. This unmatched reach makes the postal service the ideal last-mile delivery service partner since it already visits virtually every delivery destination in America.
When UPS or FedEx hands your package to the United States Postal Service, they’re leveraging this existing last-mile delivery infrastructure instead of building duplicate delivery networks. This keeps your shipping services affordable while ensuring comprehensive coverage to your nearest post office and beyond.
When will your package actually arrive
Different shipping carriers use varying terms for last-mile delivery handoffs, but delivery timelines remain consistent across shipping services.
All major carriers typically complete last-mile delivery within several business days after the handoff:
UPS uses “Tendered for delivery” status and typically delivers within the standard timeframe.
FedEx shows “Tendered to authorized agent for final delivery” with similar delivery windows.
DHL displays “Tendered to delivery service provider” and usually completes delivery promptly.
USPS shows “Accepted at local post office facility” when receiving packages from other carriers.
UPS SurePost delivery service
UPS historically used the postal service for all SurePost last-mile delivery, though recent changes mean UPS now handles more deliveries directly. Packages showing “tendered for delivery” status typically arrive within the standard delivery timelines.
FedEx SmartPost timing
FedEx SmartPost (formerly FedEx Ground Economy) relies heavily on the United States Postal Service for residential last-mile delivery, particularly in areas where FedEx has limited local delivery services infrastructure. The standard delivery window remains consistent after the last-mile delivery transfer.
DHL eCommerce delivery partnerships
DHL frequently partners with the postal service for domestic last-mile delivery, especially for international packages entering the United States. This shipping partner relationship enables competitive shipping options while maintaining reliable delivery coverage.
PRO TIP: Check both the original shipping carrier’s website and your nearest post office tracking system for updates. Some last-mile delivery handoffs maintain the same tracking information across both systems, while other carriers generate new numbers.
What to expect after the delivery service handoff
Several factors influence exactly when your package arrives after showing “tendered to delivery service provider” status.
Domestic packages move faster through the delivery process
Domestic packages typically complete last-mile delivery within the shorter end of estimated timeframes since they’ve already completed customs clearance and regulatory requirements. Most domestic last-mile delivery handoffs result in delivery within the standard window.
International packages may take longer due to additional documentation processing at your local post office or earlier customs delays. International shipments after the delivery service handoff usually require additional processing time.
Factors that might extend last-mile delivery
Certain circumstances can push complete delivery beyond typical estimates:
Peak shipping seasons during holidays create capacity constraints for delivery service providers
Weather disruptions are affecting local delivery routes to your delivery destination
Final delivery address verification issues requiring additional confirmation
Weekend timing when different carriers operate reduced schedules
Rural delivery locations with less frequent routes from the nearest post office
NOTE: Packages to rural areas typically take longer due to longer routes and fewer daily visits from local delivery services.
What to do if your package seems stuck
While “tendered for delivery” status usually indicates smooth progress toward complete delivery, packages occasionally stall longer than expected. Here’s exactly what to do based on timing.
Initial steps: Check both tracking systems
Verify whether the receiving delivery service provider provides updates using your original tracking information. Many shipping carriers maintain seamless tracking, while other carriers require checking the new service provider’s system separately.
Take these steps:
Enter your tracking details on USPS.com if handed to the postal service
Contact customer service to verify tracking continuity
Check email and text messages for delivery notifications you might have missed
Next steps: Contact both service providers
Reach out to both the original shipping carrier and the last-mile delivery service provider. The original shipping partner confirms successful handoff details, while the delivery service provider offers specific local delivery status information.
Information to gather during contact:
Confirmation that the last-mile delivery transfer was completed successfully
Expected delivery date from the receiving service provider
Any delivery destination or final delivery address issues requiring resolution
Alternative pickup options at your nearest post office if delivery attempts failed
Extended delays: File formal inquiries
If your package delivery status remains “tendered for delivery” beyond reasonable timeframes, escalate to formal lost packages procedures:
File missing mail search with the postal service if they’re handling final delivery
Initiate package trace with the original shipping partner
Document all communication for potential insurance claims
Review shipping insurance coverage and claim filing procedures
How to reduce handoff delays (for businesses)
Companies can implement strategies to minimize packages getting stuck in “tendered for delivery status,” though this affects a small portion of shipments through most delivery service providers.
Diversify your shipping carrier mix
Using multiple carriers reduces dependence on one carrier’s handoff relationships. Consider regional carriers with direct delivery in key markets, multiple major shipping carriers for backup shipping options, and local carriers for time-sensitive shipments. Many businesses partner with third-party logistics companies to manage these complex carrier relationships and optimize shipping strategies across their entire distribution network.
Plan ahead during peak seasons
High-volume periods require proactive communication to reduce customer inquiries about delayed package delivery. Establish earlier shipping cutoffs during peak seasons, offer expedited shipping options that bypass handoff processes, and communicate realistic delivery expectations prominently on your website. Working with the best fulfillment companies can help ensure your business maintains service levels even during challenging peak periods.
Offer premium shipping alternatives
Expedited shipping services typically avoid handoff delays since shipping carriers prioritize these shipments for direct delivery to the customer’s doorstep. Consider making faster shipping more prominent during checkout or offering free upgrades during peak periods.
READ MORE: Learn more about optimizing your shipping strategy with our guide to peak season fulfillment planning.
Are you managing complex shipping logistics for your business? Red Stag Fulfillment specializes in multi-carrier shipping strategies and handles the complexities of getting products delivered efficiently to the end customer. Understanding how to choose a 3PL partner that can manage these logistics challenges is crucial for growing businesses. Contact our team to learn about our logistics expertise.
Frequently asked questions
How long after “tendered to delivery service provider” will my package arrive?
Typically, within several business days, depending on the shipping carrier, intended destination, and current shipping volumes. Domestic packages usually arrive faster than international packages.
Can I pick up my package from the post office directly?
Often yes. Contact your local post office with your tracking information to inquire about package availability for pickup instead of waiting for complete last-mile delivery.
What does “tendered for delivery without success” mean?
This delivery status indicates the last-mile delivery transfer occurred, but the first delivery attempt failed due to issues like incorrect delivery addresses, recipient unavailability, or access problems.
Does this delivery status mean my package is lost?
No. “Tendered for delivery” is a standard shipping process step indicating normal progression toward complete delivery. It simply means your package has been transferred to another delivery service provider for final delivery.
Will my tracking information change after the handoff?
Usually not. Most shipping carriers maintain tracking continuity across systems, though you may need to check the receiving service provider’s website for detailed local updates.
Which delivery service provider is handling my package now?
Typically, the United States Postal Service in the United States, though some shipping services use local carriers or other delivery partners, depending on delivery location and service type.
Is “tendered for delivery” slower than direct carrier delivery?
It may add time compared to direct delivery, but it provides more comprehensive coverage at a lower cost, especially to rural areas where one carrier might not efficiently handle last-mile delivery.
How do I contact the right service provider about my tendered package?
Start with the receiving delivery service provider (usually the postal service) for delivery-specific questions, but contact the original shipping partner for handoff confirmation or shipping policy questions. If the delivery status remains unchanged, both carriers can help pass packages through their systems more effectively.
