Origin Scan

An origin scan is the initial tracking scan that occurs when a carrier physically receives your package at their facility. This scan confirms the package has entered the carrier’s network and provides the first real tracking update.

What Origin Scan Means

Indicates:

• Package physically received by carrier
• Package entered into carrier’s system
• Tracking is now active
• Shipment has officially begun

Does NOT mean:

• Package has left facility yet
• Package is moving toward destination
• Delivery estimate is confirmed

Origin Scan vs. Other Events

When to Expect Origin Scan

After Drop-Off

• Usually within 1-4 hours
• Depends on facility processing time
• May be end of business day

After Pickup

• Often same day pickup
• Scanned when driver returns to facility
• Can be evening of pickup day

Typical Timing

• Drop-off morning → Scan by afternoon
• Pickup afternoon → Scan by evening
• Late day → May be next morning

Why Origin Scan Matters

For Senders

• Confirmation carrier has package
• Proof shipment was made
• Can provide to customers
• Starts tracking for monitoring

For Recipients

• Know package is on the way
• Can estimate arrival
• Tracking is now useful
• Real-time updates begin

Delayed Origin Scan Causes

Common reasons:

• High facility volume
• Package in pickup truck overnight
• Scan missed at drop-off
• Technical issues
• Manifest shipping (pre-scanned)

What to do if delayed:

• Wait 24-48 hours
• Check drop-off receipt
• Contact carrier with receipt
• Shipper may need to investigate

Origin Scan Tracking Messages

UPS

• “Origin Scan”
• “Received at UPS facility”
• “Picked up”

FedEx

• “Picked up”
• “At FedEx origin facility”
• “Shipment information sent to FedEx”

USPS

• “Accepted at USPS Origin Facility”
• “USPS in possession of item”
• “Picked Up”

DHL

• “Shipment picked up”
• “Processed at [location]”

Pre-Origin Events

Events that may appear before origin scan:

• “Label created” - Label printed, not shipped
• “Shipping information received” - Carrier notified
• “Picked up” - Driver collected (before facility scan)

“Label created” concern: A package stuck on “label created” for days likely hasn’t been shipped yet. Contact the seller.

Business Considerations

For Sellers

• Origin scan triggers customer notifications
• Proof of fulfillment
• Start of carrier responsibility
• Important for “shipped” metrics

For Shipping Software

• Use origin scan as actual ship date
• Don’t mark “shipped” until scanned
• Track scan rate for quality
• Alert if scans delayed

Missing Origin Scans

If package was dropped off but no scan:

1. Wait 24 hours (scans can be batched)
2. Check receipt from drop-off
3. Contact carrier with receipt
4. May need to file inquiry
5. Shipper responsible for resolution