Sort Facility

A sort facility is a distribution center where carriers sort packages by destination before forwarding them to the next location in the delivery network. Packages may pass through multiple sort facilities between origin and destination.

Types of Sort Facilities

Origin Sort Facility

• First major facility after pickup
• Packages from local area consolidated
• Sorted for outbound routes
• Connects to hub or regional facilities

Regional Sort Facility

• Serves multi-state region
• Intermediate sorting point
• Handles ground and air packages
• May have local delivery operations

Hub (Super Sort)

• Major central facility
• National/international reach
• Highest automation
• Processes millions of packages daily

Destination Sort Facility

• Final sort before delivery
• Local delivery routes assigned
• Driver loads prepared
• Last stop before your door

What Happens at Sort Facilities

Inbound Processing

1. Trucks/planes arrive with packages
2. Packages unloaded onto conveyors
3. Barcode scanned for tracking update
4. Weight/dimensions verified

Sorting Process

1. Automated scanning reads destination
2. Conveyor systems route packages
3. Sorted into destination containers
4. Human quality control checks

Outbound Processing

1. Containers sealed for transport
2. Loaded onto outbound trucks/planes
3. Manifests completed
4. Departed scan recorded

Sort Facility Tracking Events

Common tracking messages:

• “Arrived at [City] facility”
• “Departed [City] facility”
• “Processing at [Location]”
• “Package arrived at carrier facility”
• “In transit - arrived at hub”

Example tracking flow:

1. “Arrived at Seattle facility” (Origin sort)
2. “Departed Seattle facility”
3. “Arrived at Louisville, KY” (Main hub)
4. “Departed Louisville, KY”
5. “Arrived at Miami facility” (Destination sort)
6. “Out for delivery”

Sort Facility Operations

Operating Hours

• Major hubs: 24/7 operations
• Regional facilities: Extended hours
• Local facilities: Business hours
• Peak season: Maximum capacity

Technology

• Automated conveyor systems
• High-speed barcode scanners
• Automated guided vehicles
• AI for route optimization
• Weight/dimension sensors

Capacity

• Local facility: 10,000-50,000 packages/day
• Regional facility: 100,000-500,000/day
• Major hub: 1,000,000+ packages/day

How Sort Facilities Affect Your Package

Transit Time Impact

• More facilities = more time
• Hub location affects route
• Peak season causes delays
• Regional vs. hub routing choices

Potential Delay Points

• High volume periods
• Equipment breakdowns
• Missorts (wrong container)
• Address issues flagged

Package Journey Example

Boston to San Diego (Ground)

Package passes through 4-6 sort facilities.

Troubleshooting Sort Facility Issues

Package “Stuck” at Facility

• Allow 24-48 hours
• Normal during high volume
• Check for exception alerts
• Contact carrier if extended delay

Multiple Scans Same Facility

• Not unusual
• May indicate missort corrected
• Could be different buildings
• Usually resolves normally