Package tracking is a routine part of the online shopping experience, offering a window into the logistics process after a purchase is made. Many consumers experience confusion when the first notification they receive is a “Label Created” status. This initial update can be misleading, often suggesting that a package is already moving when, in fact, the item has only entered the administrative phase of shipping. Understanding the precise meaning of this status and the steps that must follow is key to managing delivery expectations and reducing the frustration associated with a seemingly stalled shipment.
Defining the “Label Created” Status
The “Label Created” notification is a digital record indicating that the shipper has completed the initial administrative steps for the shipment. This involves the seller using an integrated shipping platform to generate the shipping documentation. The process includes inputting the recipient’s address, selecting the service level, and paying the postage or carrier fees, which simultaneously generates a unique tracking number. The tracking number is then immediately sent to the carrier’s system, and this electronic dispatch information triggers the “Label Created” status. This status confirms that the paperwork is ready and the carrier has been notified of an upcoming shipment, but it does not confirm physical possession of the item by the carrier.
The Critical Difference Between Label Created and Shipped
A point of confusion lies in the distinction between the digital creation of the label and the physical act of shipping. When the status is “Label Created,” the package is still in the possession of the seller, waiting to be physically handed over to the shipping company. The status will not change until the carrier performs the initial Acceptance Scan or Origin Scan on the physical package. This first scan officially registers the item into the carrier’s logistics network and updates the tracking status to terms like “Shipped,” “Accepted,” or “In Transit.” Before this initial scan occurs, the carrier has only received the electronic data, not the actual parcel. If the package is dropped off and the immediate scan is missed, the status may not update until the item reaches a major sorting hub and receives its first processing scan.
Why Tracking Gets “Stuck” on Label Created
The delay between label creation and the first physical scan often causes the tracking to appear “stuck” on the initial status. This lag is typically due to the seller’s internal processing time, which involves tasks like packaging the item, staging it for pickup, and waiting for the carrier’s scheduled collection. For sellers who ship high volumes, the carrier often picks up a trailer full of packages, and the initial scan may not happen until the entire load reaches the carrier’s main sorting facility. Smaller sellers might only drop off packages at the post office a few times a week. Weekends and holidays also contribute to the delay, as most carriers and businesses do not process shipments on those days, extending the time before the package enters the active logistics network.
Standard Timelines for Tracking Updates
After the “Label Created” notification appears, a buyer can generally expect a tracking update once the package is in motion. Under normal circumstances, the status should transition to “Accepted” or “In Transit” within 24 to 48 business hours. This period accounts for the seller’s final handling and the carrier’s standard processing time for the initial acceptance scan. During peak shipping seasons, such as the holidays or major sales events, this waiting period can sometimes be extended.
Troubleshooting a Stalled Tracking Status
If the tracking status remains on “Label Created” beyond three to five business days, it is time to investigate the delay. The first point of contact should always be the seller, as they still possess the package and need to confirm that the item was physically handed over to the carrier. The carrier cannot initiate a search or investigation for a package they have not yet scanned into their system. It can also be helpful to enter the tracking number directly into the carrier’s official tracking page, as their site may display more granular detail.