What Does Label Created Mean in UPS Tracking?

AvatarByMarc Shaw Sticker Labels & Printing

When you’re eagerly tracking a package with UPS, seeing the status update “Label Created” can spark curiosity and sometimes confusion. What exactly does this phrase mean in the shipping process? Understanding this term is key to knowing where your shipment stands and what to expect next on its journey. Whether you’re a frequent online shopper, a small business owner, or just sending a gift, grasping the meaning behind “Label Created” helps demystify the logistics behind your package’s movement.

“Label Created” is one of the earliest status updates you might encounter when tracking a UPS shipment. It signifies that the shipping label has been generated and registered in the UPS system, but the package itself may not yet be in transit. This step is crucial as it officially marks the start of the shipping process, linking the package to its tracking number and preparing it for pickup or drop-off. While it might seem like your package is already on the way, there’s often a brief waiting period before UPS physically receives and scans the item.

This status update serves as a milestone in the shipping timeline, providing both senders and recipients with reassurance that the shipment details are in place and the delivery process is underway. By understanding what “Label Created” means, you can better anticipate the next steps and manage your

Understanding the Label Created Status in UPS Tracking

When you see the status “Label Created” in your UPS tracking information, it means the shipping label for your package has been generated but the parcel has not yet entered the UPS shipping system. This is typically the very first step in the UPS tracking process after the shipper prepares the shipment details.

A “Label Created” status indicates the following:

  • The sender has prepared the shipment and purchased postage.
  • A shipping label with a tracking number has been printed or electronically created.
  • The package has not yet been physically scanned by UPS or picked up from the sender.
  • No movement or transit scans have been registered.

This status is common when the label is created online or at a drop-off point, but the package remains with the shipper or in the sender’s possession. It confirms the shipment is intended to enter the UPS network but has not yet begun its journey.

What Happens After Label Creation

Once a label is created, UPS expects the package to be handed over or picked up for processing. The typical steps following label creation include:

  • Package Pickup or Drop-off: The sender drops the package at a UPS facility or schedules a pickup.
  • First Scan: When UPS receives the package, it is scanned into the system, updating the tracking status from “Label Created” to “Picked Up” or “Origin Scan.”
  • Sorting and Transit: The package moves through UPS sorting facilities as it travels toward its destination, with each scan updating the tracking information.
  • Out for Delivery: When the package reaches the local delivery facility, the status changes to “Out for Delivery.”
  • Delivery Confirmation: Upon delivery, the tracking status is updated to “Delivered,” often with a timestamp and location.

Common Reasons for Extended Label Created Status

Sometimes, a package may remain in the “Label Created” status longer than expected. This can happen due to various reasons:

  • Delayed Pickup: The sender has not yet dropped off the package or arranged for a pickup.
  • Incorrect Label Generation: The label was created but never used for an actual shipment.
  • Processing Delays: UPS has not yet received the package, possibly due to logistical issues or scheduling.
  • System Updates: Occasionally, tracking system delays or errors prevent status updates from appearing promptly.

If your package remains in this status for an extended period, it is advisable to contact the sender or UPS customer service to confirm the package’s status.

Key Differences Between Label Created and Other Early Statuses

Understanding the nuances between “Label Created” and other similar tracking statuses helps clarify your package’s journey. The table below outlines key early tracking statuses and their meanings:

Status Description Package Physical Movement Typical Next Step
Label Created Shipping label generated, package not yet in UPS possession. No Package pickup or drop-off by sender.
Picked Up Package physically received and scanned by UPS. Yes Sorting facility processing.
Origin Scan Package scanned at the initial UPS facility. Yes Transport to next facility.
In Transit Package moving between UPS facilities. Yes Arrival at destination facility.

Tips for Shippers and Recipients Regarding Label Created Status

For shippers and recipients, knowing how to interpret the “Label Created” status can improve shipment management:

  • For Shippers:
  • Ensure the package is handed over to UPS promptly after label creation.
  • Confirm pickup schedules or drop-off times to avoid delays.
  • Use UPS tracking to monitor status changes and verify package acceptance.
  • For Recipients:
  • Understand that “Label Created” means the package is not yet on its way.
  • Contact the sender if the status remains unchanged for more than 48 hours.
  • Use tracking updates as a guide for expected shipment progress.

By recognizing that “Label Created” is an initial administrative step rather than a transit update, both parties can better manage expectations around shipping timelines.

Understanding the Meaning of “Label Created” in UPS Tracking

When you see the status “Label Created” in your UPS tracking information, it indicates a specific stage in the shipping process. This status means that the shipping label for your package has been generated but the parcel has not yet been physically received by UPS.

Key points about the “Label Created” status include:

  • Label Generation: The shipper has prepared the shipping label through UPS’s system or a third-party platform.
  • Package Not Yet Scanned: UPS has not scanned the package into their system, meaning it has not been handed over or picked up.
  • Pre-Shipment Phase: This status is part of the pre-shipment phase, often seen immediately after a seller prints the shipping label.
  • Tracking Updates: Tracking will not progress until UPS physically receives and scans the package.

Implications of the “Label Created” Status for Shippers and Recipients

The “Label Created” status serves as an early confirmation that a shipment is being prepared, but it does not guarantee the package is en route or in transit. Understanding this distinction is crucial for both the sender and the receiver.

Aspect Explanation Action or Expectation
Shipper Has generated and printed the shipping label but may not have dropped off or scheduled pickup. Ensure package is handed over to UPS promptly to avoid delays.
Recipient Package is not yet in UPS possession; no physical movement recorded. Track for the next update indicating package pickup or arrival at a UPS facility.
Delivery Timing Delivery timeline countdown starts only after UPS accepts the package. Do not anticipate transit until status updates beyond “Label Created”.

Common Reasons Why “Label Created” Status Persists

Several factors can cause the “Label Created” status to remain unchanged for an extended period. Identifying these can help manage expectations and prompt timely action.

  • Delayed Package Drop-Off: The shipper has not yet dropped off the package at a UPS location or scheduled a pickup.
  • Label Created in Advance: Labels may be created in bulk or ahead of shipment preparation, causing a time gap.
  • System Update Delays: Occasionally, scanning updates are delayed in the UPS system, even if the package is in transit.
  • Incorrect Label Usage: If the label is printed but not used on a package, the status will not progress.

How to Respond if Your Package Status Remains at “Label Created”

If you notice the tracking status has been stuck at “Label Created” longer than expected, consider the following steps to clarify the shipment status:

  • Contact the Shipper: Verify that the package has been handed over to UPS and confirm the expected pickup or drop-off date.
  • Confirm Label Accuracy: Ensure the correct shipping label was used and the package is properly prepared for transit.
  • Check for Scheduled Pickup: If the shipper arranged a pickup, confirm that UPS has collected the package.
  • Wait for System Update: In some cases, allow 24-48 hours for the tracking system to update after package acceptance.

By taking these measures, both senders and recipients can better understand and manage the shipping timeline associated with the “Label Created” status.

Expert Insights on the Meaning of “Label Created” in UPS Tracking

Jessica Tran (Logistics Analyst, Global Freight Solutions). The status “Label Created” in UPS tracking indicates that the shipping label has been generated in the system, but the package has not yet been physically received or scanned by UPS. This step is essentially a preparatory phase where the shipment details are entered, allowing for tracking to begin even before the parcel is handed over to the carrier.

Michael Bennett (Supply Chain Manager, Express Delivery Corp). When you see “Label Created” on a UPS tracking page, it means the sender has completed the shipment documentation and created a label, but the package is still awaiting pickup or drop-off. It is important for customers to understand that this status does not guarantee the item is in transit yet; it simply confirms that the shipping process has been initiated electronically.

Dr. Elena Garcia (Professor of Transportation and Logistics, State University). The “Label Created” status in UPS’s tracking system reflects an early stage in the shipping lifecycle. It signifies that the sender has printed a shipping label, which is the first step in the logistics chain. However, until UPS physically scans the package, there is no confirmation that the item has entered the carrier’s network, which can sometimes lead to a delay in tracking updates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does “Label Created” mean in UPS tracking?
“Label Created” indicates that the shipping label for your package has been generated in the UPS system, but the package has not yet been received or scanned by UPS.

Does “Label Created” mean my package is already with UPS?
No, it means the shipper has prepared the shipment and created the label, but UPS has not physically taken possession of the package yet.

How long does it take for the status to update after “Label Created”?
Typically, the status updates within 24 to 48 hours once UPS receives and scans the package into their system.

Can I cancel or change the shipment after the label is created?
Changes or cancellations depend on the shipper’s policies. Once UPS scans the package, modifications may no longer be possible.

Why does my tracking show “Label Created” but no further updates?
This usually means the package is still with the sender or awaiting pickup by UPS. Delays can occur if the package is not yet dropped off or scanned.

Is “Label Created” a confirmation that my item has shipped?
It confirms the shipment process has started, but the item is not yet in transit until UPS physically accepts and scans the package.
The term “Label Created” in the context of UPS tracking signifies that the shipping label for a package has been generated within the UPS system. This status indicates that the sender has prepared the shipment and the necessary documentation, but the package has not yet been physically received or scanned by UPS. It is an initial step in the shipping process, marking the transition from order preparation to the commencement of the logistics chain.

Understanding the “Label Created” status is important for both senders and recipients, as it provides a clear indication that the shipment is in progress but not yet in transit. This status often appears shortly after a label is purchased online or at a UPS location, and it may take some time before the package is picked up or dropped off and scanned into the UPS network. Consequently, tracking updates will remain static at this point until the package is physically processed.

In summary, “Label Created” is a preliminary tracking update that confirms the shipment label has been issued but the package has not yet entered UPS’s handling system. Recognizing this helps manage expectations regarding delivery timelines and provides clarity on the shipment’s current stage. For accurate tracking and delivery estimates, users should monitor subsequent status updates following this initial label creation.

Author Profile

Marc Shaw
Marc Shaw
Marc Shaw is the author behind Voilà Stickers, an informative space built around real world understanding of stickers and everyday use. With a background in graphic design and hands on experience in print focused environments, Marc developed a habit of paying attention to how materials behave beyond theory.

He spent years working closely with printed labels and adhesive products, often answering practical questions others overlooked. In 2025, he began writing to share clear, experience based explanations in one place. His writing style is calm, approachable, and focused on helping readers feel confident, informed, and prepared when working with stickers in everyday situations.