If you’ve ever had a package shipped internationally, you may have seen the tracking status “Processed Through Facility ISC Chicago IL” and wondered what it means. ISC stands for International Service Center, and Chicago has one of the main ISC facilities for U.S. Customs. Understanding what happens when your package arrives at the ISC in Chicago can help explain any shipping delays and set proper expectations for delivery.
When packages coming from overseas arrive in the U.S., they must go through customs to clear entry into the country. The ISC acts as a central hub where international mail and packages are inspected before continuing on to their final destinations. So what exactly happens when your package gets processed through the facility in Chicago? And how long might it take to move on? Let’s take a closer look.
What is the International Service Center (ISC) in Chicago?
The ISC in Chicago is a large U.S. Postal Service facility that specializes in processing international mail and packages entering the U.S. It serves as a centralized point for clearing customs, with connections to major air and truck transportation hubs.
The Chicago ISC handles millions of mail items and packages each year. As one of the main international shipping gateways for the central and western U.S., it processes inbound mail and parcels from across the globe.
Why Do Packages Route Through the ISC in Chicago?
If you live in the Midwest or western half of the country, chances are your incoming international packages will route through the ISC in Chicago when entering the U.S.
Its strategic location with connections to O’Hare International Airport and major highways make it an ideal entry point for clearing customs. Packages with a final destination near Chicago may proceed directly to the local post office or distribution center after ISC processing.
Other packages will be transported from the ISC to regional mail facilities throughout the Midwest and West Coast. The Chicago ISC serves as the central hub for Customs inspection before packages get sent on for last-mile delivery.
What Does “Processed Through ISC Chicago IL” Mean for Tracking?
When you see this tracking update, it means your package has arrived at the ISC facility in Chicago and will now go through Customs processing and inspection. Packages from all over the world funnel through this facility, so it may take some time to get through.
“Processed Through ISC Chicago IL” means your package has entered the international mail stream and is in the first stage of clearing U.S. Customs. It has gone through initial processing and will now undergo necessary inspections.
This update does not necessarily mean your package has cleared Customs yet. It still needs to go through additional review before being released to continue to your address.
What Happens During Customs Processing at the ISC?
Clearing Customs at the ISC involves a number of steps and procedures to screen all incoming mail and packages:
- Verification – Packages are checked against shipping manifests to verify details. This ensures all packages match the declared contents.
- X-ray & Inspection – Mail and parcels go through x-ray machines and inspections to flag prohibited items, hazardous materials, and any other risks.
- Documentation Review – Any required paperwork is reviewed, such as commercial invoices for dutiable shipments.
- Security Screening – Additional screening like canine inspections may be conducted for suspected risks.
- Clearance – Once all verifications are complete, packages are cleared for release.
This processing can take anywhere from a few hours up to several days, depending on the volume of mail and packages coming through the ISC.
What Causes Delays in Customs Processing?
A number of factors can hold up Customs clearance processes and lead to delays:
- Inaccurate or incomplete shipping documentation
- Need for additional screenings and physical inspection
- Questions about product compliance or restrictions
- Backlogs and high volume of packages
- Problems scanning barcodes or tracking numbers
- Unknown risks requiring investigation
- Issues with duties/taxes payment
Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to speed up Customs procedures. But being aware of the process helps understand the “Processed Through ISC Chicago IL” scan.
How Long Will My Package be at the ISC Facility?
There is no exact time frame for how long a package may spend at the ISC Chicago facility. Each item goes through individual processing, and wait times can vary significantly:
- Minimum: A few hours for normal clearances
- Average: 1-3 business days for standard packages
- Maximum: 4-6+ days if delays or issues arise
While it’s possible for packages to clear in just a few hours, you should expect your package may sit at the Chicago ISC facility for a minimum of 24-48 hours as it undergoes necessary Customs inspections and screenings.
When Can I Expect My Package to Arrive After ISC Processing?
Once your package finally clears Customs and leaves the ISC, it has to be transported to your local Post Office or distribution center before going out for delivery. This usually takes an additional 1-3 days for packages within the continental U.S.
So once you see your tracking status update to “Processed Through ISC Chicago IL Facility”, you can typically expect your package to arrive within 3-5 business days if you are located in the Midwest or West Coast regions. East Coast addresses may add a day or two.
Just remember, delays can happen! If your package seems to be stuck longer than expected, check for any error messages or alerts – but otherwise just continue monitoring tracking and allow extra time. As long as you now understand ISC processing, those “Chicago IL” scans will make more sense!
Key Things to Remember About ISC Chicago Processing
- ISC Chicago is one of the main U.S. customs facilities for international packages and mail.
- “Processed Through ISC Chicago” means your package has arrived and will undergo necessary customs inspections.
- Plan for your package to sit at the facility 24-48 hours minimum before clearing and moving on.
- Customs procedures like x-rays, documentation reviews, and verifications take time.
- Be patient! Delays can happen, but your package is in good hands getting checked.
- Once cleared, allow an extra 1-3 transit days for your package to reach your local post office or distribution facility.
- Typical total time from ISC arrival to delivery is 3-5 business days or more.
Understanding the ISC Chicago process will give you realistic expectations for your package’s progress. The “Processed Through Facility” scan means your package has reached a key customs processing hub to get it much closer to your door!
