What is a Tracking Number?

Understanding Tracking Numbers

A tracking number is a unique identifier assigned to your package by the shipping carrier. Think of it as a digital fingerprint for your shipment-no two packages have the same tracking number. This number allows you, the sender, and the carrier to monitor the package's journey from origin to destination in real-time.

When you send or receive a package, the carrier generates a tracking number at the moment they accept the shipment. This number is printed on your shipping label and typically appears as a barcode that can be scanned at various checkpoints throughout the delivery process. Each scan creates a record in the carrier's tracking system, building a complete history of your package's movement.

How Tracking Numbers Work

The tracking process begins the moment a shipping label is created. When you or the seller prints a shipping label, the carrier's system generates a unique tracking number and links it to all the shipment details-origin address, destination address, package weight, and service level selected.

As your package moves through the delivery network, it gets scanned at multiple points. The first scan typically happens when the carrier picks up the package. From there, it might be scanned when it arrives at a sorting facility, when it's loaded onto a transportation vehicle (truck, plane, or ship), when it reaches intermediate distribution centers, and finally when it's out for delivery to your address.

Each scan updates the tracking information in the carrier's database. When you enter your tracking number on a tracking website like ours, the system queries the carrier's database and retrieves all the scan records associated with that number. This gives you a complete timeline of your package's journey, showing exactly where it's been and where it's headed next.

Types of Tracking Numbers

Different carriers use different formats for their tracking numbers. Understanding these formats can help you identify which carrier is handling your package and ensure you're entering the number correctly.

Common Tracking Number Formats

• USPS (United States Postal Service): Typically 20-22 digits, often starting with "94" or "92" for domestic packages. International shipments may start with "EA", "CP", "RA", or other letter combinations. Example: 9400 1000 0000 0000 0000 00
• UPS: Usually begins with "1Z" followed by 16 characters mixing letters and numbers. Example: 1Z 999 AA1 01 2345 6784. Track UPS packages here.
• FedEx: Most commonly 12 or 15 digits, though can vary by service. Express shipments often use 12 digits while ground services might use 15. Example: 9612 0192 3456 7890. Track FedEx packages here.
• DHL: International shipments typically have 10-digit tracking numbers. Example: 1234567890. Track DHL packages here.
• Amazon Logistics: Often begins with "TBA" followed by numbers. Example: TBA123456789012

Some carriers use different formats depending on the service level or shipment type. For instance, FedEx SmartPost tracking numbers might look different from FedEx Express numbers. If you're unsure which carrier is handling your package, our tracking system can often identify the carrier automatically based on the number format. You can also browse our complete list of carriers to find the specific tracking page you need.

Where to Find Your Tracking Number

The location of your tracking number depends on whether you're the sender or recipient of the package.

If You're Receiving a Package

When someone sends you a package, they should provide you with the tracking number. This typically arrives in one of several ways:

• Email confirmation: If you ordered something online, the retailer usually sends a shipping confirmation email containing the tracking number and a link to track your package.
• Order account: Many e-commerce sites display tracking numbers in your order history when you log into your account.
• Text message: Some sellers send tracking updates via SMS if you provided your phone number.
• Directly from sender: If someone is mailing you something personally, they might text, email, or call you with the tracking number.

If You're Sending a Package

When you create a shipment, the tracking number appears in several places:

• Shipping receipt: The paper receipt you get from the post office or carrier contains the tracking number. Keep this safe if you need to file a claim or track the package later.
• Shipping label: The tracking number is printed on the shipping label attached to your package, usually both in human-readable format and as a barcode.
• Online account: If you created the label through the carrier's website or a third-party shipping platform, the tracking number appears in your shipping history.
• Email confirmation: Many carriers send confirmation emails when you create a label or schedule a pickup, including the tracking number.

How to Use a Tracking Number

Using a tracking number is straightforward, but there are a few tips that can help you get the most accurate information:

Entering the Tracking Number

• Copy and paste when possible: To avoid typos, copy the tracking number from your email or website and paste it into the tracking field. Even one wrong digit will prevent you from finding your package.
• Remove spaces and hyphens: Most tracking systems accept numbers with or without formatting, but if you're having trouble, try entering just the digits and letters with no spaces.
• Check for similar-looking characters: Make sure you haven't confused "0" (zero) with "O" (letter O) or "1" (one) with "l" (lowercase L) or "I" (uppercase i).
• Double-check the entire number: Tracking numbers can be long. Take a moment to verify you've entered the complete number, especially if copying it manually.

When to Start Tracking

You might receive a tracking number before the carrier actually has possession of your package. If you see a message like "Label created, not yet in system" or "Shipping information received," it means the label has been printed but the carrier hasn't scanned the package yet. This is normal, especially if the sender created the label in advance or if the carrier hasn't made their first pickup of the day.

Give it some time-usually a few hours to a full business day-before worrying if there are no tracking updates. The first meaningful scan typically occurs when the carrier picks up the package or when it arrives at their facility.

Understanding Tracking Status Updates

Tracking information includes various status updates that tell you what's happening with your package. Here are the most common statuses and what they mean:

Initial Statuses

• "Label created" or "Shipping information received": The shipping label has been created, but the carrier hasn't physically received the package yet.
• "Picked up" or "Acceptance scan": The carrier has taken possession of your package. This is usually the first scan that means your package is actually in transit.

In-Transit Statuses

• "In transit": Your package is moving through the carrier's network toward its destination. You might see this status multiple times as it passes through different facilities.
• "Departed facility" or "Left sorting center": Your package has left one location and is heading to the next stop in its journey.
• "Arrived at facility" or "Arrived at hub": Your package has reached a sorting or distribution center where it will be processed and sent to its next destination.

Delivery Statuses

• "Out for delivery": Your package is on a delivery vehicle and should arrive at your address today (barring any unexpected issues).
• "Delivered": Your package has been successfully delivered. The status usually includes where it was left (front door, mailbox, leasing office, etc.) and who signed for it if a signature was required.

Exception Statuses

• "Delivery attempted" or "Notice left": The driver tried to deliver your package but couldn't complete delivery-maybe no one was home to sign, or there was an access issue. The carrier will usually make another attempt the next business day.
• "Held at location": Your package is waiting at a carrier facility or retail location for pickup. This might happen after failed delivery attempts or if you requested to hold it.
• "Exception": Something has caused a delay-weather, incorrect address, customs issues, etc. Check the details for specific information about the delay.

Troubleshooting Common Tracking Issues

Tracking Number Not Found

If you get an error saying your tracking number isn't found, several things could be happening:

• Double-check that you entered the number correctly, including all digits
• Make sure you're checking with the right carrier
• Wait a few hours-new tracking numbers sometimes take time to appear in the system
• Verify with the sender that they gave you the correct tracking number

No Tracking Updates

If your tracking hasn't updated in a while, don't panic immediately. Packages can go 24-48 hours without scans, especially during busy periods or if they're traveling through areas with limited scanning infrastructure. International packages commonly show no updates while in transit between countries or during customs processing.

If tracking hasn't updated for several days past the expected delivery date, or if the last scan shows an exception, contact the carrier's customer service for help.

Tracking Shows Delivered But You Don't Have the Package

This frustrating situation requires some detective work:

• Check all possible delivery locations-front door, back door, side entrance, garage, mailbox
• Ask household members, neighbors, or building staff if they accepted it
• Look at the delivery photo if one was taken (many carriers now photograph where they left packages)
• Verify the delivery address shown in tracking matches your actual address
• Contact the carrier if you still can't locate it-they can investigate further

International Tracking Numbers

Tracking international packages involves some additional complexities. Your package might pass through multiple carriers during its journey. For example, DHL might handle the international portion, but your local postal service might complete final delivery. In these cases, the tracking number might work on multiple carrier websites.

International tracking often includes a customs clearance phase where the package sits at a border facility while import duties and taxes are assessed. During this time, tracking updates might pause for several days. This is normal, though it can be nerve-wracking if you're waiting for an important delivery.

Some countries have postal services with less sophisticated tracking systems. Your package might show "departed origin country" and then have no updates until "delivered." This doesn't mean your package is lost-just that tracking information isn't available for every step of the journey.

Privacy and Tracking Numbers

Tracking numbers themselves don't contain personal information, but they're linked to details about the shipment in the carrier's system, including sender and recipient addresses. This is why carriers require the tracking number to look up shipment details-it prevents random people from accessing information about packages they're not involved with.

If you're sharing tracking information, you're essentially giving someone the ability to see where a package is going and who sent it. This is usually fine for packages you're expecting, but be cautious about sharing tracking numbers for sensitive shipments or with people you don't trust.

How Long Are Tracking Numbers Valid?

Once a package is delivered, carriers typically keep tracking information available for 120 days (about four months), though this varies by carrier. After that period, the tracking number might not return results anymore, or it might only show basic information like the delivery date without the full tracking history.

If you need proof of delivery for a claim or dispute after tracking information expires, contact the carrier directly. They maintain delivery records for much longer periods and can provide confirmation even if online tracking is no longer available.

Making the Most of Package Tracking

Understanding tracking numbers helps you stay informed about your deliveries and catch potential problems early. Here are some best practices:

• Save tracking numbers from all your shipments in a safe place
• Check tracking the day after you know a package has been shipped to confirm it's moving
• Set up notifications from carriers so you're alerted automatically when the status changes
• If shipping something valuable, check tracking more frequently to ensure everything goes smoothly
• Keep tracking information until the package is delivered and you've verified it's what you expected