How to track a parcel with a tracking number
A tracking number, also known as a track number or tracking code, is a unique identifier for each package or shipment. It is provided by the shipper or carrier and allows users to track the status and location of their package throughout the delivery process.
The tracking number usually consists of numbers, letters or a combination of both, and its length and format can vary depending on the carrier or delivery service. For example, UPU S10 compliant tracking codes are 13 characters long and SpeedPAK codes are 30 characters long.
Here are some characteristics of tracking numbers:
Number Generation: When an order is shipped by the shipper, the carrier or delivery service generates a unique tracking number. This number is usually generated automatically and given to the sender and receiver.
Receiving the number: The receiver receives a tracking number from the sender, usually by email or through an online store account. This allows them to start tracking their package as soon as it's shipped.
Tracking on the carrier's website: To track a package, the user can enter the tracking number on the carrier's website or delivery service. This will provide information on the current status and location of the parcel, as well as the expected delivery date.
Status updates: As the package moves from sender to recipient, the carrier will update the delivery status to reflect the various stages, such as collection from the warehouse, customs clearance, border crossing and delivery to the recipient.
It is important to note that tracking numbers are usually active for a period of time after the parcel has been delivered. After this period, the delivery information may be deleted or no longer available.
Regardless of what the shipment ID looks like, you can always track the location of your package. Postal Ninja helps you do this by supporting the tracking number formats of most international carriers.
Starting to track a parcel: when and how to start tracking a parcel
A parcel is usually tracked once the following steps have been completed:
The order is processed by the carrier: Once you have placed your order with the online shop or carrier, they will prepare the package for shipment, which usually takes a few days. At this stage, you will usually be given a unique tracking number.
The warehouse or post office receives the package information: The shipper electronically transmits information about the package, including the tracking number and the recipient's details, to the warehouse or postal service. This process allows the postal service or courier to know in advance of an upcoming shipment.
The parcel is handed over to the postman or courier: The sender packs your order and hands it over to the warehouse or directly to the postman or courier. At this point, the package physically leaves the sender and begins its journey to the recipient.
Scan the tracking number: When a package is delivered to the warehouse or picked up by the postal service or courier, the tracking number is scanned and entered into their system. At this point the package becomes visible in the tracking system and you can begin to track the status and location of your order.
Sometimes there may be a small delay between these steps. For example, a tracking number may have been assigned, but the information about the package has not yet entered the Post Office's system. In this case, try checking the tracking status after a while as it may take some time for the information to be updated.
Partial tracking: reasons, limitations and how to find more information about your order
Partial tracking means that tracking information is only available for certain parts of the journey or in certain countries. This can happen for a number of reasons:
Change of carrier: Sometimes a package may be transferred from one carrier to another at different stages of the journey, especially for international shipments. In such cases, tracking information may be incomplete or limited as each carrier may provide a different level of tracking detail.
National Post limitations: Some national postal services may provide limited tracking information, especially for international shipments. As a result, tracking may be partial and limited to information available only in the origin or destination country.
Type of item: Tracking may vary depending on the type of item selected. Some item types, such as Standard or Economy shipping, may provide limited tracking information, while more expensive options, such as Express shipping, may provide full tracking throughout the package's journey.
Incomplete tracking can make it difficult for the recipient to monitor the status and location of a package. In such cases, third-party tracking services such as Postal Ninja can be useful as they integrate data from different carriers and provide more comprehensive tracking information. However, even with these services, full parcel tracking may not be available in some cases due to carrier or postal service restrictions.
Restrictions on parcel tracking: types and reasons
Tracking only in the sender's country: In this case, tracking information is only available until the parcel leaves the sender's country. After that, tracking becomes unavailable or limited.
Tracking begins once the parcel has cleared customs in the destination country: Tracking information is only available once the parcel has successfully cleared customs in the destination country.
Tracking at key stages only: Information on the location and status of the parcel is only available at certain key stages, such as receipt at the warehouse, customs inspection or transfer between carriers.
Tracking in destination country only: In some cases, tracking may not be available. The user may not be able to track the parcel in the country of origin and will only be able to do so once it has entered the country of destination. In this case, the user will only be able to track the parcel in the destination country.
Why is the parcel not being tracked?
If your parcel is not being tracked, it could be due to one of the following reasons:
Delays in updating information: Sometimes carriers or postal services may have delays in updating tracking information. In such cases, it is worth waiting some time (usually 24 to 72 hours) and checking the tracking status again.
Incorrect tracking number or confusion with the order number: Make sure that you have entered the correct tracking number. Entry errors may result in the tracking system not being able to find your parcel. Also remember that the order number received from the online shop and the tracking number (track number) are different things. The order number is used to identify your order in the shop, while the tracking number is used to track the movement of your parcel in the carrier's system. Make sure you use the tracking number and not the order number when you check your delivery status.
Tracking Restrictions: In some cases, especially for international shipments, tracking may be limited or unavailable. This may be due to carrier policy, national postal service or agreements between countries.
Partial tracking: Sometimes a parcel may only be tracked at certain stages of its journey or in certain countries. In this case, the tracking information will be incomplete or temporarily unavailable.
Change of Carrier: If a parcel is transferred from one carrier to another in the course of delivery, especially for international shipments, the tracking information may be temporarily unavailable or may only be updated at certain stages.
Untraceable parcel: In some cases, the sender may choose a delivery method that does not provide tracking information for the parcel. If you are unsure, contact the sender and check whether tracking is provided for your parcel.
If your package still can't be tracked after checking all the above reasons, contact the sender or carrier for more information and to resolve any potential problems with the shipment.
How will I know if my package has arrived at its destination?
To find out if your parcel has arrived at its destination, follow the steps below:
Tracking the parcel: Enter your tracking number on the website of the carrier or delivery service to find out the current location and status of the parcel. If the status indicates that the parcel has reached its destination, or is in the final stages of delivery, it is an indication that the parcel has arrived or is on its way to its destination.
Delivery statuses: Pay attention to delivery statuses such as "in transit", "in local delivery service", "sorting" or "ready for delivery". These statuses can indicate that your package has arrived in the country or city of destination and is in the final stages of delivery.
Notifications: In some cases, the carriers or delivery service may send notifications by e-mail or SMS when your package has arrived at its destination. These notifications may include information about the time and date of delivery, as well as the location where you can pick up your parcel, if necessary.
Contact the sender: If you cannot track your parcel or the delivery status is not updated, contact the sender to request information on the location and status of your parcel. They can provide you with more information or help with delivery problems.
Contact your local post office or collection point: If you know that your parcel is to be delivered through your local post office or collection point, you can contact them and provide information about your parcel, such as the track number, sender name or delivery address. They can check the availability of your parcel and inform you about its status.
What are delivery statuses and what do they mean?
Delivery status is a key piece of information provided when tracking a package and describes the current status of an item as it makes its way to the recipient. Here are some common delivery statuses and what they mean:
Shipper is processing the order: This status indicates that the shipper has received information about the order and has begun the process of preparing the package for shipment.
Electronic Shipment Information Received by Warehouse: This status indicates that the electronic shipment information has been received by the warehouse, but the physical shipment has not yet been sent to the warehouse for further processing.
Sent: The parcel has been handed over to the postal service by the shipper and has begun its journey to the recipient.
In stock: The parcel is in the sender's or carrier's temporary warehouse waiting to be shipped.
In Transit: The parcel is in transit between points on its way to the recipient.
At the sorting center: The package has arrived at the sorting center where it is processed and sent on its way.
At customs: The parcel is now being cleared at the border between countries.
Arrived at collection location: The parcel has been delivered to the collection point or post office and is ready for collection by the recipient.
Delivery by courier: The package has been handed to the courier for delivery to the recipient's address.
Attempted delivery: The courier has attempted to deliver the package to the recipient, but for some reason (no recipient, wrong address, etc.) delivery has not taken place.
Delivered: The package has been successfully delivered and handed over to the recipient.
This summary list of delivery statuses allows the user to obtain more detailed information about each stage of the parcel delivery process.
Typical problems and solutions in parcel tracking
Let's take a look at some of the most common problems users encounter when tracking packages.
1.Customs delays. Customs delays are a common problem, especially for international shipments. Parcels can be delayed due to security checks, incorrect or incomplete declarations, or high volumes of shipments.
Solution: Patience - sometimes customs delays can last for days or even weeks. In this case, you will need to wait for the delivery status to be updated. Contact the shipper or carrier for more information about the status of your shipment and possible reasons for the delay.
2.Lost parcel. Although lost packages are fairly rare, packages can sometimes get lost or damaged in transit.
Solution: Wait a few days and check the tracking status again as sometimes the information can be delayed.
Contact the sender or carrier and let them know about the problem. They may be able to help you locate the lost package or offer compensation. If your package is insured, contact the carrier and request a refund.
3.Incorrect or missing tracking information. Sometimes tracking status is incorrect or missing due to errors in the carrier's system or delays in updating information.
Solution: Check that the tracking number you entered is correct and that you are using the correct website or service to track your package. Wait for the tracking status to be updated, as sometimes the information can be delayed. Contact the sender or carrier for more information about your shipment.
4.Delivery delays. Delivery delays can be caused by a number of factors, including weather conditions, technical problems, public holidays and delivery problems in remote areas.
Solution: Monitor the tracking status of your package to know its location and expected delivery date. Be patient as some delays may be caused by factors that cannot be predicted or controlled (e.g. weather conditions). If your package is delayed for a long time, contact the shipper or carrier to find out the reason for the delay. They may be able to suggest alternative delivery methods or compensation for the delay.
5.Unsuccessful delivery attempt. Sometimes the courier may attempt to deliver a package but cannot locate the recipient or access the address provided. In this case, the tracking status will indicate an unsuccessful delivery attempt.
Solution: Ensure you provide an accurate and complete delivery address, including your postcode and contact phone number. Contact the carrier and clarify the reason for the failed delivery attempt. You may need to provide additional instructions or reschedule the delivery.
If your parcel was delivered to a collection point or post office, make sure you collect it in time to avoid having to return it to the sender, as storage times are usually limited to 3-4 weeks.
It is important to remember that most problems with parcel tracking and delivery can be resolved by contacting the sender or carrier. They are interested in providing a quality service and helping you get your parcel on time and in good condition.
Track a package