How can I track my package?

When you’re waiting on a package, whether it’s an online order, a customer shipment, or a gift from overseas, knowing where it is and when it will arrive matters. Package tracking gives you that visibility. It helps online shoppers stay informed, e-commerce sellers manage customer expectations, and support teams resolve delivery issues faster. If you're wondering how can I track my package, you're not alone. With multiple carriers, tracking formats, and shipment types, understanding how tracking works is the first step to staying in control of your deliveries. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to track any parcel confidently and accurately using Ship24.

What is Package Tracking and How It Works

Package tracking is the process of following a parcel’s movement from the moment it leaves the sender to its final delivery point. It works through a system of tracking numbers, barcode scans, and status updates that are generated every time your shipment passes through a checkpoint in the logistics network.

Each time a courier scans your parcel, that information is updated in real time or near real time in the tracking system. These updates include timestamps, location data, and current delivery status, which you can access using a tracking number.

How Shipment Tracking Improves Logistics Management

For businesses, shipment tracking is a key part of logistics management. It helps reduce delivery errors, optimize routes, and improve customer satisfaction by providing accurate package delivery updates. For example, tracking tools allow sellers to proactively inform customers of delays or reroute parcels if needed.

The Role of Carrier Tracking in Parcel Movement

Carrier tracking is the backbone of parcel movement. Major courier services like DHL, FedEx, and USPS scan and update the status of every package at multiple stages. These updates are collected and displayed through tracking platforms like Ship24, giving you a complete view of your shipment’s progress from dispatch to delivery.

If your tracking status hasn’t changed in days, it might be worth checking out why your package status is not updating.

Where to Find Your Tracking Number

Your tracking number is the key to accessing your shipment’s status. It’s usually sent to you after the item has been shipped and can be found in different places depending on how and where you placed the order.

Tracking Number Formats from Major Courier Services

Each courier uses a specific format for tracking numbers. Here are some common examples:

• UPS: Typically starts with “1Z” followed by 16 characters (e.g., 1Z999AA10123456784)
• FedEx: Usually 12 to 14 digits (e.g., 123456789012)
• USPS: 20–22 digits or a combination of 13 characters ending in “US” (e.g., 9400 1000 0000 0000 0000 00 or EC123456789US)
• China Post: Often starts with two letters, followed by nine digits and ends with “CN” (e.g., RR123456789CN)

To learn more about identifying your tracking number, visit what does a tracking number look like.

How to Retrieve Your Tracking Code from Online Orders

If you ordered from an online store, your tracking number is typically sent via email or listed in your order history. For example:

• Amazon: Go to “Your Orders” and click “Track Package”
• AliExpress: Check your order details under “My Orders”
• eBay: Tracking is available under “Purchase History”

If you lost your tracking number, you might still be able to track your shipment. Here's how you can track a package without a tracking number.

Different Types of Tracking Methods

Not all tracking is the same. Depending on your courier and the type of shipment, you may have access to different levels of tracking detail. Understanding the differences helps you know what to expect.

Real-Time Tracking vs Standard Tracking

Real-time tracking provides live updates as your parcel moves through the delivery network. This is common with premium courier services or express shipping options. You’ll see frequent updates like “in transit,” “arrived at facility,” or “out for delivery.”

Standard tracking offers fewer updates, often only at major checkpoints. It’s more common with economy shipping and postal services. You might see only three to five updates throughout the delivery process.

Postal Tracking Versus Freight Tracking

Postal tracking refers to packages sent via national postal services like USPS, Royal Mail, or La Poste. These shipments are typically small parcels and letters, and tracking is often limited to basic status updates.

Freight tracking is used for large or bulk shipments, often transported via sea, air, or trucking networks. These updates are less frequent but include container-level tracking and estimated arrival at ports or warehouses.

If you’re unsure which type of tracking applies to your shipment, check with the seller or courier, or refer to our guide on the difference between cargo and shipment.

How to Use a Tracking Number on Ship24

Once you’ve got your tracking number, using Ship24 is one of the fastest ways to get updates from multiple couriers in one place. Whether it’s a local delivery or an international shipment, Ship24 tracks your parcel across over 1,200 logistics providers.

Steps to Track a Courier Package Using Ship24

Here’s how to track your package using Ship24:

1. Go to Ship24.com
2. Enter your tracking number into the search bar
3. Click the search icon or press Enter
4. View your parcel’s current status, location, and delivery progress

Ship24 automatically detects the courier and displays the latest information, even if your package changes carriers during transit.

How the Ship24 Dashboard Simplifies Parcel Tracking

If you’re tracking multiple packages, the Ship24 dashboard lets you manage them all in one place. You can:

• Save and name each tracking number
• Receive shipment notifications when there’s an update
• Track international and domestic parcels from different couriers

For sellers and support teams, this dashboard is especially useful for tracking bulk shipments. You can also learn how to track multiple packages at once using the same interface.

How to Check Delivery Status and Progress

Once you've entered your tracking number, the next step is understanding what the tracking updates actually mean. Delivery status messages can vary between courier services, but most follow a similar structure that reflects the package’s movement through the logistics chain.

Interpreting Parcel Delivery Updates

Each update you see in your shipment tracking history reflects a scan or checkpoint. These status changes are important for understanding your package’s current location and delivery progress. Common updates include:

• Shipment information received: The courier has received the order details but may not have the package yet.
• Package accepted: The parcel has been handed over to the courier or postal service.
• In transit: The package is moving through the logistics network.
• Arrived at facility: The parcel has reached a sorting or distribution center.
• Out for delivery: The package is on the delivery vehicle and will likely arrive that day.
• Delivered: The parcel was successfully delivered to the recipient’s address.

Understanding Tracking Statuses: Dispatched, In Transit, Out for Delivery

Some statuses may cause confusion if you're unfamiliar with logistics terminology. Here's what they typically mean:

• Dispatched: The package has left the origin facility and is on its way to the next hub or destination.
• In Transit: The parcel is moving between facilities or through different courier networks.
• Out for Delivery: Your package is with the local courier and is expected to be delivered soon.

Understanding these terms helps you better estimate arrival times and manage your expectations based on the delivery status.

Tracking International Shipments

International shipments involve more steps and multiple courier services, which can impact the visibility and frequency of updates. Knowing how international package tracking differs from domestic tracking can help you avoid confusion and delays.

Key Differences Between Local and International Shipment Tracking

When tracking a package across borders, multiple carriers may handle the delivery. This hand-off between courier services can cause gaps in updates or changes in tracking number formats. Ship24 bridges this gap by detecting and tracking across over 1,500 courier services globally.

International tracking may also include additional checkpoints such as:

• Export clearance from the origin country
• Arrival at the destination country's customs
• Import clearance and handover to a local courier

These added steps can extend delivery timelines and introduce delays, especially if customs clearance takes longer than expected.

Customs Updates and How They Affect Delivery Timelines

Customs processing is a major factor in international shipping. During this stage, your parcel may be held for inspection or require documentation. Common customs-related tracking updates include:

• Held at customs: The package is under review and may need additional paperwork or duties paid.
• Released from customs: The parcel has cleared inspection and will continue to its destination.

To avoid delays, make sure the sender includes accurate shipping information and declares the contents correctly. If your package is stuck in customs, contact the courier or check for any required actions in your tracking interface.

Using Shipment Notifications and Carrier Alerts

Staying updated on your package’s movement is easier when you activate shipment notifications. These alerts help you stay informed without constantly checking the tracking page.

Setting Up Delivery Progress Alerts

Ship24 allows you to receive automatic shipment notifications for any update in your parcel’s status. Once you enter your tracking number, you can opt in to receive alerts when:

• Your parcel is dispatched or picked up
• It arrives at a sorting facility
• It’s out for delivery
• It’s marked as delivered

This feature is especially useful for e-commerce sellers and customer support teams who manage multiple shipments and need real-time tracking updates.

How to Receive Updates via Email or Tracking Tools

To get email notifications, simply track your package on Ship24 and save it to your dashboard. You’ll then receive automatic updates as your parcel progresses through the delivery network. These alerts include the latest delivery status, location, and estimated delivery date.

For frequent users, integrating tracking tools or browser extensions can help streamline your online order tracking process even further.

How to Verify the Accuracy of Tracking Information

Sometimes, tracking updates may seem inconsistent or delayed. Verifying the accuracy of your package locator data helps you determine whether your shipment is progressing normally or if action is needed.

Confirming Package Locator Data with the Courier

If your tracking information appears outdated or incorrect, the first step is to verify the tracking number with the courier. You can do this by:

• Visiting the courier’s official website and entering the tracking number directly
• Contacting the courier’s customer service for clarification
• Comparing updates across multiple tracking tools like Ship24

Cross-checking the data helps identify whether the issue is with the courier, the seller, or a system delay in updating the tracking interface.

What to Do If Your Tracking Updates Haven’t Changed

If your tracking status hasn’t changed for several days, it could be due to:

• A delay in the package being scanned at the next checkpoint
• Customs processing or transit between countries
• Technical issues with the courier’s tracking system

Before contacting support, give it 24 to 48 hours to refresh. If there’s still no movement, reach out to the courier or seller with your tracking number and dispatch details to investigate further.

Common Package Tracking Issues and How to Solve Them

Even with advanced tracking tools, you may run into some shipment tracking problems. Understanding common delivery status issues and how to respond can help minimize disruption, especially if you're a seller managing customer expectations or a shopper tracking an important parcel.

What to Do If a Package Shows Delivered but Isn’t Received

If your tracking number shows a “Delivered” status but the package is missing, start by checking with neighbors or building staff. Sometimes parcels are left in secure locations or delivered nearby by mistake. You should also review the delivery address provided at checkout and contact the courier directly with your tracking number if you still can’t locate the package.

Dealing with Lost or Delayed Shipments

Delays happen for several reasons, including weather, customs, or courier backlogs. If your package hasn’t moved in tracking for several business days, reach out to the courier with your tracking number and shipping information. If your package is confirmed lost, your next step is to initiate a claim with the courier or request support from the seller if it was a retail order.

Reasons Tracking Information May Not Update

It’s common to see a gap in tracking updates. This can occur due to delays in scanning, system synchronization, or cross-border transitions. Knowing when and why these brief blackouts happen helps prevent unnecessary worry or support requests.

Possible Delays in Tracking System Synchronization

When a parcel moves through courier networks, there may be delays in how quickly the tracking interface reflects scans. For example, postal tracking from international shippers may only update once your item is handed off to the next country’s provider. Allow up to 48 hours before assuming your shipment is stalled.

When to Contact the Courier vs the Seller

If you're not seeing new delivery updates and you're unsure where your package is, check who has the most current information. Couriers typically have real-time scan data, while sellers can assist with reshipments or refunds. For undelivered items that show minimal progress in shipment tracking, it’s best to contact both parties for resolution.

Best Practices for Tracking Shipments

To make the most of parcel tracking systems and reduce risks of delivery confusion, it's helpful to follow a few practical strategies. This is especially true for e-commerce sellers managing multiple deliveries or customers who shop internationally.

Using Multiple Tracking Tools for Cross-Checking Information

Carrier tracking systems occasionally miss updates or show limited information. Using a multi-courier platform like Ship24 allows you to compare delivery status results across different networks and technologies. This cross-verification helps confirm tracking accuracy and keep tabs on real-time parcel movement.

Keeping Tracking Numbers Safe for Future Reference

Always save your tracking number until your package has been successfully delivered. Add it to your Ship24 dashboard or save confirmation emails for quick access. Without the tracking code, checking parcel movement or verifying delivery details becomes much harder, especially with international shipments or claims.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you're still asking, "How can I track my package?" this section answers the most common concerns about tracking numbers, delivery progress, and parcel locator tools. These FAQs give quick guidance for online shoppers, sellers, and anyone relying on package delivery services.

How do I find my package tracking number?

Your tracking number is typically sent via email or available in your order confirmation. Check your online retailer’s order history or shipment confirmation email. If buying through marketplaces like Amazon or AliExpress, look under the ‘Track Package’ or ‘My Orders’ section. This number is essential for accessing any package delivery updates.

What is the best way to track a shipment online?

The most effective way to track your shipment is to use a central tracking tool like Ship24, which supports over 1,500 courier services. Enter your tracking number once and get live updates from multiple carriers across domestic and international logistics networks. This helps you stay up to date regardless of where or how your item is shipped.

How to track international deliveries in real time?

International package tracking requires monitoring across multiple courier networks. Ship24 automatically detects carrier handovers and tracks the shipment through customs, transits, and final-mile delivery. Just input your tracking number to see cross-border updates in near-real time, including customs processing and local courier handover.

Where can I check my delivery status reliably?

You can rely on multi-courier platforms like Ship24 to access accurate tracking data. Unlike single-carrier systems, Ship24 combines postal tracking and express courier scans into one view. You’ll see updates like “in transit,” “out for delivery,” or “delivered,” as well as timestamps and location markers.

Can I track a parcel without the tracking number?

While the tracking number is necessary for full tracking visibility, you may be able to retrieve it from your seller or order confirmation page. Some e-commerce platforms allow tracking via your account login. If you can’t locate it, check out Ship24’s guide on how to track a package without a tracking number for additional tips.