Track Your Mail / Package

Mail does not have to be complicated, and calculating the arrival date of a package does not have to be a matter of guesswork. Tracking numbers exist to record the progress of a package in real time from its point of origin to its destination, which means that it is possible to maintain a completely accurate account of where your email is at any time. Tracking numbers are an essential part of the mail system and also for online businesses and e-commerce companies. Not only can you keep track of the Christmas cookies you are sending to your niece, but you can also rest easy while watching the progress of your online orders until they arrive at your door.

The way in which tracking numbers work can vary slightly between different courier carriers, but all the fundamental aspects of tracking numbers are the same, no matter which company is delivering your mail.

How to track a package with USPS

The USPS provides what is probably the simplest, easiest-to-use mail tracking system in the world. The USPS does not charge an additional fee for adding a tracking number and it is printed on the shipping label of all priority mail. The first step in tracking a package shipped via USPS is to locate your tracking number. USPS tracking numbers are typically 20 to 22 digits long and contain no letters. With USPS Express Mail, tracking numbers are typically 13 characters long, begin with two letters, and end with “US”.

Most often, your tracking number can be found on the receipt you received when the package was sent by local post.

Some postal receipts look different, but they should all look like this example:

If you used USPS.com to ship your package, you should have received a confirmation email with your tracking number. After locating the tracking number in your email, on the post office receipt or on the shipping label itself, the next step is to use the number to track your order. This can be done in a number of different ways.

The most direct method of tracking your package may be to enter your tracking number on the USPS website. However, this does not mean that it is the only method to track your package and it is not necessarily the most convenient either.

An alternative option is to use the Easy Shipping Tracker browser extension for Chrome. This tool allows you to simply highlight any tracking number in your browser, right click and select the menu option for “Track my package”. This can save time, especially when dealing with multiple tracking numbers or tracking numbers that have been sent via email or a web browser.

Tracking a DHL Package

DHL tracking numbers are usually 10 or 11 digits long, contain no letters, and can provide complete details about your shipment.

Track on DHL

Tracking a FedEx Package

A typical FedEx tracking number is 12 characters long and can provide route history, estimated delivery time and additional details.

Track on FedEx

Tracking a UPS Package

Tracking numbers are automatically assigned to each package sent by UPS. A UPS tracking number can be found on your receipt and starts with the digits 1Z.

Track on UPS

Tracking International Carriers

Many international courier carriers in North America and Europe also provide mail tracking services. To track your package, follow the instructions on the shipping receipt or contact the carrier for further instructions.

Other places to use your tracking number

If you are simply trying to track a single package, generally the simplest method of doing this is to enter the tracking number directly on the carrier’s website. However, this is not the only place where your tracking number can be useful. A number of other stores and mail-related websites can also accept your tracking number to present route data in a personalized way or to provide additional services with the information.

Just a few examples of places to use your tracking number:

• Stamps.com
• Boxoh
• PackageTrackr
• TrackMyShipments
• SimpleTracking
• TrackThis
• SmartPackage Tracker

Has your mail been lost?

If your tracking number is not working, it is possible that your email has been lost. The modern mail tracking system is extremely accurate, but mail is still handled and delivered by humans, and even the best of us are prone to making mistakes from time to time. It is not common for the mail to disappear completely, but if this has happened or if your package has been lost, it is important to remain calm and remember that there is still hope and that the lost mail can be recovered.

Once you’ve finished reading about all the steps necessary to locate your lost package, submit a search request on the USPS website. There is no guarantee that lost, lost or stolen mail can be recovered, but there is a good chance that your package is still somewhere waiting to be claimed by the legitimate recipient.