Universal parcel tracking | Tracking number search

Eager to know where your package is after shopping online? Or maybe you are a merchant managing hundreds of shipments? Perhaps you are a business managing international logistics? Either wayknowing your shipment whereabouts is essential.

At 17TRACKour universal package tracker integrates shipment tracking info across all major postal servicescouriersfreight companiesand logistics providers worldwide. Enter your tracking number or waybill number in the box aboveand stay updated!

How does package tracking work?

Package tracking is a system that enables you to monitor the progress of your parcel at every step of its delivery journey.

Think of package tracking as a live map for your shipment. When a seller ships your orderthe carrier assigns a unique tracking number to your package. And each time the package reaches a new checkpointsuch as pickupsorting centerscustomsthe tracking number will be scanned. These scans automatically update the status and location in the tracking systemproviding real-time visibility into the parcel’s journey. Upon checkyou will know the package’s current locationstatusand estimated delivery time.

Track different shipments worldwide

1. Courier tracking

This is commonly used for fastsmall-parcel deliveries handled by companies like UPSFedExDHLDPDHermesand other express carriers.

The tracking process relies on barcodes printed on the shipping label. At every checkpointhandheld scannersautomated conveyor systemsor gate-scanning machines capture the barcode details and send them to the courier’s tracking database. This allows customers to see statuses like Picked UpIn TransitArrived at FacilityOut for Deliveryor Delivered.

Checking a courier shipment is simple: enter your tracking number on the courier’s websitemobile appor on any universal tracking platform like 17TRACK.

2. International shipping tracking

When a package begins its international journeyit first goes through export processing in the origin country. From thereit may transfer to an airline or sea carrierarrive at the destination countrypass through customs inspectionand enter the local courier network for final delivery.

The package will be scanned at origin facilitiesairportscustoms portstransit hubsand final sorting centers. Each stage generates tracking updates that show whether the shipment is progressing normally or delayed for checks such as customs clearance.

Alsothe tracking system may combine data from various sources: carrier scansairline or vessel manifestsand customs status reports. UPU-format postal codesairway bills (AWB).

Many parcels may travel through the hands of multiple carriers before reaching the destination. This is common because:

• One carrier may handle pickup in the origin country.
• Another carrier transports the parcel internationally.
• A local carrier completes last-mile delivery.

For examplea shipment might start with China Postmove through FedEx or UPS during transitand be delivered locally by DHLDPDor USPS.

Thereforea universal parcel tracking platform like 17TRACK is often more reliable. It gathers information from all carriers involvedkeeping your tracking timeline complete even when the shipment changes hands.

3. eCommerce order tracking

eCommerce order tracking lets you monitor every stage of your customer’s purchase — not just the delivery. From the moment an order is confirmedyou can see updates like Order ConfirmedProcessingand Awaiting Pickup before the parcel even enters the courier network.

Once you generate the shipping labelits barcode becomes the shared identifier between your storethe carrierand the customer. Each scan along the way — warehouse sortingtransit hubscustomsand last-mile delivery — updates the order timeline automatically. For international online purchasesorder tracking is particularly helpful because it consolidates postalcourierand cross-border logistics data into one continuous tracking timeline.

For buyers: Note that an order number and a tracking number are not the same. You can check delivery progress only with your tracking number — order numbers cannot be used for shipment tracking.

4. Freight tracking

Freight shipping is designed for largeheavyor palletized shipments moving through roadrailairor sea networks. It is commonly used by business clientsB2B suppliersmanufacturersand companies shipping bulk goods.

Since freight often travels long distancespasses through multiple hubsand involves several carriers or forwarding agentskeeping shipment visibility during transit is very essential.

Tracking begins the moment a carrier creates a freight bill or label. Each pallet or shipment usually receives a PRO numberbill of lading (BOL) numberor a barcode tagwhich is scanned at every major handoff: pickupterminal loadingregional hubstransfer pointsand final delivery. Many freight networks also rely on GPS-equipped truckselectronic logging devicesand EDI updates to push real-time status information into the tracking system.

To track your freight shipmententer the PRO numberAWB numberbill of ladingor booking reference in the carrier’s freight tracking system. Many freight forwarders also provide milestone-based updates through online portals or email notifications.

5. Cargo tracking

Cargo shipping is typically used for commercial goods shipped internationallyincluding bulk itemswholesale productsand high-volume eCommerce inventory. It often moves through multiple carriersportsand customs processes.

Cargo is documented and scanned using cargo manifestsairway billscargo barcodesand customs declarations. As shipments move through airportsseaportswarehousesand transshipment hubsthe tracking systems log key events such as cargo acceptancedeparturearrivalcustoms inspectionreleaseand handoff to the next logistics provider. These checkpoints ensure you know where your cargo is at every stage of the journey.

Checking cargo status is straightforward: enter the AWB or bill of lading number into the carrier’s system or a global package tracking platform like 17TRACK. You’ll see updates like flight departuresvessel movementscustoms statuscargo releasedand handover to the final-mile provider.

6. Container tracking

Container tracking focuses on standard 20ft and 40ft shipping containers used for global ocean freight. This service is vital for businesses handling large-scale transportfactory shipmentsindustrial goodsand long-distance supply chains.

Each container has a unique container number (e.g.ABCU1234567) that follows ISO standards. When the container is loaded onto a vesselmoved through a portinspectedunloadedor transferred to rail/truck for inland transportits number is logged by port authorities and shipping lines. The tracking systems combine AIS vessel dataport terminal scansand carrier event updates to show where the container is — even when it’s still on the ocean.

To check your container’s statusenter the container number or booking number on the shipping line’s website. Some platforms also allow you to track by bill of lading. You can see the vessel’s real-time positionestimated arrival datesand container milestones throughout the journey.

Tracking number lookup

Regardless of whether you’re tracking a courier parcelfreight loador international shipmenteverything starts with a tracking number. Let’s break down what it is and how to locate yours.

1. What is a tracking number?

A tracking number is also known as a tracking code or tracking ID. It is a unique identifier assigned to each parcel that lets you track package movement from dispatch to delivery. It identifies your parcel within the carrier’s network and should be provided by the sender once the item has shipped.

Note that some packages may not be trackable in the destination country until you receive postal or courier notification. 17TRACK's universal parcel tracking system can help you monitor the progress of your shipments in real time.

2. Tracking number formats & examples

Logistics tracking numbers come in different formats depending on the carrier. For examplepostal services under the Universal Postal Union (UPU) use codes like RA123456789CN. The first two letters indicate the shipment typeand the last two letters identify the country of origin. Other couriers may use their own numbering system. Here’s a breakdown of common tracking number formats:

• UPS: Tracking numbers start with "1Z" and are 18 characters longoffering detailed shipment status updates.
• FedEx: Typically 12 digitsused for both Express and Ground shipments.
• USPS: Usually 20–22 digitscovering most domestic deliveries within the United States.
• DHL: Often 10–11 digitssometimes with prefixes like “JD” for specific services.
• Canada Post: Commonly 16 digitsstarting with letters and ending with “CA” to indicate Canada.

3. How to find out your tracking number?

Your tracking number is the key to accessing real-time updates on your shipment. Here’s how to locate it:

• Shipping Confirmation Email: Check your inbox. This is usually sent right after your order has shippedcontaining your tracking number.
• Shipping Label or Receipt: If you've received a physical shipmentthe tracking number usually appears on the label or receipt.
• Your Online Account: Check your order history on the online store or the courier’s website. The tracking number is usually displayed under your order or shipment details.
• Carrier’s Customer Service: If you can’t find the tracking numberreaching out to the carrier. It can often retrieve the tracking number using your nameaddressor order details.

4. How to find a package without a tracking number

Didn’t get a tracking number or accidentally lost it? You’re not stuck. There are still several ways to track your package:

• Check Order Status: Most online stores display basic shipping updates (e.g.“shipped,” “in transit,” or “delivered”) even if they don’t show a tracking number.
• Use Delivery Notifications: Carriers often send SMS or email updates tied to your phone number or emaileven without a tracking code.
• Search by Address with the Carrier: Some carriers offer a “track by address” or “track by reference” service. This lets you look up a shipment using details like your delivery addressphone numberZIP/postal codeor the date the package was sent. Simply ask their customer service to run the search for you.
• Contact the Sender: The merchantselleror shipper may have the shipment ID or internal reference number.
• Check Your Delivery Attempts: If the courier has already attempted deliveryyou may find a notice with instructions on how to track or reschedule the package.

Package tracking statuses

Tracking statuses can sometimes be confusing. Here’s a quick guide to some common ones:

Shipment tracking & delivery FAQs

1. Why doesn't my package have tracking information?

• Did you just place your order? After receiving the shipping notificationplease wait at least 1-3 days for tracking updates to appear. Try again after a few hours. Some shippers may take up to 24 hours to add your tracking information.
• Did you enter an order number instead of a tracking number? Please make sure to enter the tracking numberwhich can be found on your order page or shipping notification email.
• Make sure you entered the tracking number correctly - people often mistake the number "0" for the letter "O"
• Did you enter the correct number of repeated digits (e.g.0000)? It's easy to miss a digit or enter too many.
• Did you copy and paste the tracking number? Check for any unwanted prefixes/suffixes like "N°""#"",""-"etc.

2. Why does my package tracking stop updating?

• Carriers don’t scan every step
  Not every stop or transfer generates a new tracking scan. Some facilities only scan packages at major checkpointsso smaller movements between those points may go unreported.
• Long travel segments between hubs
  Shipments often travel long distances—whether by airseaor road—without passing through a scanning facility. During these legsit’s normal for tracking to remain unchanged for several days.
• International transits and customs
  Packages may wait for clearance or transfer at customs or border facilities. Even if the package is progressing normallyupdates may appear infrequently until it reaches the destination country.
• System delays or sync issues
  Sometimes tracking information updates in batches rather than in real time. Carriers may upload scans latecausing sudden jumps in tracking activity after a quiet period.

3. When to take action if my package is not updating?

• How long to wait before worrying

For domestic shipmentsit’s usually best to wait 3–5 business days without an update before getting concerned. For international packagesgaps of 7 to 10 business days are normal due to long transit legs and customs checks. Economy shipping can take even longersometimes with quiet periods up to 2 or 3 weeks. If your tracking remains unchanged beyond these rangesit’s reasonable to follow up.

• Who to contact？

Start by reaching out to the seller or storeas they can confirm your shipment details and contact the carrier if needed. If you already have the tracking number and want more informationyou can check directly with the carrier or check your parcel status on 17TRACK.

• Information needed to request support

When asking for helpmake sure you have your tracking numberorder IDand shipping address handy. It also helps to have screenshots of your latest tracking status and any messages you’ve exchanged with the seller or carrier. Briefly explain the issuelike no updates for several days or a package stuck at a certain checkpoint. Providing these details will help speed up the support process.

4. What does "package delayed in transit" mean?

A “delayed in transit” update means the package is still moving through the network but isn’t progressing as quickly as expected. This can happen for many reasons — weather issueshigh shipping volumesrouting changescustoms inspectionsor mechanical delays with trucksplanesor sorting equipment. In most casesthe parcel will resume moving once the carrier resolves the issue. Delays of 24–72 hours are commonespecially during peak seasons. If the status doesn’t change for several dayschecking the tracking updates or contacting the carrier with your tracking number can help you understand the next steps.

5. What does "shipment stuck in customs" mean?

When you check your customs tracking updateswatch for words like "Held in customs," "Pending inspection," or "Awaiting clearance." These messages usually mean one of three things:

• The package needs extra paperwork or payment.
• Customs is inspecting the package because it was selected or flagged.
• The package has cleared customs and is moving to the next step.
• It’s important to respond quickly if customs asks for more information or payments. This helps avoid extra delays and gets your package moving faster. Reading these updates carefully will keep you informed about what needs to happen next.

6. What to do if your parcel is lostlateor damaged

Sometimes shipments don’t arrive as expected. Whether your parcel is missingdelayedor arrives in poor conditionthere are clear steps you can take to resolve the issue quickly.

• Lost parcels

If your parcel goes missingstart a lost-parcel investigation as soon as possible. Start by reporting the issue to the seller or carrier. They will alert their logistics partner and use internal systems to track your package.

You might need to provide key documents like your order confirmationproof of paymentshipping addressand screenshots of the latest tracking status. These help prove ownership and support the investigation. Once your item is officially declared lostthe seller or carrier will usually offer a replacement or refunddepending on their policy.

• Delayed parcels

Delivery delays can happen for lots of reasonssuch as customs backlogsbad weatherheavy order volumes during peak seasonsor rerouting by the carrier. While your parcel is still on its waykeep an eye on its tracking updates and make sure you’ve provided any needed informationlike customs documents or import feesto keep things moving.

If the delay exceeds normal timeframesreach out to the seller or carrier for an update. They may be able to confirm the parcel’s last scanned location or escalate it internally if it appears stuck.

• Damaged parcels

If your parcel arrives damagedtake clear photos of the outer packaginginner packagingand the damaged items themselves. This visual evidence is essential for the claim process and helps carriers determine what happened during transport.

To file a claimgather all necessary documents including your tracking numberpurchase invoicephotos of the damageand the original packaging if possibleand submit it to the carriers via an online portalemailor physical mail.