How to Track a Package (Every Carrier's Tracking Tool)
How to Track a Package (Every Carrier’s Tracking Tool)
Whether you are waiting on an online order, monitoring a shipment you sent, or checking on a business delivery, knowing how to track your package with any carrier gives you full visibility from pickup to doorstep. This guide covers tracking tools for USPS, FedEx, UPS, DHL, and Amazon, along with tips for handling common tracking issues.
Shipping rates and delivery times are estimates and may vary. Verify current rates directly with carriers.
How Package Tracking Works
Every carrier assigns a unique tracking number to each shipment. This number is scanned at multiple checkpoints --- pickup, sorting facilities, distribution hubs, local delivery stations, and final delivery. Each scan generates a status update that you can view online or through a carrier’s mobile app.
Tracking numbers are typically provided by the sender via email, order confirmation, or receipt. The format varies by carrier:
| Carrier | Tracking Number Format | Example Length |
|---|---|---|
| USPS | Starts with 94, 93, 92, or other prefixes | 20-34 digits |
| FedEx | Numeric only | 12-22 digits |
| UPS | Starts with 1Z | 18 characters |
| DHL | Numeric only | 10-11 digits |
| Amazon | TBA prefix for in-house logistics | 12-15 characters |
How to Track a USPS Package
- Visit usps.com/tracking
- Enter your USPS tracking number in the search field
- Click “Track” to view status updates
USPS Informed Delivery is a free service that sends you daily email notifications with images of incoming mail and package tracking updates. Sign up at informeddelivery.usps.com.
Common USPS tracking statuses include:
- Pre-Shipment: Label created but package not yet scanned by USPS
- In Transit to Next Facility: Package moving through the USPS network
- Out for Delivery: Package is on the delivery truck
- Delivered: Package has been delivered (may include a photo)
- Alert: An issue requires attention (attempted delivery, held at post office)
For more on USPS services and pricing, see USPS Rate Guide 2026: Every Service Tier Explained.
How to Track a FedEx Package
- Visit fedex.com/en-us/tracking.html
- Enter up to 30 tracking numbers (one per line)
- Click “Track” for real-time updates
FedEx also offers FedEx Delivery Manager, a free tool that lets you customize delivery preferences, reroute packages, request hold at a FedEx location, and set vacation holds.
Key FedEx statuses:
- Picked Up: FedEx has the package
- In Transit: Moving through the network
- On FedEx Vehicle for Delivery: Out for delivery
- Delivered: Successfully delivered
- Delivery Exception: Delay due to weather, address issue, or access problem
How to Track a UPS Package
- Visit ups.com/track
- Enter your tracking number, reference number, or UPS freight PRO number
- View shipment progress on an interactive map
UPS My Choice (free and premium tiers) gives you advance delivery alerts, the ability to reroute packages, authorize driver release, and reschedule deliveries.
Key UPS statuses:
- Label Created: Shipper has created a label
- In Transit: Moving through UPS facilities
- Out for Delivery: On the delivery vehicle
- Delivered: Package delivered
- Exception: A delay or issue occurred
How to Track a DHL Package
- Visit dhl.com/en/express/tracking.html
- Enter your DHL tracking or waybill number
- View status with international checkpoint details
DHL is especially common for international shipments. Tracking updates may show customs clearance status, which is useful for monitoring Customs Duty Calculator for International Shipments implications.
How to Track an Amazon Package
- Log into your Amazon account
- Go to “Your Orders”
- Click “Track Package” next to the relevant order
Amazon packages shipped via Amazon Logistics use TBA tracking numbers. For packages handed off to USPS, FedEx, or UPS for final delivery, the carrier’s tracking number is also displayed.
Multi-Carrier Tracking Tools
If you regularly track packages from multiple carriers, consider these aggregator options:
| Tool | Carriers Supported | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Informed Delivery | USPS only | Free |
| ParcelTrack | 150+ carriers | Free/Paid |
| 17track | 2,000+ carriers worldwide | Free |
| AfterShip | 1,200+ carriers | Free/Paid |
| Route | Major US carriers | Free |
These tools let you enter any tracking number and automatically detect the carrier. Some integrate with email to auto-import tracking numbers from order confirmations.
Troubleshooting Common Tracking Issues
“Tracking number not found”
- Wait 24 hours --- labels can take time to enter the system
- Double-check the number for typos
- Contact the sender to verify the correct tracking number
“In Transit” for several days with no updates
- Long-haul routes may not scan at every checkpoint
- USPS Ground and Media Mail can go days without updates
- Check back after 2-3 business days before contacting the carrier
“Delivered” but you don’t have the package
- Check around your property (porches, side doors, mailroom)
- Ask household members or neighbors
- Check your mailbox for a notice of attempted delivery
- File a missing package claim with the carrier
Package stuck in customs
- International packages may be held for inspection
- Check for customs duty notifications via email
- See Shipping to Canada from the US: Cheapest Options or Shipping to UK from the US: Customs and Costs for country-specific customs guidance
Key Takeaways
- Every major carrier offers free online tracking using a unique tracking number assigned to each shipment.
- USPS Informed Delivery, FedEx Delivery Manager, and UPS My Choice provide proactive alerts and delivery customization.
- Multi-carrier tracking tools like 17track and AfterShip can monitor shipments from hundreds of carriers in one dashboard.
- Most tracking delays resolve within 2-3 business days --- contact the carrier if a package shows no movement beyond that.
- “Delivered” status without a package in hand warrants checking your surroundings, then filing a carrier claim.
Next Steps
- Use our [TOOL PLACEHOLDER: Delivery Time Estimator] to predict when your package will arrive based on origin, destination, and service level.
- Read How to Schedule a Package Pickup (USPS, FedEx, UPS) to learn how to arrange carrier pickups from your home or office.
- Explore Compare Shipping Services to find the fastest or most affordable carrier for your next shipment.
- Check Compare Shipping Services for side-by-side pricing across USPS, FedEx, UPS, and DHL.
Shipping rates and delivery times are estimates and may vary. Verify current rates directly with carriers.