How to Track a Package: Everything You Need to Know
Whether you're waiting on an online order or a business shipment, knowing how to track your package effectively can save you time, stress, and unnecessary calls to customer service. This guide walks you through tracking with every major carrier and explains what those cryptic status messages actually mean.
Table of Contents
- Where to Find Your Tracking Number
- Tracking on Major Carrier Portals
- What Tracking Statuses Mean
- What to Do When a Package Seems Stuck
- Using Third-Party Tracking Tools
Where to Find Your Tracking Number
Your tracking number is usually provided in one of these places:
- Order confirmation email — most retailers include it once the item ships
- Shipping label — printed as a barcode with digits beneath it
- Retailer account dashboard — check "My Orders" or "Order History"
- SMS/text notification — many carriers send automated shipping alerts
Tracking numbers vary in length and format by carrier. UPS numbers typically start with "1Z", USPS Informed Delivery uses 20–22 digit codes, FedEx uses 12 or 15-digit numbers, and DHL uses 10–11 digit codes.
Tracking on Major Carrier Portals
UPS
Visit ups.com/track and enter your 1Z tracking number. UPS provides detailed scan events, estimated delivery windows, and the option to sign up for proactive notifications via email or text.
FedEx
Go to fedex.com/tracking. FedEx allows you to track up to 30 shipments at once. FedEx Delivery Manager lets you customize delivery windows and redirect packages.
USPS
Use tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction or the USPS mobile app. USPS Informed Delivery also gives you daily email previews of arriving mail.
DHL
Track at dhl.com/tracking. DHL offers tracking for both DHL Express and DHL eCommerce, and supports tracking in multiple languages.
What Tracking Statuses Mean
| Status | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Label Created | Seller printed a label but hasn't dropped off the package yet |
| In Transit | Package is moving through the carrier network |
| Out for Delivery | Your local driver has the package and will deliver today |
| Delivery Attempted | Driver came but couldn't complete delivery (no one home, access issue) |
| Delivered | Package was scanned as delivered at destination |
| Exception | An unexpected event (weather, address error, customs hold) is causing a delay |
What to Do When a Package Seems Stuck
- Wait 24–48 hours — scan gaps are common during transit, especially between facilities.
- Check for an exception notice — look for emails or alerts about a delivery issue.
- Contact the seller first — they have more direct access to carrier accounts and claims.
- File a trace request — if the package hasn't moved in 5+ business days, contact the carrier directly to open a trace investigation.
Using Third-Party Tracking Tools
Universal tracking platforms like 17track.net, PackageRadar, and Parcelsapp can track shipments across hundreds of carriers using a single interface. This is especially useful for international shipments that transfer between multiple carriers (e.g., a parcel that leaves via DHL and is handed off to your local postal service).
These tools are free, require no account, and automatically detect the carrier from your tracking number format.