Package Tracking: Complete Guide to Tracking Your Shipments

Package tracking has become essential for both shippers and recipients. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about tracking packages across all major carriers, understanding statuses, and handling tracking issues.

How Package Tracking Works

Every shipping label includes a unique tracking number that identifies your package throughout its journey. Carriers scan packages at various checkpoints:

Label Created - Shipper creates the label

Picked Up / Accepted - Carrier receives the package

In Transit - Package moving through the network

Out for Delivery - On the delivery vehicle

Delivered - Package has arrived

Carrier Tracking Systems

USPS Tracking

Tracking Number Format: 20-22 digits (e.g., 9400111899223033608812)

Services with Tracking:

• Priority Mail - Full tracking
• Priority Mail Express - Real-time tracking + signature
• First-Class Package - Full tracking
• Ground Advantage - Full tracking
• Media Mail - Delivery confirmation only

Tracking Website: usps.com/tracking

UPS Tracking

Tracking Number Format: 1Z followed by 16 characters (e.g., 1Z999AA10123456784)

Tracking Features:

• Real-time GPS tracking on premium services
• Delivery photo confirmation
• Estimated delivery window updates
• Exception alerts

Tracking Website: ups.com/track

FedEx Tracking

Tracking Number Format: 12-22 digits

Tracking Features:

• Picture proof of delivery
• Delivery manager options
• Real-time notifications
• Estimated delivery times

Tracking Website: fedex.com/tracking

Understanding Tracking Statuses

Common USPS Statuses

Common UPS Statuses

Common FedEx Statuses

Tracking Issues and Solutions

"Pre-Shipment" Stuck for Days

Causes:

• Package not yet dropped off
• Carrier hasn't scanned it
• Label created but not used

Solutions:

Confirm package was actually shipped

Wait 24-48 hours for first scan

Drop at staffed location for guaranteed scan

Contact carrier if no update after 48 hours

"In Transit" Without Updates

Causes:

• Package in bulk transport
• Scanning gaps between facilities
• Weather or volume delays

Solutions:

Wait 24-48 hours before worrying

Check if there's a service alert

Contact carrier for investigation

"Out for Delivery" But Not Delivered

Causes:

• Late delivery due to volume
• Driver couldn't locate address
• Access issues (gate, no safe location)

Solutions:

Check the next day—may show delivered

Look for notice left at door

Check with neighbors or building office

Contact carrier for more info

Package Shows Delivered But Not Received

Causes:

• Delivered to wrong address
• Left in unexpected location
• Stolen after delivery

Solutions:

Check all possible locations

Ask neighbors and building staff

Request proof of delivery/GPS data

File a claim if not found

Providing Tracking to Customers

Best Practices

Send immediately - Provide tracking as soon as label is created

Include carrier info - Specify which carrier and tracking link

Set expectations - "Your package is on the way" with estimated delivery

Proactive updates - Notify of delays before customers ask

Tracking Email Example

Subject: Your Order Has Shipped!

Hi [Name],

Great news! Your order #12345 is on its way.

Tracking Number: 9400111899223033608812 Carrier: USPS Priority Mail Estimated Delivery: January 10-12, 2025

Track your package: [Direct tracking link]

Thanks for your order!

Handling Tracking Inquiries

Common customer questions:

"Where's my package?"

• Look up tracking and summarize status
• Provide expected delivery date
• Offer to investigate if delayed

"Tracking hasn't updated in days"

• Explain normal transit times
• Check for carrier service alerts
• Open investigation if concerning

"It says delivered but I don't have it"

• Ask them to check all locations
• Request GPS/photo proof from carrier
• File claim if necessary

Tracking for Different Shipment Types

Domestic Packages

• All major services include tracking
• Updates typically every 12-24 hours
• Final delivery confirmation standard

International Packages

• Tracking varies by destination country
• May lose visibility at customs
• Premium services offer better tracking

Returns

• Same tracking as outbound
• Consider using tracking-enabled return labels
• Monitor for delivery confirmation

Advanced Tracking Features

AtoShip Tracking Dashboard

With AtoShip, you get:

• Unified tracking - All carriers in one view
• Automatic updates - Real-time status sync
• Customer notifications - Automated shipping emails
• Exception alerts - Instant notification of issues
• Bulk tracking - Monitor hundreds of packages

Tracking API Integration

For high-volume sellers:

• Webhook notifications for status changes
• Automated customer communication
• Analytics on delivery performance
• Exception management workflows

Tracking Tips for Sellers

1. Use Scan-Guaranteed Drop-Off

Drop packages at staffed locations for guaranteed first scan.

2. Ship Earlier in the Day

Earlier drop-off = faster first scan = better tracking.

3. Address Quality Matters

Clean addresses reduce "Address Issue" exceptions.

4. Monitor Actively

Check tracking daily during peak seasons.

5. Communicate Proactively

Tell customers about delays before they ask.

Conclusion

Effective package tracking builds customer trust and reduces support inquiries. By understanding how tracking works across carriers, you can provide better service and quickly resolve issues when they arise.

With AtoShip's unified tracking dashboard, managing shipments across USPS, UPS, and FedEx becomes simple—giving you and your customers complete visibility into every package.