Tracking Number Format: A Guide to Different Carrier Formats

Tracking numbers are your key to knowing where your package is every step of the way. But with every carrier – FedEx, UPS, USPS, DHL, and more – using their own unique formats, things can get confusing fast!

Don’t worry, decoding those tracking numbers is easier than it seems. This article is your guide to how each carrier structures its tracking numbers. We’ll break down the patterns so you can always track your packages with confidence.

What is a Tracking number?

A unique identifying number known as a tracking number is given to each parcel that is being shipped by a courier service. The knowledge of the package’s location, estimated arrival time, mailbox information, and other details are made possible thanks to the tracking, which also benefits courier services.

Such codes are expressed by a group of numbers or characters and encoded information about the shipment. It is a code or number that courier services use to identify a mailbox.

Tracking Number Formats By Carrier

Here, we’ll go through every courier tracking number format:

USPS

USPS tracking numbers typically consist of 20–22 characters without any words or letters. The tracking identities do, however, somewhat alter for Mail Express. 13-character tracking numbers for Mail Express are made up of two letters at the beginning and the word “US” at the conclusion.

The forms for USPS tracking numbers per service are listed below.

• USPS Tracking® 9400 1000 0000 0000 0000 00
• Priority Mail® 9205 5000 0000 0000 0000 00
• Certified Mail® 9407 3000 0000 0000 0000 00
• Collect On Delivery Hold For Pickup 9303 3000 0000 0000 0000 00
• Global Express Guaranteed® 82 000 000 00
• Registered Mail – 9208 8000 0000 0000 0000 00
• Signature Confirmation – 9202 1000 0000 0000 0000 00

DHL

DHL compiles with ISO 15459-1 for a genuine service business, and DHL tracking numbers range from 10 to 39 characters. The DHL tracking number format typically has nine to 10 digits.

• A 10-digit number for DHL Express that starts with 000, JJD01, JJD00, JVGL, or a similar number.
• GM, LX, RX, or five letters are included in an eCommerce shipment tracking number’s first 10 to 39 characters.
• Seven-digit numbers are the first digits of the Global Forwarding service tracking number.

UPS

The first 18 alphanumeric characters make up a UPS tracking number. The check digit follows the first ‘1Z’ in a UPS tracking number. Following is the format for UPS tracking numbers.

• Starts with “1Z”: 1Z9999999999999999
• Starts with “T”: T9999999999999999
• Starts with the Number: 9999999999999999
• 9 Numbers: 999999999

FedEx

The FedEx Ground & Express tracking number might include between 12 and 14 digits. The maximum number of digits for Ground tracking numbers and Express tracking numbers, respectively, was 15 and 12 until January 2013.

• 12 digits: 9999 9999 9999
• 15 digits: 9999 9999 9999 999

Also, Read: What Does ‘Clearance In Progress’ Mean On FedEx?

DPD

A DPD tracking number is typically formatted with numeric characters. Ten digits, twelve digits, fourteen digits, and fourteen digits plus one letter or digit are the four main categories of DPD tracking numbers.

• 12 Digit – 000 000 000 000
• 14 Digit – 0000 0000 0000 0 Y
• 05218962519602
• 05227994632790
• 05228964284282P
• 01327036101891

Why is the courier tracking number important?

Since they inform us of the location of the box, its estimated time of arrival, potential kind of goods, and other details tracking numbers are important. The shipments that are uniquely traveling to other nations may be easily tracked, as well as the date of their arrival.

Knowing the tracking number’s format is crucial for obtaining all of this data. If not, you may need to phone the courier provider directly or contact their customer service department, which will then need the tracking number.

We can determine whether or not there has been a delay in delivery using the tracking number. Additionally, knowing whether or not the shipment has been delivered enables us to determine whether it is in transit. The tracking number given by courier services may be used to verify the status of the delivery.

Also, Read: What Time Does The Mailman Come in My ZIP Code?

How does tracking numbers work?

A tracking number is a unique code assigned to a package or shipment by a logistics company, such as FedEx, UPS, or the United States Postal Service (USPS). This number allows the sender and recipient to track the package as it makes its way through the delivery process.

The tracking number is typically included on the shipping label and other information, such as the sender and recipient’s address.

The sender can use the tracking number to check on the status of the package and estimate its delivery date. The recipient can also use the tracking number to track the package and know when to expect delivery.

When a package is shipped, the logistics company scans the tracking number at various points along the delivery process. This information is then entered into the company’s tracking system, which updates the package’s status and location.

The sender and recipient can access this information by entering the tracking number on the company’s website or mobile app.

The information available through tracking numbers usually includes the package location, status and time of delivery, history of the package, information about the recipient or sender, delivery address, package weight, and dimension.

In some cases, tracking numbers may also include additional features, such as redirecting a package to a different address or holding it for pickup at a FedEx or UPS location.

Overall, tracking numbers play an important role in ensuring that packages are delivered to the correct address on time and in good condition.

They help the shipper keep track of their package and ensure it reaches its destination on time. They also help the receiver to know the package’s status and schedule accordingly for the package to arrive.

Also, Read: How to Find Out Who Sent You an Amazon Package?

FAQs:

What is the tracking number format?

Various courier services use different tracking number formats, and there are various sorts of tracking numbers. The main purpose of the courier number is to track goods.

What is the purpose of a tracking number?

We can view the current position, delivery status, and details about any shipments that are traveling a certain route or distance. Knowing the package’s kind, estimated arrival date and other information is also possible with the help of the tracking number.

Do all courier companies use the same tracking number format?

No, courier services use several tracking number formats and methods to deliver products to clients. With respect to the services offered to their clients, the tracking number also differs.

Are there any special tracking numbers?

For both local and foreign shipments, there are specific tracking numbers accessible. Seven or ten digits of numbers follow two or three letters to make up the majority of the number.

Conclusion

An important and necessary number for couriers is the tracking number. To trace the progress of a delivery, a tracking number might be quite helpful. A package’s arrival, delivery, and movement during transportation may all be determined using this device.

Knowing the item’s location, estimated arrival time, and the number of days needed to arrive at your door can also be helpful. I hope that the answers to your questions concerning Tracking Number Formats By Carrier have been solved.