How to Track a USPS Package | What do USPS Tracking Numbers Look Like?
How to Track a USPS Package
Table of contents
- Tracking USPS Shipments
- How to Track USPS Shipments
- How to Track Orders with Calcurates Shipping Software?
Tracking USPS Shipments
When shipping orders is a part of your business, the ability to track and manage deliveries is essential. Each mailpiece, except in several categories that we'll mention below, is now equipped with a USPS tracking number. In most cases, it's free, but USPS tracking does cost extra for some shipping options.
USPS provides tracking information for all international shipments regardless of the destination country.
For e-commerce businesses on Magento 2, WooCommerce, or Shopify check out our short USPS shipping guide for more info.
How to Track USPS Shipments
When inquiring about how USPS tracking works, it's essential to specify the shipping service since not every option has tracking. When the option you've chosen is eligible, you will receive a tracking number.
Where can I find the USPS tracking number?
- the post office shipping receipt;
- the sales receipt, if you bought insurance at the post office;
- the e-mail confirmation, if the order was shipped from USPS.com;
- the shipping confirmation e-mail from the retailer;
- the bottom peel-off portion of a USPS tracking label.
Use one of the following US postal tracking options to track your USPS shipment:
- enter your tracking number in the search field on the official website, USPS.com;
- text your tracking number to 28777 (2USPS);
- use the official USPS mobile app for iOS or Android;
- call customer support by phone, dial 1-800-222-1811
While there is no such option as USPS tracking by address, you may use the Informed Delivery service as an alternative way to receive the tracking information.
How to Track USPS Shipments on the USPS Website
- Open USPS website
- Insert your tracking number into the search bar under the "Track your Package" headline
- The tracking number is 10 to 20 characters long
- Click on the little icon on the right in the search bar
- Track your delivery
Which USPS Services Offer Tracking
Although you can get a USPS tracking number for most packages sent through the USPS domestically, you can't get a USPS tracking number for small envelopes, First Class Mail, and Marketing Mail. However, with the latter sort of shipment, you can add the tracking option for a small fee. So it is not a question of whether USPS tracking works internationally but a question of which service offers it.
When shipping internationally, sometimes, you have to pay extra for tracking.
| Service | Time Frame | USPS Tracking |
|---|---|---|
| Global Express Guaranteed | 1–3 days | Included |
| Priority Mail Express International | 3–5 days | Included |
| Priority Mail International | 6–10 days | Included |
| Priority Mail Express | Overnight | Included |
| Priority Mail | 1–3 days | Included |
| First-Class Mail | 1–3 days | Included (packages only) |
| UPS Retail Ground | 2–8 days | Included (packages only) |
| Media Mail | 2–8 days | Included (packages only) |
| First-Class Mail & Package International | Varies | Available |
| Airmail M-Bags | Varies | Available |
How to Get a Free Tracking Number with USPS
Generally, there is no additional fee required for the majority of the postal services with USPS. Tracking should be included within the majority of the services except for the First Class Mails and there might be restrictions regarding some international deliveries.
USPS Priority Mail Tracking
All Priority Mail has its tracking number so it is very easy to track your shipment. The tracking number should be located on the shipping label. Insert this number into USPS "track your package" search bar without any special signs and click on the small icon next in the search bar. Your shipment should pop up at the search results. In case you have lost your tracking number simply ask for it at the nearest postal office.
What USPS Tracking Numbers Look Like
Tracking numbers have a certain structure that allows for faster logging. USPS tracking number format implies 10 to 22 characters, where the first two to eight symbols are used to specify the shipping service, and the last two may show the country of origin for international shipments.
What do USPS tracking numbers start with? It's worth noting that the company uses letters and digits for the first part of the number. Letters are used for Priority Mail and digits for the rest of the services.
| Service | Sample Number |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Priority Mail Express International | EC 000 000 000 US |
| Priority Mail Express | 9270 1000 0000 0000 0000 00 EA 000 000 000 US |
| Priority Mail International | CP 000 000 000 US |
| Registered Mail | 9208 8000 0000 0000 0000 00 |
| Signature Confirmation | 9202 1000 0000 0000 0000 00 |
USPS Tracking Statuses and Their Meanings
When you are retrieving USPS tracking details, you'll see them in the form of a status. There are different USPS tracking statuses, and each is used in a specific situation to avoid confusion.
Here's the list of USPS tracking statuses
| USPS Tracking Status | Description |
|---|---|
| Electronic Shipping Info Received | The postal service received the information regarding the order |
| Acceptance | The item is accepted by the courier or the post office worker |
| Processed Through Sort Facility | The item is being processed and soon will be in transit |
| In Transit | This status is shown at any time the item is moving |
| Arrival at Unit | The item arrived at the last point before the final delivery |
| Out-for-Delivery | The item is being delivered. This status may also be displayed when the item is in the recipient’s PO box. |
| Delivered | The item has been delivered successfully |
| Forwarded | If the ZIP code was incorrect, or there were additional forwarding instructions, the item gets forwarded to another address |
| Processing Complete | The item arrived in the post office |
| Notice Left | The item is ready for a pickup in a post office and will be returned to sender after several days |
| Refused | The item was refused by the recipient and will be returned to the sender |
How You Can Track a Package Without the USPS Tracking Number
Without the tracking number, you won't be able to receive the order information; however, you may use USPS Informed Delivery. This service allows you to preview parcels before arrival via gray-scale photographs of the items and their labels. It also allows you to manage packages and track all the shipments without the need to enter individual tracking numbers.
To take advantage of this service, you will need to create a personal account. The service is only available for eligible ZIP Codes.
If your order was sent through Priority Mail Express, you can ask for the tracking information in the nearest postal office.
How to Track Orders with Calcurates Shipping Software?
Managing tracking numbers for multiple orders can be a hassle. Calcurates is a shipping extension for Magento and Shopify that saves you the trouble of doing everything manually by providing an automated solution. Calcurates retrieves all your tracking numbers automatically and forwards them to your customers, improving their purchase experience.
How to track your USPS package on Magento or Shopify using Calcurates:
- Sign up for Calcurates
- Install Calcurates extension to your Magento or Shopify
- Connect USPS to your Calcurates account
- Generate USPS shipping labels with Calcurates
- Get USPS tracking numbers together with USPS shipping labels
- You can send tracking numbers to your customers and they will be able to track their USPS orders with them.