How to Track a Package: USPS, DHL, UPS & FedEx?

Here is a guide to find the USPS, DHL, UPS, and FedEx tracking numbers.‍
Blog cover

Last update:

August 1, 2023

Shipping packages is a common task in today's world, and the major shipping carriers like USPS, DHL, UPS, and FedEx have made it easy to track your package every step of the way. With their online tracking tools, you can easily monitor your shipment and know exactly when it will arrive. In this blog, we'll go over how to track a package with each of these carriers.

💡 By using ShipSaving, you can easily found the tracking status of your packages on the Shipment page with all carriers for around 95% of service levels. 

There is no additional fees for tracking in ShipSaving! Without further ado, here is a guide to show you how to find the USPS, DHL, UPS, and FedEx tracking numbers which provided by these carriers.

What Is The Tracking Number?

This number makes it easy to track items or packages. A tracking ID is a unique identification code for a package that contains details of the recipient's shipment, usually consisting of numbers and letters. 

The tracking number enables shipping carriers, senders, and recipients to track the information within the United States or globally; it can let you check where the package is, the tracking status, the delivery times, etc.

Why It Is Important?

A tracking number is a unique identifier assigned to a package when it is shipped. It allows the shipping carrier to track the package as it moves through the delivery process, from the origin to the destination. It is important for several reasons:

  1. Transparency: it allows the sender and recipient to monitor the package's progress throughout the delivery process. This transparency helps to build trust between the parties and ensures that the package is delivered on time.
  2. Accountability: it allows the shipping carrier to be held accountable for the package's delivery. If there are any delays or issues with the package, the tracking information can be used to identify where the package is and what the problem might be.
  3. Security: it allows the shipping carrier to monitor the package's movements and ensure that it is not lost or stolen during transit. This provides added security and peace of mind for the sender and recipient.
  4. Efficiency: it helps the shipping carrier to efficiently manage the delivery process. It allows them to prioritize packages based on their destination and delivery time, ensuring that packages are delivered as quickly and efficiently as possible.

USPS

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is an independent agency of the federal government responsible for providing postal services in the United States. With a history dating back to 1775, USPS is one of the oldest and most reliable mail delivery services in the world.
USPS delivers to every residential and business address in the country, as well as to military facilities and post office boxes. It offers a range of mail and package delivery services, including first-class mail, priority mail, and express mail, as well as international shipping options.
In addition to mail delivery, USPS also provides a variety of other services, including money orders, passport applications, and PO box rentals. USPS also offers several tools and resources to help customers track and manage their mail and packages, including the USPS mobile app and online tracking services.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is the most common carrier for sending packages within the United States. To track a USPS package, follow these steps:

Your Post Office™ shipping receipt 

When you ship from a USPS Office, you will receive a receipt for your shipment. Your tracking # is directly under the service type of the receipt.

Your sales receipt if you bought insurance at the Post Office™

If you have insurance when you send the package. The insurance receipt will have a tracking number printed on the far left.

  • Insurance under $500
  • Insurance over $500

Your email confirmation if you shipped from USPS.com

If you entered an email address when you created your shipping information, you should have received an email with the tracking number listed. 

The bottom peel-off portion of your USPS Tracking® label

There will be a tracking # on your shipping label. You can find it here.

Return receipt

If you return a package, you’ll also get a return receipt from the USPS office with the tracking number on the back.

Can't find your USPS tracking number?

The best way to track a package without tracking number is by setting up a USPS Informed Delivery Account. USPS Informed Delivery is a free, convenient service that allows you to receive an email notification before your mail/package delivery.

What can I do if my package hasn't been delivered with USPS?

If your package hasn't been delivered with USPS (United States Postal Service), there are several steps you can take to try and resolve the issue:

  1. Track your package: Start by checking the tracking status of your package. You can do this by entering the tracking number on the USPS website or using their mobile app. The tracking information may provide you with details about the package's location or any delivery attempts made.
  2. Wait for delivery attempts: Sometimes, delivery attempts may be missed or delayed due to various reasons. It's possible that the package is still in transit or that the carrier attempted delivery but was unable to deliver it. Give it a few more days to see if any further delivery attempts are made.
  3. Contact USPS: If the tracking information doesn't provide a clear explanation or if you haven't received any delivery attempts for an extended period, it's advisable to contact USPS directly. You can reach out to their customer service through their website, phone, or social media channels. Provide them with the tracking number and explain the situation. They may be able to investigate the issue, provide more information, or initiate a search for your package.
  4. Submit a missing mail request: If the package is significantly delayed or if you suspect it may be lost, you can submit a missing mail request through the USPS website. Fill out the required information, including the tracking number and package details. This will alert USPS to the issue and initiate an investigation to locate the package.
  5. Check with neighbors or building management: It's possible that the package was delivered to a neighbor or left with a building management office if you live in an apartment complex. Check with them to see if they have received the package on your behalf.
  6. Contact the sender or retailer: If you've tried the above steps and still haven't resolved the issue, it's worth reaching out to the sender or retailer from whom you made the purchase. Inform them about the situation and ask if they can assist you in resolving the problem. They may be able to initiate a claim with USPS or offer a refund or replacement for the missing package.

Remember, it's always a good idea to keep documentation of your communications with USPS and the sender/retailer. This can be useful if you need to escalate the issue or file a claim for reimbursement.

DHL

DHL is a global logistics company headquartered in Germany, offering a wide range of transportation and logistics services to customers worldwide. With a comprehensive network of air, sea, and road transportation systems, DHL delivers international express deliveries, air and ocean freight, road and rail transportation, and supply chain solutions to businesses of all sizes.

DHL prides itself on being a reliable and trusted logistics partner, offering specialized solutions for industries such as healthcare, automotive, and retail. Its innovative technology solutions include real-time tracking, mobile apps, and customized logistics solutions.

DHL is a global shipping carrier that delivers packages to over 220 countries. To track a DHL package, follow these steps:

Your shipping receipt

When you ship from a DHL service point, you will receive a receipt for your shipment. Your tracking number is directly under the service type of the receipt.

The DHL Tracking® label

There will be a waybill number(tracking #) on your shipping label. You can find it here:

  • DHL Express
  • DHL eCommerce Solutions
  • DHL Parcel

What Happens When DHL Express Tracking Isn’t Updated?


When DHL Express tracking isn't updated, it can be frustrating and raise concerns about the status of your shipment. However, there are several reasons why tracking information may not be updated or may show minimal progress:

  1. Shipment in transit: The tracking information may not be updated regularly if your package is still in transit. There can be gaps in tracking updates, especially during the transportation process, when the package is moving between different facilities or traveling internationally. In such cases, it's not uncommon for there to be delays in tracking updates until the package reaches its next scanning point.
  2. Customs clearance: If your shipment is crossing international borders, it may go through customs clearance. Customs procedures can often cause delays in tracking updates as the package undergoes inspections, documentation review, and other clearance processes. These delays can vary depending on the efficiency of the customs authority and the complexity of the clearance requirements.
  3. Technical issues or scanning errors: Occasionally, tracking information may not be updated due to technical issues or scanning errors. This can happen if the package's barcode is damaged or if there are problems with the scanning devices at the different checkpoints. These issues can lead to inaccurate or delayed tracking updates.
  4. Unscanned packages: In some cases, a package may not be scanned at every checkpoint along its journey. It's possible that your package is progressing through the shipping network but hasn't been scanned at certain locations. This can result in a lack of tracking updates, giving the impression that the package is stagnant or not moving.
  5. Human error or administrative delays: Sometimes, tracking updates may be delayed due to human error or administrative delays. Mistakes can occur during data entry or processing, causing delays in updating the tracking information. Additionally, administrative tasks within the shipping company's operations can also result in delays in tracking updates.

UPS

United Parcel Service (UPS) is a global logistics and package delivery company headquartered in the United States. Established in 1907 as a messenger company, UPS has since expanded to become one of the largest and most recognized package delivery companies in the world.

UPS offers a wide range of logistics and transportation services, including package and freight delivery, transportation, logistics, and supply chain management. It operates in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, with a fleet of over 500,000 vehicles and 600 aircraft.

In addition to its package delivery services, UPS also provides specialized solutions for industries such as healthcare, aerospace, and retail. Its technology and innovation solutions include advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and robotic process automation, among others.

UPS is another popular shipping carrier that provides tracking services to its customers. To track a UPS package, follow these steps:

Your shipping receipt. 

When you ship from a UPS office, you can find your UPS tracking number from receipt.

The email confirmation if you shipped from UPS.com

If you entered an email address when you created your shipping information you should have received an email with the number listed. 

Mentioned on the label

There will be a tracking number on your shipping label. You can find it here.

FedEx

FedEx Corporation, also known as Federal Express, is a global courier and logistics company based in the United States. Founded in 1971, FedEx has grown to become one of the world's largest transportation companies, providing a wide range of courier, shipping, and logistics services to customers worldwide.

FedEx operates a vast network of air and ground transportation systems, with a fleet of over 650 aircraft and 180,000 vehicles. It offers a range of services, including express delivery, ground shipping, freight forwarding, and e-commerce solutions. Its extensive global network allows it to deliver packages and shipments to over 220 countries and territories worldwide.

In addition to its transportation services, FedEx also offers specialized logistics solutions for industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. Its technology and innovation solutions include real-time tracking, mobile apps, and customized shipping solutions.

FedEx is a popular shipping carrier that provides shipping services worldwide. To track a FedEx package, follow these steps:

Your shipping receipt

When you ship from a FedEx Office, you will receive a receipt for your shipment. Your tracking number is located on the left-hand side, directly under the service type of the receipt.

Your confirmation email if you shipped from FedEx.com

If you entered an email address when you created your shipping information you should have received an email with the tracking # listed to track FedEx packages.

FedEx Tracking® label

There will be a tracking number on your shipping label. You can find it here.

Final Words

Tracking your package has never been easier, thanks to the online tracking tools provided by USPS, DHL, UPS, and FedEx. Simply find your tracking number, visit the appropriate tracking website, enter your number, and you'll be able to monitor your package's location every step of the way. With this information, you'll have peace of mind knowing when your package will arrive at its destination.

If you use ShipSaving to make a shipment, you can not only check the status of the package within the system but also find your tracking number at any time.

Let's get started today! SIGN UP  for ShipSaving - It’s free.

Written on:

March 21, 2022
< Back to Blog Main Page