Obtaining a Tracking Number from USPS: Easy Strategies
For those sending or receiving international packages through the United States Postal Service (USPS), understanding how to track your shipments can provide peace of mind. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process.
First, obtain your tracking number. This number is usually provided on your receipt or shipping label when you send a package via USPS international services. If you ordered online or through USPS, the tracking number may also be emailed to you or available in your account/order details.
It's essential to note that tracking number formats for USPS international shipments vary depending on the service used:
| Service | Tracking Number Format Example | Notes | |--------------------------------|--------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------| | Priority Mail Express International | EC 000 000 000 US | Tracking available for most destinations | | Priority Mail International | CP 000 000 000 US | Tracking available for most destinations except Flat Rate Envelopes/Small boxes | | First-Class Package International Service (FCPIS) | LZ 000 000 000 US | Tracking only for select countries (e.g., Canada, Germany, Great Britain, etc.) | | First-Class International Letters | No tracking available | No tracking for standard international letters |
Once you have your tracking number, you can track your package by visiting the USPS Track & Confirm tool on their website. Enter your tracking number into the tracking search box, and view the status and delivery updates of your package. Keep in mind that the availability of tracking details may vary depending on the service used.
Additional notes:
- The customs form attached to your package often serves as your shipping label, and the tracking number is usually printed there. - For services without full tracking (like First-Class International Letters), tracking may not be available. - You can also use the USPS Mobile app to scan shipping label barcodes to save and track packages conveniently on your phone.
By following these steps, you can monitor your international USPS shipments efficiently using an official and reliable source. If you encounter any issues with your tracking number, wait 24-48 hours, make sure it's typed correctly, and contact USPS customer service or the sender for help if it's not fixed.
[1] USPS (n.d.). Track & Confirm. Retrieved from https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction!input.action [5] USPS (n.d.). Mobile. Retrieved from https://usps.com/mobile/apps/mobile.htm
- To monitor the delivery of your mail, you can utilize technology by visiting the USPS Track & Confirm tool on their website, enter your data-and-cloud-computing enabled tracking number, and observe the status of your package.
- After shipping your international packages via USPS, ensure you've gathered your tracking number, available on your receipt, shipping label, email, or account details, as this number is essential for mail tracking.
- Postage rates for international USPS services are best tracked with technology, as you can use the USPS Mobile app to scan shipping label barcodes, which saves and updates the tracking of your packages directly on your mobile device.
