What Do Tracking Numbers Look Like in the US and Internationally

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In the US, tracking numbers typically start with a unique identifier, such as a combination of letters and numbers that can be up to 20 characters long.

For example, a USPS tracking number in the US might look like "9400101000000000000000US".

Internationally, tracking numbers can vary significantly in length and format.

Types of Tracking Numbers

Tracking numbers can come in different forms, but there are only a few specific types.

The most common type of tracking number is a combination of numbers and letters. This is the standard format used by many shipping companies.

Another type of tracking number is a series of numbers only. This is less common, but still widely used by some carriers.

International tracking numbers have a specific format: two letters followed by five digits and then two more letters. This format helps identify packages being shipped across borders.

Here are the different types of tracking numbers in a concise format:

  • Tracking Number: numbers and letters
  • Tracking Number: numbers only
  • International Tracking Number: 2 letters + 5 digits + 2 letters

Tracking Number Formats

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Tracking numbers can vary in format depending on the carrier and service used. FedEx Ground and Express tracking numbers can be between 12 and 14 digits.

For domestic packages within the United States, a UPS tracking number will usually start with "1Z" followed by a 6 character shipper number, a 2 digit service level indicator, and finally 8 digits identifying the package.

DHL Express supports the carrier-independent ISO standard 15459-1, which consists of uppercase characters and numerals, and can be up to 35 digits long. DHL Express also uses numeric identifiers of exactly ten digits to track transport orders.

Here's a list of USPS tracking number formats for different services:

Format

Tracking numbers can be a bit confusing, but understanding their format can make a big difference. A tracking number typically consists of letters and numbers between 8 and 40 characters long, sometimes with spaces or hyphens between groupings of characters.

International tracking numbers can vary in format, but one example is the RO123456789GB format. This format is used for international tracking numbers and includes a combination of letters and numbers.

Credit: youtube.com, Tracking Number Formats By Carrier | USPS,UPS, DHL, Fedex DTDC Tracking Number Formats With Example

FedEx Ground and Express tracking numbers can be between 12 and 14 digits. Before January 2013, Ground tracking numbers were up to 15 digits and Express numbers were up to 12 digits.

USPS tracking numbers, on the other hand, have a specific format. Here are some common USPS tracking number formats:

DHL Express uses a carrier-independent ISO standard 15459-1 for single package identification, which consists of uppercase characters and numerals up to 35 digits long. They also use 10-digit numeric identifiers for tracking transport orders.

Format by Carrier

Tracking numbers can be a bit confusing, but knowing the format by carrier can make a big difference. FedEx Ground and Express tracking numbers can be between 12 and 14 digits, with Express numbers being up to 12 digits before January 2013.

DHL Express uses a carrier-independent ISO standard for tracking single packages, which consists of uppercase characters and numerals, and can be up to 35 digits long.

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The USPS has different tracking number formats for various services, including Priority Mail Express, USPS Tracking, and Certified Mail.

Here's a breakdown of the USPS tracking number formats:

FedEx Ground and Express tracking numbers can be between 12 and 14 digits, with Express numbers being up to 12 digits before January 2013.

International Tracking Numbers

International tracking numbers can be quite long and complex, but let's break it down. An international tracking number typically consists of 13 characters, with a specific format of XX123456789YY.

These numbers are used to identify and track international postal items, and they contain four blocks of information. The first two letters represent the type of shipment, such as registered mail, tracking letter, or express shipments.

The next block of numbers, 5-9 digits, is a unique shipment number that's assigned by the postal service. According to the rules of UPU-S10, these numbers must be unique for at least 12 calendar months.

The last two letters at the end of the tracking number are a two-letter ISO code of the country from which the postal item follows, or an assigned postal service code.

FedEx Carrier

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FedEx is a popular shipping carrier that uses a unique tracking system for its packages.

FedEx tracking numbers are 12 digits long and begin with the letters "FD" or "FE" followed by a series of numbers.

The tracking number is used to identify the package and provide updates on its location and status.

FedEx offers a range of shipping services, including Express, Ground, and Freight, each with its own tracking capabilities.

FedEx tracking numbers can be used to track packages sent via FedEx's website, mobile app, or by contacting their customer service.

FedEx provides real-time tracking updates, allowing customers to monitor the status of their packages at any time.

International Look Like

International tracking numbers can be quite complex, but don't worry, I've got you covered. They're typically alpha-numeric, which means they include both letters and numbers.

These codes help differentiate international shipments from domestic ones, making it easier to track packages across different countries. A common example is the Priority Mail International tracking number, which appears as "CP 000 000 000 US".

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The format usually begins with two letters, followed by a series of nine numbers, and ends with the letters "US". This format is used for various international services, such as Priority Mail Express International, which starts with "EC".

Here's a breakdown of the different types of international tracking numbers:

  • Registered mail shipments: RA-RZ
  • Tracking letters: LA-LZ
  • Value letters: VA-VZ
  • International packages: CA-CZ
  • Express shipments (EMS): EA-EZ
  • Unregistered and untraceable shipments: UA-UZ
  • SRM-shipments: ZA-ZZ

Each of these types has its own unique format, but they all share the same basic structure.

Domestic Tracking Numbers

Domestic tracking numbers are a series of 20 to 22 digits, providing specific information about the shipment. They're not random, but rather, they indicate the type of service used, such as Priority Mail or Certified Mail.

A standard tracking number looks like "9400 1000 0000 0000 0000 00", which is a typical format for domestic mail. This format is used for services like USPS Tracking, Priority Mail Express, and Certified Mail.

Here's a breakdown of what these tracking numbers typically look like for different USPS services:

  • Priority Mail Express: 9270 1000 0000 0000 0000 00
  • USPS Tracking: 9400 1000 0000 0000 0000 00
  • Certified Mail: 9589 0000 0000 0000 0000 00
  • Signature Confirmation: 9202 1000 0000 0000 0000 00
  • Registered Mail: 9208 8000 0000 0000 0000 00
  • Priority Mail: 9205 5000 0000 0000 0000 00

Domestic

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Domestic tracking numbers can be a bit tricky to understand, but don't worry, I'm here to help. A typical domestic tracking number for USPS services is 20 to 22 digits long, like "9400 1000 0000 0000 0000 00".

The first few digits of a domestic USPS tracking number indicate the type of service used, such as Priority Mail or Certified Mail. For example, a Priority Mail tracking number might start with "9205".

USPS domestic tracking numbers can also be a combination of numbers and letters, but they don't follow a strict format, unlike international tracking numbers.

Domestic tracking numbers can be up to 35 characters long, and they can consist only of numbers or a mix of numbers and letters.

UPS

A UPS tracking number starts with '1Z' and is followed by a mix of 6 letters and numbers, along with a 2-digit code and an 8-digit unique identifier.

You might also come across a simpler 11-digit format or a 'T' series format, both of which are used to track packages.

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In general, UPS tracking numbers are 18 characters long and contain all the necessary information to track a shipment.

If you're unsure about the authenticity of a tracking number, check its format first. A genuine UPS tracking number typically begins with '1Z', followed by a 6-character shipper number, a 2-digit service level indicator, and an 8-digit unique identifier.

If a tracking number doesn't match this format or seems suspicious, try entering it on the official UPS tracking website to see if it's valid.

Be cautious of emails or messages with tracking numbers that ask you to click on external links, as these could be phishing attempts. Always verify tracking numbers directly on the UPS website or through their official app.

Here's a breakdown of the different UPS tracking number formats:

If you have any concerns about the validity of a tracking number, it's always best to contact UPS directly for confirmation.

How Many?

Domestic tracking numbers are relatively straightforward. They typically consist of 13 characters.

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The format of domestic tracking numbers usually starts with two letters. These letters indicate the type of domestic service.

Domestic tracking numbers usually end with a specific code, but it's not specified in the article sections provided.

International tracking numbers, on the other hand, have a more complex format. They often comprise a combination of 13 characters.

Domestic tracking numbers are often shorter and more concise than international tracking numbers.

Shipping and Receipt

A USPS tracking number is usually printed on the receipt you receive after shipping a package with USPS. It's typically near the top, above the destination address and postage cost.

The tracking number is clearly labeled as "Tracking #", "Label #", or something similar, making it easy to identify. It's a series of digits, with a length and format that depends on the type of service used for shipping.

You'll also receive the tracking info in the mail sent by USPS or the retailer from whom you ordered.

Service Wise

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USPS tracking numbers are unique codes that allow you to track the location and delivery status of your package.

The structure of a tracking number provides crucial information about the shipping method and package type.

A number starting with "9400" indicates standard USPS tracking, while "9270" signifies Priority Mail Express.

USPS tracking numbers come in different lengths and formats, typically ranging from 20 to 22 digits for domestic mail.

For international shipments, the format often includes both letters and numbers.

Once you have your tracking number, there are several convenient ways to access your shipment's progress.

Missing Receipt

If you've misplaced your receipt, don't worry, you can still find your tracking number.

You can check your email or the retailer's website for a copy of the receipt, which should include the tracking number.

The tracking number is also sent to you in the mail by USPS or the retailer.

It's usually printed on the receipt near the top, above the destination address and postage cost, and is clearly labeled as "Tracking #".

You can also look for the tracking number near the peel-off portion of your USPS receipt.

Elmer Kassulke

Lead Assigning Editor

Here is a 100-word author bio for Elmer Kassulke: Elmer Kassulke is an accomplished Assigning Editor with a keen interest in storytelling. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for research, Elmer has covered a wide range of topics, from the Port of Bristol to the works of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Their expertise spans various categories, including geography, history, culture, and transportation, making them a versatile and reliable voice in the world of journalism.

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