How to Track International Shipments: A Complete Guide
Tracking an international shipment can feel overwhelming when you're dealing with multiple carriers, customs handoffs, and status updates in unfamiliar languages. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to track your parcels effectively — no matter where they're headed.
Table of Contents
- What You Need to Start Tracking
- Using Carrier Tracking Portals
- Universal Tracking Tools
- Understanding Tracking Statuses
- Troubleshooting Common Issues
What You Need to Start Tracking
Before you can track a shipment, you'll need at least one of the following:
- Tracking number: Provided by the sender or carrier at the time of booking. This is the most reliable identifier.
- Reference number: Some carriers allow tracking by order or reference number if you link your account.
- Waybill number (AWB): Used primarily for air freight shipments.
Once you have your tracking number, note the format — it often tells you which carrier to use. For example, DHL Express numbers typically start with numbers like 1234567890, while FedEx uses a 12 or 15-digit format.
Using Carrier Tracking Portals
Each major carrier has its own dedicated tracking portal. Here's where to go for the most common international carriers:
| Carrier | Tracking Portal URL | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| DHL Express | dhl.com/tracking | Express international parcels |
| FedEx | fedex.com/tracking | International express & freight |
| UPS | ups.com/track | B2B and consumer parcels |
| Aramex | aramex.com/track | Middle East & Asia routes |
| Royal Mail / Parcelforce | royalmail.com/track-my-return | UK origin shipments |
Simply navigate to the carrier's tracking page, enter your tracking number in the search field, and press Enter or click "Track."
Universal Tracking Tools
If you're unsure which carrier is handling your shipment, or if it involves multiple carriers (common in international shipping), universal tracking platforms can help. These tools automatically detect the carrier and pull data from multiple sources:
- 17track.net — Supports over 2,000 carriers globally
- Parcelsapp.com — Strong coverage for Asian e-commerce routes
- track-trace.com — Good for freight and less common carriers
These platforms are especially useful for e-commerce packages shipped from China or Southeast Asia, where the shipment may transfer between a local courier, an airline, and a last-mile carrier in your home country.
Understanding Tracking Statuses
Tracking statuses can be confusing. Here's what the most common ones mean:
- Label Created / Shipment Information Received: The sender has created a label but hasn't handed the package to the carrier yet.
- In Transit: The package is moving through the carrier's network.
- Departed Facility / Departed Origin: The parcel has left a sorting hub or origin country.
- Arrived at Customs: Your package is being reviewed by customs authorities. This is normal for international shipments.
- Customs Clearance Completed: Customs has released the package — it's back with the carrier for delivery.
- Out for Delivery: Your parcel is on a delivery vehicle heading to your address.
- Delivered: The package has been delivered. Check your confirmation photo or signature record if available.
Troubleshooting Common Tracking Issues
No Updates for Several Days
International shipments, especially economy options, can go without updates for 3–10 days during transit. This is normal. If there's been no movement for over 2 weeks, contact the sender or carrier directly.
Tracking Number Not Found
This often happens within the first 24–48 hours after a label is created. Give it a day before assuming something is wrong. If it persists, confirm the tracking number with the sender.
Package Stuck in Customs
Customs delays can range from 1 day to several weeks. Make sure the sender provided accurate customs documentation. In some cases, you may receive a notice from your national customs authority requesting additional information or payment of duties.
With the right tools and a bit of patience, tracking international shipments becomes a straightforward process. Bookmark this guide as your reference whenever a parcel goes quiet in transit.