Package Tracking Numbers Explained: Decode Any Tracking Format

Package tracking numbers might look like random strings of letters and numbers, but they actually contain valuable information about your shipment's origin, carrier, and destination. Understanding these formats can help you track packages more effectively and set proper delivery expectations.

How Tracking Numbers Work#

Tracking numbers are unique identifiers assigned to packages that allow carriers and customers to monitor shipment progress. Each number typically contains:

• Carrier identification codes
• Service type indicators
• Origin/destination information
• Sequential numbering
• Check digits for validation

Universal Postal Union (UPU) Format#

Standard International Format#

The UPU format is used globally for international mail: Format: [2 letters][8 digits][2 letters] Example: RR123456789CN

First 2 letters: Service type

• R: Registered mail
• C: Parcel
• E: Express Mail Service (EMS)
• L: Letter post
• U: Unregistered

8 digits: Unique identifier Last 2 letters: Country of origin (ISO code)

Common Country Codes#

• CN: China
• US: United States
• DE: Germany
• GB: United Kingdom
• AU: Australia
• CA: Canada
• JP: Japan
• FR: France

Chinese E-commerce Tracking Formats#

CNUSUP Format#

Pattern: CNUSUP[8-11 digits] Example: CNUSUP00016597663

This format is specifically used by CAINIAO for packages from China to the United States:

• CN: China origin
• US: United States destination
• UP: Service code (often indicates specific route or service level)

LP Format#

Pattern: LP[12-15 digits] Example: LP00724622449605

LP tracking numbers are used for CAINIAO's economy shipping services:

• LP: CAINIAO Lite service identifier
• Numbers indicate specific sorting and routing information

LX Format#

Pattern: LX[9-12 digits]CN Example: LX123456789CN

LX numbers are used for express services:

• LX: Express service indicator
• CN: China origin country code

Major Carrier Formats#

DHL#

Express: [10 digits] Example: 1234567890

eCommerce: [GM/JD][13 digits] Example: GM12345678901234

FedEx#

Express: [12 digits] or [14 digits] Example: 123456789012

Ground: [15 digits] Example: 123456789012345

UPS#

Standard: 1Z[6 characters][8 digits] Example: 1Z12345E1234567890

Alternative: [18 digits without 1Z prefix]

USPS#

Priority/Express: [13 digits starting with 9] Example: 9361289676123456

Certified Mail: [20 digits starting with 9] Example: 12345678901234567890

Regional Postal Service Formats#

China Post#

EMS: E[9 digits]CN Example: E123456789CN

Regular registered: R[9 digits]CN Example: R123456789CN

Royal Mail (UK)#

Special Delivery: [13 characters] Example: JGB123456789GB

International: [13 characters ending in GB] Example: RR123456789GB

Canada Post#

Domestic: [13 digits] Example: 1234567890123

International: [13 characters] Example: CA123456789US

Australia Post#

Express: [13 characters starting with E] Example: EP123456789AU

International: [13 characters] Example: RR123456789AU

How to Identify Unknown Tracking Numbers#

Step 1: Count Characters#

• 10 digits: Likely DHL or domestic service
• 13 characters: Common for postal services
• 15+ characters: Often UPS or specialized services

Step 2: Look for Patterns#

• Starts with 1Z: Definitely UPS
• Ends with country code: International postal service
• Contains CNUSUP/LP: CAINIAO service
• Starts with 9: Often USPS

Step 3: Check Prefixes#

• RR/CP/EM/LX: Postal services
• JD/GM: DHL eCommerce
• CNUSUP/LP: CAINIAO
• YT/4PX: Third-party logistics

Step 4: Use Universal Tracking Sites#

When unsure, try these multi-carrier tracking platforms:

1. CNUSUP.com (specializes in Chinese logistics)
2. 17track.net (universal tracking)
3. Parcelsapp.com (multi-carrier)
4. Aftership.com (commercial tracking)

Special Tracking Formats#

Amazon Logistics#

Format: TBA[12 digits] Example: TBA123456789012

AliExpress Standard Shipping#

Format: Various, often starts with country codes Examples:

• SGABC123456789 (Singapore)
• NLDEF123456789 (Netherlands)

Wish Express#

Format: WE[10-12 digits] Example: WE12345678901

4PX Worldwide Express#

Format: 4PX[12 digits] Example: 4PX123456789012

Tracking Number Validation#

Check Digit Algorithms#

Many tracking numbers include check digits for validation:

• UPS: Uses Mod 10 algorithm
• FedEx: Uses proprietary validation
• USPS: Uses Mod 10 for some services

Common Validation Issues#

• Incorrect length: Wrong number of characters
• Invalid characters: Letters in number-only fields
• Failed check digit: Mathematical validation fails
• Expired numbers: Old or cancelled shipments

Regional Differences and Customs#

Asia-Pacific#

• Singapore Post: Starts with country code SG
• Hong Kong Post: Starts with RR or CP
• Japan Post: Ends with JP
• Korea Post: Ends with KR

Europe#

• Deutsche Post: Ends with DE
• La Poste: Ends with FR
• PostNL: Ends with NL
• Swiss Post: Ends with CH

Americas#

• Correios Brazil: Ends with BR
• Mexico Post: Ends with MX
• Argentina Post: Ends with AR

Advanced Tracking Tips#

Multiple Tracking Numbers#

Some packages have multiple tracking numbers:

• Origin country tracking: Used in sender's country
• International tracking: Used for international transit
• Destination tracking: Used in recipient's country

Tracking Number Changes#

Numbers may change during transit:

• Customs processing: May assign new local numbers
• Last mile delivery: Local carriers may use different numbers
• Consolidation services: May combine multiple packages

Private Logistics Networks#

Some companies use internal tracking:

• Amazon: Internal logistics network
• AliExpress: Platform-specific tracking
• Wish: Private fulfillment network

Troubleshooting Tracking Issues#

"Tracking Number Not Found"#

1. Wait 24-48 hours: Numbers need time to activate
2. Check for typos: Verify all characters are correct
3. Try different platforms: Some carriers have delays updating
4. Contact seller: Confirm the tracking number is correct

"No Updates for Days"#

1. Check multiple platforms: Different sites have different update speeds
2. Look for pattern changes: Number format might have changed
3. Try carrier-specific sites: Direct carrier tracking may have more info
4. Consider time zones: Updates might be delayed due to time differences

"Delivered but Not Received"#

1. Check alternative tracking numbers: Look for local delivery confirmation
2. Contact local postal service: They handle final delivery
3. Check with neighbors: Package might be misdelivered
4. Review delivery instructions: Check if package was left in specified location

Future of Tracking Numbers#

Emerging Technologies#

• QR codes: Quick scanning and tracking
• RFID integration: Real-time location tracking
• Blockchain tracking: Immutable delivery records
• IoT sensors: Temperature and condition monitoring

Standardization Efforts#

• Global tracking standards: Universal format development
• API integration: Better cross-platform tracking
• Real-time updates: Faster tracking information
• Mobile optimization: Better mobile tracking experiences

Master Package Tracking Today#

Understanding tracking number formats empowers you to track packages more effectively, identify potential issues early, and set realistic delivery expectations.

Ready to track any package? Visit our homepage and enter your tracking number. Our system automatically detects the format and provides the most accurate tracking information available.