How to Track an International Package: A Step-by-Step Guide
Waiting for an international package can be stressful, especially when tracking information seems confusing or stops updating. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to track your shipment effectively — from the moment it leaves the sender's hands to when it arrives at your door.
Step 1: Locate Your Tracking Number
Every international shipment is assigned at least one tracking number. You'll typically find it in:
- Your order confirmation or shipping notification email
- The seller's dispatch notification on their platform (e.g., eBay, Amazon, AliExpress)
- A physical receipt if you shipped the item yourself
International shipments often have two tracking numbers: one from the originating carrier and one assigned by the destination country's postal service. Keep both if possible.
Step 2: Identify the Carrier or Postal Service
Knowing which carrier is handling your shipment determines where you track it. Common international carriers include:
- DHL Express / DHL eCommerce – widely used for commercial and personal parcels
- FedEx International – common for business and express shipments
- UPS Worldwide – strong for North American and European routes
- Royal Mail / USPS / Australia Post – national postal services often handle last-mile delivery
- China Post / ePacket – common for shipments from China and Southeast Asia
Step 3: Use the Right Tracking Tool
Go directly to the carrier's official website and enter your tracking number in their tracking portal. If you're unsure which carrier has your package, universal tracking aggregators can help — they query multiple carriers simultaneously and display all available scan events.
Useful Tracking Approach
- Start with the carrier that sent the shipping confirmation
- Once your package enters the destination country, check the local postal service's website (e.g., Royal Mail in the UK, USPS in the USA)
- If tracking has stalled, wait 48–72 hours — international scan events are not always real-time
Step 4: Understand Common Tracking Statuses
| Status | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Label Created | The seller has printed a label but may not have handed the parcel to the carrier yet |
| In Transit | Your package is moving through the carrier's network |
| Arrived at Customs | The package has reached the destination country's customs facility |
| Customs Clearance in Progress | Customs officers are reviewing the shipment's documentation or contents |
| Released by Customs | Customs has approved the shipment and released it for delivery |
| Out for Delivery | The package is on a delivery vehicle and should arrive today |
| Delivered | The package has been delivered to the destination address |
Step 5: What to Do If Tracking Stops Updating
It's common for tracking to go silent for several days, especially when a package is in transit between countries. However, if tracking hasn't updated for more than 10 business days, consider these steps:
- Contact the sender or seller first — they often have access to additional carrier information
- Check both the origin carrier's and destination postal service's tracking systems
- Contact the carrier directly with your tracking number and shipment details
- If the shipment appears stuck in customs, you may need to provide additional documentation
Final Tips for Smooth Tracking
Save your tracking number and shipping confirmation email until after the package is delivered and you've confirmed it's in good condition. Enable SMS or email notifications through the carrier's website so you get real-time alerts without having to check manually.